(A) Water-conserving landscaping is a development concept that encourages residents to adopt low- water-using landscaping principles and methods for use around the home. The same concepts can be applied to other landscaped areas as well, including parks and other public places.
(B) A popular method of reducing water use for landscape irrigation is to encourage residents to use the following techniques for landscaping. The following are generally accepted principles when planning a water efficient yard:
(1) Planning and design. During this step an appropriate plan is developed considering such variables as climate, existing vegetation, intended use of the space, and topographic features;
(2) Soil analysis. Examine the soil types covering the whole site;
(3) Appropriate plant selection. Plants should be selected which are native to the area or are adaptive to the site;
(4) Practical turf areas. Plan where turf areas should be located and consider increasing the area of decks, porous paving, paths, and mulched planting beds to reduce turf;
(5) Efficient irrigation. Landscaped areas should only be watered as needed and then usually during the early morning or late evening to avoid water lost due to evaporation, keeping in mind some plant species may experience mold and/or fungus growth if watered at night;
(6) Use of mulches. A three- to four-inch layer of mulch should cover all exposed soil areas and be replenished twice a year; and
(7) Appropriate maintenance. Keep the yard well maintained to reduce the use of fertilizer, chemicals, and water.
(Ord. 15-1141, passed 4-16-2015
; Ord. 20-1251, passed 8-20-2020)