Mr. Brickman

Architecture & Design

Sustainable Gardens: How to Cope with Drought

By Scott B. Brickman, CEO, Brickman

In a business where appearance truly matters, hotel landscapes are expected to look good year 'round - no matter what. But in many cities across the U.S., frequent droughts and stringent water restrictions can present a real challenge when it comes to keeping landscapes healthy and beautiful. And as the environment continues to change and the effects of global warming are felt on an even larger scale, the issue will only become more important over time. The good news is that, with the help of a qualified landscape contractor, there are ways to keep your hotel landscape green, even during the driest months. Consider the following advice as you work with a trusted professional to develop a drought-tolerant landscape plan that's right for your hotel property.

Water wisely

Proper irrigation may be the single most important factor when it comes to combating the effects of drought. There is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all irrigation system, and in areas with limited water supplies, it is more important than ever to have a system that is tailored to your property's specific needs. And because watering is often done underground or during off-peak hours, many problems with irrigation systems go undetected for long periods of time, which can result in significant water waste. To ensure that your hotel property makes the most of this precious natural resource, it is important to schedule an irrigation audit to see if your existing system is in need of repairs or equipment upgrades. Improved irrigation will help stretch limited water supplies and reduce the risk of plant loss, and it can also generate real savings. According to irrigation.org, an efficient irrigation system can reduce water costs by up to 40%, and there are even special tax credits available for some systems.

An irrigation audit will identify any current problems, such as water that sprays onto sidewalks, faulty nozzle heads, inefficient nozzle-head size or incorrect nozzle-head placement. Certain landscape enhancements can be made to increase water-use control, such as the addition of rain-click systems, which turn off automatically during rain showers; or drip irrigation systems, which use highly efficient "drippers" to apply water directly to the plant's roots in order to maximize the moisture level of the soil. Your landscape contractor can also help you determine whether hydrozoning is a good option for your hotel property. Hydrozoning describes the grouping together of plants that have similar water needs, and because watering requirements differ greatly among plant varieties, it can be an effective way to reduce water expenditure. Because hydrozoning keeps plants properly hydrated, it can also tamp down replacement costs and improve the overall health and appearance of your hotel landscape.

Once initial recommendations and repairs have been reviewed, you should work with your landscape contractor to develop a routine for irrigation evaluation and upkeep-from installation and maintenance, to troubleshooting and on-site repairs. This schedule will most likely include a monthly "wet check", which will help identify broken heads and eliminate water use in any non-essential areas, as well as several formal inspections to be performed throughout the year.

Test Your Soil

In addition to reviewing the efficiency of your irrigation system, periodic soil testing to monitor the health of your turf and beds is another vital exercise in water conservation. Regular testing enables your landscape contractor to recommend appropriate soil amendments, which can enhance long-term soil quality, stabilize soil pH and enrich soil with essential nutrients. Improving the soil's physical structure will keep your plants healthy and vibrant, and it will also increase drought resistance, water utilization and water dispersion.

Be Selective

Plant selection is a major issue when it comes to landscaping in drought-prone regions. For instance, most annuals require plentiful hydration to survive, which means that hotel properties in hard-hit areas are well-advised to avoid planting large annual beds. This doesn't mean that flowers must be eliminated from the landscape altogether, but it is important to distribute them in smaller proportions, concentrating on areas that are likely to have the greatest visual impact, and using only varieties with a relatively high tolerance for dry conditions. When it comes to choosing a drought-resistant color palette that will meet your hotel property's needs, your landscape contractor will be an excellent resource.

Go Native

Another way to ensure that your hotel landscape is using only the most water-efficient plants is by switching to "native" landscaping. Native or "natural" landscaping, as some call it, has been gaining popularity in recent years, particularly in areas where water supplies are limited. Because they are naturally adapted to the soil, climate, and hydrology of their local areas, indigenous plants require minimal care and assistance to thrive. In addition to taking full advantage of natural rainfall, native plants can also reduce fertilizer and pesticide needs, minimize the occurrence of erosion, and provide a natural habitat for local flora and fauna. Furthermore, native landscaping can add seasonal interest and local flavor to your landscape. Consult your landscape contractor to determine which native varieties are right for your hotel property.

Make Time for Mulch

Regardless of which plant varieties you choose for your beds, mulching is a must in drought-prone areas. When applied properly, mulching curbs water loss by preventing evaporation from the soil, and it also enhances water absorption. Beyond conserving water, mulching can also inhibit weed growth, moderate soil temperatures during hot summer months, and give your beds an attractive, uniform aesthetic. Mulch depth should generally remain between two and four inches, depending upon the texture and density of the mulch. There are a wide variety of mulch materials available, so seek guidance from your landscape contractor when it comes to determining the most appropriate choice for your beds.

Trim Down on Turf

Because its shallow root system prevents efficient irrigation and rain-water absorption, hotel properties located in drought-prone regions should consider reducing the size of large turf areas. In fact, turf can require as much as three times the water as a native landscape (eartheasy.com). As an attractive compromise, consider expanding native landscape areas as a way to cut back on water use. For remaining turf areas, ask your landscape contractor about switching to low-growing native grass blends, which often require less water and maintenance than ornamental grasses. Also, be cautious not to over hydrate your turf, and make sure that watering is only done during the coolest hours of the day in order to reduce evaporation.

When it comes to keeping your hotel landscape looking great, proper planning is your best defense against the damaging effects of a drought. Therefore, when water lines threaten to close, focus on opening the lines of communication between you and your landscape contractor to ensure that all your property needs will be met. Being clear about your goals and objectives will help your landscape contractor develop a water-efficient landscape plan that is right for your hotel property.

Scott Brickman is CEO of Brickman, the largest commercial landscape maintenance firm in the U.S. Brickman provides landscape maintenance and snow removal services to a wide variety of hospitality and hotel clients across the country. Mr. Brickman joined the Company in 1986 and in 1998 became a Director of the Company and was appointed Chief Executive Officer. His tenure with the company includes serving as a project director and a regional manager, and prior to 1998 he had responsibility for the Company's Northeast, Mid-Atlantic and Southeast operations. Mr. Brickman can be contacted at 301-987-9200 or scottb@brickmangroup.com Extended Bio...

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