| Begin the implementation of a phased plan for the installation of perimeter hardscape and low-maintenance landscaping in medians on arterial roadways.1. Community Reputation & Image |
Analysis | |
The goal of implementing hardscape and/or low-maintenance landscaping in medians is to significantly reduce the labor hours needed to maintain medians, while offering a less hazardous work site for staff and enhancing the appearance of the city. With an eye on increasing labor efficiency while maintaining quality, landscape designs requiring lower maintenance were created and “prototype” beds planted. Four designs, or Tiers, of differing complexity were created, allowing the city to select which design to plant based on location.
Tier 1: (Rollingbrook and Garth Intersection)
This design is more modern in look. Staff installed a safety buffer of Black Star gravel around the perimeter of the planted area with galvanized edging installed to separate the gravel area from the planted area. The planted area consists of Asian Jasmine groundcover, Little Bunny ornamental grass, and Dwarf Purple Fountain grass placed in alternating sections to create a pattern. Muskogee Crape Myrtles, which have purplish colored blooms, were placed in a centerline through the planted area.
Tier 2: (Blue Heron Parkway at the second entrance to Crockett Elementary)
Staff installed a safety buffer of decomposed granite around the perimeter of the planted area with galvanized edging installed to separate the gravel area from the planted area. The planted area consists of Asian Jasmine groundcover and Little Bunny ornamental grass placed in alternating sections to create a pattern. Muskogee Crape Myrtles, which have purplish colored blooms, were placed in a centerline through the planted area.
Tier 3: (Decker Drive near Goose Creek Natural Area)
Staff installed a safety buffer of decomposed granite around the perimeter of the planted area with galvanized edging installed to separate the gravel area from the planted area. The planted area consists of Asian Jasmine groundcover. Muskogee Crape Myrtles, which have purplish colored blooms, were planted in a centerline through the planted area.
Tier 4: (Baker and Garth Intersection)
This design is the lowest maintenance of all, consisting of turf and trees. Muskogee Crape Myrtles were planted in a centerline from the point of the median and Bermuda turf was installed around the trees and to the curbs.
In all the newly planted areas, the plants selected are known to be hardy, good growers, and suited for our area. In addition, landscape irrigation was installed to aid in plant acclimation and to be used in conjunction with rainfall on an as-needed basis. Shredded hardwood mulch was applied to the planted areas to assist with moisture retention, weed suppression, plant stability, and aesthetics. The plant spacing will also aid in weed suppression as it will grow together and cover the soil quicker. A non-selective herbicide can be used to spot spray weeds in open areas and a selective herbicide that is safe for the plants in these designs can be used as needed later on.
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