(A) Shrubs, vines and ground cover. Shrubs, vines and ground cover planted pursuant to this chapter should be good, healthy nursery stock normally grown for or found growing in the Travis County area. Plant materials which are native or naturalized and have low water requirements are highly recommended. Shrubs must be, at a minimum, a one gallon container size.
(B) Plant quality standards. Plants installed pursuant to this chapter shall conform to or exceed the minimum standard as provided in the most current edition of American Standards for Nursery Stock (ASNS) recommended for general use and adoption by the American Association of Nurserymen. Another accepted standard may be used if it equals or exceeds the quality of the ASNS.
(C) Plant ball sizes. Ball sizes on all transplanted plant materials shall conform to or exceed the minimum standards as noted in the most current edition of ASNS.
(D) Turf grass. Traditional grass areas are not required in Sunset Valley. The city invites innovative and environmentally appropriate alternatives to turf grass monocultures. Such areas may be established in native diverse species which have low water requirements. Grass areas using grass not listed on the Sunset Valley Recommended Plant List are not credited as landscaped area. In shaded turf areas (areas that receive less than six hours of sunlight per day), a shade-tolerant, low water use grass may be used. Areas may be sodded, plugged, sprigged or seeded except that solid sod shall be used in swales or other areas subject to erosion.
(E) Synthetic lawns or plants. Synthetic or artificial lawns or plants shall not be used in lieu of plant requirements in this chapter. These products do not provide ecological services and may increase the heat island effect.
(F) Architectural planters. The use of architectural planters shall not be permitted in fulfillment of landscape requirements, but may be used in addition to landscaping requirements.
(G) Drainage. Drainage ways shall be designed and maintained so as to maximize the use of native vegetation on the bottoms and sides.
(H) Species. No more than 35% of the trees or shrubs shall be from the same species within a specified genus. No more than 25% of planted trees, shrubs and groundcover shall be from the same genus.
(I) Weed control fabric. All weed control fabric must be pervious and allow water to flow freely into the ground.