June 18, 2020
Why switch to a drought resistant landscape?
We asked Mike Engle, Cunningham's Landscape Architecture department manager, why property owners should consider a drought resistant approach to renovating landscape areas or planning new developments.
Q: Hi Mike, can you tell us a little bit about why the Kaiser landscape renovations (see case study below) are so important?
Mike: Kaiser provides for the health of their patients and community. One aspect of providing for their patients is a comfortable and calming campus environment. The exterior landscape is the first impression for their guests and visitors and Kaiser realizes the importance of a well-designed landscape. Coupled with the importance of aesthetics is the balance of controlling the costs. With a renovation of the landscape and an overhaul to a more efficient irrigation system they save on their monthly costs and ultimately pass this along in more affordable health care options.
How drastic were the water savings after the renovations took place?
The renovated landscape and modifications to the existing irrigation system accounted for over a 50% reduction in outdoor water use for the various campuses.
Do you see this type of renovation being of value to other companies and developers?
Definitely, landscape design and irrigation technology has changed dramatically over the last 10 years as the State of California Department of Water Resources updated the Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance. Upgrading your current irrigation system in combination with renovating the landscape to a more drought tolerant palette can provide significant costs savings to the property owner. The costs savings not only come from the reduction in water use, but also from the elimination of routine maintenance costs associated with lawns (i.e. no labor cost for mowing and reduction in fertilizer costs). In addition to the cost savings on monthly water and maintenance the property will get an enhanced aesthetic that will re define the project for visitors, guests or tenants. It truly is a win-win.
What would you say to a developer who hasn't given much thought to the importance of landscape to a new development? Why should they call you?
The landscape design, installation and long-term maintenance are vital to a successful project. Cunningham has over 40 years of combined Landscape Architecture design experience, we can oversee the installation of our projects and we can provide maintenance plans to ensure a thriving timeless landscape.
Case Study: Landscape Renovations for Water Savings
Kaiser Permanente, one of Northern California’s largest healthcare providers, recently completed a voluntary assessment of landscape water use at a number of their Northern California campuses. When they concluded that consumption was higher than they would like they called in the Cunningham Engineering landscape team to develop a plan to reduce their water use. The water conservation efforts focused on removing turf-heavy landscape areas and replacing them with drought-tolerant plant materials and decorative hardscapes. Cunningham’s conceptual designs included plan concepts, plant material imagery, and before and after water use estimates to help decision makers understand the potential water savings.