Difference between revisions of "Absorbent landscapes"

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Get excited! This page is going to contain content prepared by [[User:Dean_Young| Dean Young]]!
Landscape alternatives capture rainfall in leafy green foliage, with the intention of increasing [[infiltration]], filtration, and [[evapotranspiration]] of rainfall and runoff. Well-designed landscape alternatives require little maintenance and less irrigation after establishment than [[turf]].


''Soil amendment guidelines (from 2010 guide section 3 - placed here by Jen)
Landscape alternatives allow homeowners to customize their property’s landscape to their liking. A guiding principle when designing landscape alternatives is “the right plant for the right place”. Using both native and non-native plants is acceptable as long as the non-native plants are not invasive and do not require frequent watering. Various landscape alternatives are available, including:
{{textbox|1=Soil amendment sizing criteria:
 
impervious area / soil area = 1
==Xeriscaping==
*use 100 mm compost, till to 300 - 450 mm depth
Xeriscaping refers to landscaping, plantings and gardening practices that reduce or eliminate the need for watering by selecting plants based on their ability to survive with little water. Synonymous with water conservation, xeriscaping was originally promoted in areas with perennial water shortages. Additional benefits include reducing water bills, lowering maintenance requirements, and better plant survival rates and aesthetics during drought periods. Xeriscaping can be used on a lot-by-lot basis or in combination with larger residential LID programs. The Region of Peel’s [http://www.peelregion.ca/watersmartpeel/residents/fusion-landscaping/index.htm Fusion Landscaping® program] is an example of this.
impervious area / soil area = 2
 
*use 200 mm compost, till to 300 - 450 mm depth
==Tree Clusters==
impervious area / soil area = 3
[[Trees| Tree]] clusters are another residential landscape alternative. Tree clusters improve water quality, generate organic soils, absorb greenhouse gases, and provide shade for homes. Tree clusters require larger lot sizes, preferably with no overhead wires. They can be planted as standalone features or as part of a larger residential LID landscape.
*use 300 mm compost, till to 450 - 600 mm depth
 
Compost should consist of well-aged (at least one year) leaf compost. Amended soil should have an organic content of 8-15% by weight or 30-40% by volume.
==Topsoil==
Source: Soils for Salmon, 2005}}
STEP have a guide to amending and improving topsoil to improve the water retention capacity and promote healthy vegetation. I can be found [https://sustainabletechnologies.ca/home/healthy-soils/construction-specifications-for-implementing-compost-amended-planting-soil-in-ontario/ here] on our main website.


==Tool and other info==
{{Clickable button|[http://www.sustainabletechnologies.ca/wp/home/healthy-soils/preserving-and-restoring-healthy-soil-best-practices-for-urban-construction/ Topsoil and Soil Amendment Calculator Spreadsheet Tool, V 2.0]}}
{{Clickable button|[http://www.sustainabletechnologies.ca/wp/home/healthy-soils/preserving-and-restoring-healthy-soil-best-practices-for-urban-construction/ Topsoil and Soil Amendment Calculator Spreadsheet Tool, V 2.0]}}


==Materials==
===Materials===
*[[Topsoil]]
*[[Topsoil]]
*[[Sand]]
*[[Sand]]
*[[Compost]]
*[[Compost]]
*[[Organic matter]]


==See also==
==See also==
*[[Better site design]]
*[[Grading]]
*[[Downspout disconnection]]
*[[Downspout disconnection]]
*[[vegetated filter strips]]
*[[Vegetated filter strips]]
*[[Enhanced swales]]


[[category: infiltration]]
[[category: Infiltration]]
[[Category: Residential]]

Latest revision as of 16:49, 25 August 2021

Landscape alternatives capture rainfall in leafy green foliage, with the intention of increasing infiltration, filtration, and evapotranspiration of rainfall and runoff. Well-designed landscape alternatives require little maintenance and less irrigation after establishment than turf.

Landscape alternatives allow homeowners to customize their property’s landscape to their liking. A guiding principle when designing landscape alternatives is “the right plant for the right place”. Using both native and non-native plants is acceptable as long as the non-native plants are not invasive and do not require frequent watering. Various landscape alternatives are available, including:

Xeriscaping[edit]

Xeriscaping refers to landscaping, plantings and gardening practices that reduce or eliminate the need for watering by selecting plants based on their ability to survive with little water. Synonymous with water conservation, xeriscaping was originally promoted in areas with perennial water shortages. Additional benefits include reducing water bills, lowering maintenance requirements, and better plant survival rates and aesthetics during drought periods. Xeriscaping can be used on a lot-by-lot basis or in combination with larger residential LID programs. The Region of Peel’s Fusion Landscaping® program is an example of this.

Tree Clusters[edit]

Tree clusters are another residential landscape alternative. Tree clusters improve water quality, generate organic soils, absorb greenhouse gases, and provide shade for homes. Tree clusters require larger lot sizes, preferably with no overhead wires. They can be planted as standalone features or as part of a larger residential LID landscape.

Topsoil[edit]

STEP have a guide to amending and improving topsoil to improve the water retention capacity and promote healthy vegetation. I can be found here on our main website.

Topsoil and Soil Amendment Calculator Spreadsheet Tool, V 2.0

Materials[edit]

See also[edit]