Canon City Xeriscape Demo Final Report

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. RECOMMENDATIONS The problems that were encountered during the design, bidding and construction ofthe xeriscape project were minimal, We encountered two problems during the initial grow-in period: 1. The competition from weeds in the native grass areas has presented a challenge to the appearance of the project. 2. One grass variety, Ephriams crested wheatgrass, has a clumpy development pattern, and appears to be suffering from ground compaction or soil fertility problems. Soils preparation - We thought that we had prepared the soil sufficiently to accommodate the various types of grasses. We discovered that we had not thought about the reaction to the soil conditions by the various types of grass planted. Native grasses and traditional grasses do not tolerate compacted gravel based soils. Care must be taken to remove all construction gravel from the site. Also, drainage is critical. We discovered that if you have a layer of compacted gravel several inches below the amended soils, it produces the same results of saturation when repeated moisture is applied to the area. . Weed control - We discovered that weed control is important to the success of establishing native grasses. The use of standard 2-4, D broadleafherbicides on native grass can cause damage to the native grasses. Herbicides designed for use on native grasses are necessary such as Trimec for Bentgrass. Also, the time of the year and temperature are critical factors to weed control in native grasses. The variety of weeds and density of weed cover has been a concern. We would recommend that native and traditional grass not be planted until annual weeds have been allowed to germinate and at least one application of Round-Up Pro has been applied to knock down their population density. Native seed planting and cultivation - We recommend that an experienced hydro seed company be hired to make seed applications. Do not assume that all landscapers understand what is required to seed and cultivate native grasses. We also have discovered that it will take two or three years of good turf management practice to produce strong healthy stands of the various types of native grass. Our experience has shown that you may have to reseed or spot seed areas to cover all areas, Native seed, by virtue of its tendency to form clumps, takes longer to establish and fill-in bare areas. Soil testing - We recommend that before you plant any type of grass, that a soils test be conducted. We believe that the problem we have encountered with Ephriams crested wheatgrass is related to soil conditions. As of the date of this report, soils tests are in progress to determine the cause ofthe redlbrown appearance ofEphriams crested wheatgrass seedlings and the stunted growth pattern. EXPENDITURES See the attached construction report which will provide you with a breakdown of all expenditures . 4