We renovated thier existing landscape and irrigation system. The drought tolerant landscape consists of gravel mulch, new low water use shrubs and trees, and a new Weather Based Smart Irrigation Controller.

“When Forest Hill created the design for our landscaping, I was amazed at the professional presentation but even more by the variety of plants and the creativity in the design. Now that the plan has been implemented, it is even better than I had expected! I didn’t realize how often I would use the pathway  to walk among the plants to see how each one has grown and developed. The topography changes in the back, the boulder placement everywhere and the variety of base treatment works with the plants to make the yard so much more interesting and beautiful.

I have to also mention the job itself. On time and on budget! The group of guys working on the job were so friendly and nice. Everyone worked hard but always had time to smile and say Hi. The whole experience was positive. All that and water savings too! Makes me wish I had another yard to do!

If anyone has specific questions, I’m available!

Thanks for everything Forest!!”

Nancy Adams, Sherman Oaks CA

Front Yard, Before

Back Yard, Before

Below are pictures of the front and backyard after we  landscaped it. We used all drought tolerant plant varieties, mulch, decomposed granite, and a few accent boulders. We also transplanted her bird of paradise trees from the front yard into the back yard….

Front Yard After

Front Yard After

Back Yard After

Back Yard After

Pozzolan is a 26 million year old volcanic ash from the Lassen Volcano in Northern California and Nevada.  When applied to grass, Pozzolan provides more oxygen to the root zone, and will retain a very high amount of plant available water. This is because Pozzolan forces open and maintains air and water passageways which allows the soil to absorb and hold water more efficiently. This will also result in reduced frequency of watering. Pozzolan promotes deeper roots and reduces water use by 30%

It is applied by a process called “Drill and Fill”, which is a large machine that drills the Pozzolan 8” deep into the turf.

 The Pozzolan Drill and Fill treatment was conducted for the city of Palmdale at the Messari Soccer Park located on 55th Street on September 21st 2010. The Pozzolan treatment was also conducted at the Foglesong Park Base Ball Field located on Avenue H in Barstow on September 22nd 2010. The parks were both about 40,000 square feet and each required 4 of the Drill and Fill Machines. Each park took about 8 hours to complete.

Swan will be monitoring the results of the Pozzolan treatment for 90 days to make sure there is a reduction in both of the Parks water use.

Wood Mulch: a variety of colors and textures

Need a quick and easy way to enhance the beauty of your landscape and save water? A well selected mulch or top dressing will enhance your outdoor landscape in many ways:

• Reduce irrigation by 20% or more
• Completely eliminate irrigation in targeted areas
• Enhance appearance, even under hardy conditions
• Moderate soil and environment temperates
• Prevent destructive and wasteful runoff
• Reduce weeds, and simplify maintenance

Swan’s interest in mulch is for the purpose of replacing high water use ground cover around trees and shrubs, with mulches, thus eliminating the need for expensive irrigation. Mulches conserve soil moisture by blocking in water to prevent evaporation. They also moderate soil temperatures, prevent weed growth, and prevent water run-off from over watering. Using mulch can add up to 20% in water savings.

Wood Products
These natural products originate from American forests, and are a recycled by product of the lumber industry. Made from the tree bark, they will last anywhere between 2 to 3 years with only minimal maintenance.

Rock Products
Rock dressings will last forever, are low maintenance, though they are more expensive then other mulches. As the temperature rises, so does the rock temperature, making them ideal for cooler climates and areas not located in full sun. The heat retained by the rocks can actually extend the growing season of your plants during cool seasons.

Decomposed Granite
A natural product, soft under foot, decomposed granite is often used in drought tolerant landscapes as a substitute for ground cover. Another excellent application is for pathways where compaction and liquid stabilizer is used to prevent shifting.

Rubber
Rubber mulch is derived from recycled tires. This material is very long lived, can be painted different colors, and is an excellent retainer of moisture in the soil. Because rubber decomposes very slowly, it is not considered an eco-aware choice.

Swan Drought Tolerant Technologies is a part of Landscape Design, Inc. a California Corporation. Ca contractor’s lic #486431. For more information, visit our contact page.