Agenda - 11-05-2015 - 5-d - Zoning Atlas Amendment Conditional Zoning – Master Plan Development Conditional Zoning District (MPD-CZ) Harts Mill - Closure of PH and Action (No Additional Comments Accepted)

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49 Drip systems, soaker hoses, and subsurface systems have a low profile in the landscape, so vandalism is almost completely eliminated. These systems use much less water than conventional irrigation systems and create lush, green Xeriscape landscapes and gardens. IMull hiing As much as 75 percent of the rainfall landing on bare ground is lost due to evaporation and runoff. This loss can be enormously reduced when the proper mulch is utilized. Mulch helps to insure plant survival and is an important component of Xeriscapes. The best mulches are usually fine-textured and non-matting organic materials. An organic mulch should decompose slowly, be free of weed seed, and should not be easily washed away by rainfall. Woody landscape plants need an application of three to five inches of a good mulch. This should be applied under the plant and at least out to the drip line. Organic mulches have many benefits in the landscape because they: 1) increase water-holding capacity of the soil 2) reduce the amount of water lost by runoff 3) moderate extreme soil temperature fluctuations 4) reduce weed competition 5) reduce the incidence of soil-nelated diseases 6) prevent soil erosion 7) reduce soil compaction, improve soil structure, and add nutrients and humus to the soil 8) create an aesthetically pleasing design feature 9) prevent mechanical damage to trees and shrubs caused by mowers and weedeaters 10) prevent splash-back and staining of house foundations and siding Mulching increases the water-holding capacity of the soil. Soil moisture can be increased 5 to 25 percent or more above that of a non-mulched area. The amount of water lost by runoff can be reduced significantly. Fine-textured mulches conserve water by allowing water to percolate down into the soil instead of being lost to runoff. One of the important qualities of mulching is that it moderates extreme soil temperature fluctuations. The temperature of the soil surface and that of the soil directly beneath the mulch are partially controlled. Summer heat is dissipated by the mulch and the soil is insulated from the winter cold. Therefore, plant roots are kept cooler in the summer and warmer in the wiiinter. When plant roots are not stressed, they use less water.