Cagwin & Dorward Landscape Contractors

Bay Friendly Landscaping - Case Study

In collaboration with Bay Friendly Landscaping, Cagwin & Dorward has completed it's first Bay Friendly turf renovation project for a Townhome HOA in Alameda, CA.

This process included:

Improving irrigation efficiency by replacing existing rotors with MP Rotators. This matched precipitation rates with the soil infiltration rate and increased distribution uniformity throughout the zone. The original rotor's uneven spacing and high trajectory, contributed to excessive water waste in the windy location.
Installing a decomposed granite (dg) path in an area of high public traffic. Because DG is a permeable material it minimizes runoff to storm drains. Epic composite header boards (a composite material made of 100% recycled plastic bottles and wood pulp) was used to contain the path.
Using a process known as "sheet mulching", three layers of cardboard were layed directly over the existing turf. The cardboard acts as a pre-emergent, eliminating the need for post emergent herbicides. The turf decomposes, providing nutrients for the plants and soil. By leaving the turf in place, no sod cutting was required and no debris was hauled to the landfill.
Installing three inches of certified, screened organic compost and three inches of certified, organic wood chips directly on top of the cardboard.
Selecting a plant palette that could tolerate the windy marine environment. A variety of low maintenance, drought tolerant shrubs, perennials and groundcovers were selected to increase bio-diversity.

Through the combination of turf replacement and irrigation improvement, initial water estimates project a 25 - 50% reduction in consumption.

While initial plantings are still taking hold, Cagwin & Dorward is encouraged with the results. Members of the HOA have been involved and chosen to display educational Bay Friendly signs throughout the area to explain the many benefits of turf replacement.

Along with Cagwin & Dorward, this is the first homeowners association project of this kind for Bay Friendly Landscaping. They plan to release a formal case study, documenting our results in June, 2008.

Bay Friendly Project Team:
Deb Lane, Chris Lawrence, Javier Murillo & Liz Pawek Shaw

Green Office Team

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