CHAPTER 4 - LANDSCAPE DESIGN GUIDELINES

4 - LANDSCAPE DESIGN GUIDELINES

4.1 Landscaping

Landscaping plays an important role in marrying a structure to its surroundings; therefore, the ARB has provided a list of preferred plant species and specific requirements:

• Native plant species are required on any exposed side of the structure, at the entry driveway where it meets the main road, and surrounding the entry monument. Landscaping at the entry drive should blend with the type of plants and diversity of speicies existing in adjacent undisturbed native landscapes.

• Non-native flowering shrubs and bushes are encouraged to be confined to courtyards or patios.

• Any trees planted that are not native to Gillespie County may not reach a height taller than the native species.

The ARB reserves the right to disapprove any plantings they feel are incompatible with the Boot Ranch landscape. Also, it is important to take into consideration the cost of water usage when designing turf, landscape beds, limits of disturbance, and erosion control measures. The natural landscape beauty is a key element for Boot Ranch.

At the Preliminary Design Review, an Owner is required to submit a hand drawn sketch of the overall proposed landscape design (at a scale of 1”=20’-0”) that details the major areas of work such as landscape beds, stone walkways, patios, fences, location of new trees, turf, and existing trees to be removed. Detailed plant descriptions, including common and scientific names, container size/caliper, plant legend, final grades and drainage information should be included in the Final Design Review.

The ARB needs to review several items throughout the landscape installation process. Refer to Appendix B.5 for additional information.

4.2 Landscape Palette

A variety of plant materials can survive in this region with success. Consultations with a local Landscape Architect that specializes in xeriscape and native plant materials will expand this list. In addition to this list, other plants meeting xeriscape definitions with Hill Country character may be substituted for review by the ARB. Boot Ranch encourages Owners to plant a variety of tree species as there are issues with specific types of oak trees in the region containing oak wilt.

The following list will not preclude other alternate plant materials that may achieve a similar objective. Alternate plant materials may be approved by the ARB after review for compatibility with the landscape concept. Plants denoted with an “*” are known to be deer resistant; however, no plants are guaranteed to be deer-proof due to drought, varying site locations and other unpredictable variables. Plants denoted with a “+” are considered most tolerant and recommended per the Native Plant Society of Texas (NPSOT).

Acer grandidentatum Carya illinoinensis Fraxinus texensis Juglans microcarpa Juniperus virginiana Platanus mexicana Populus deltoides Prunus caroliniana Prunus serotina Quercus glaucoides Quercus macrocarpa Quercus muhlenbergii Quercus polymorpha Quercus texana Quercus virginia Sabal texana Taxodium distichum Ulmus crassifolia

Bauhinia congesta Cassia corymbosa Cercis canadensis Chilopsis linearis Cornus drummondii Cotinus obovatus Diospyros texana Ilex vomitoria Ilex decidua Lagerstroemia indica Leucaena retusa Myrica cerifera Pistacia texensis Prosopis glandulosa Prunus mexicana

Shade Trees

Big Tooth Maple* Pecan + Pecan + Texas Ash* + Texas Black Walnut Eastern Red Cedar* Mexican Sycamore Cottonwood Cherry Laurel* Black Cherry Lacey Oak + Burr Oak + Chinquapin Oak + Monterrey Oak + Texas Red Oak + Live Oak* + Texas Palmetto + Bald Cypress* + Cedar Elm +

Ornamental Trees

Anacacho Orchid + Tree Senna Redbud* + Desert Willow + Rough Leaf Dogwood Smoke Tree* Texas Persimmon + Yaupon Holly* + Possumhaw Holly* + Crepe Myrtle + Golden Ball Lead Tree + Southern Wax Myrtle* Texas Pistache* Texas Mesquite Mexican Plum +

Rhamnus caroliniana Rhus lanceolata Sophora affinis Sophora secundiflora

Ungnadia speciosa Viburnum rufidulum Vitex agnus-castus

Aesculus pavia Agave americana Ageratina havenensis Amorpha texana Anisacanthus wrightii Berberis trifoliata Buddleja marrubiifolia Callicarpa americana Dalea frutescens Eysenhardtia texana Dasylirion wheeleri Forestiera pubescens Garrya lindheimeri Hesperaloe parviflora Ilex vomitoria ‘nana’ Lantana horrida Leucophyllurn frutescens Lindera benzoin Malvaviscus arboreus Myrica pusilla Nandina domestica Nolina lindheimeri Opuntia lindheimeri Pavonia lasiopetala Poliomentha longiflora Pyracantha coccinea

Ornamental Trees (Continued)

Carolina Buckthorn + Flameleaf Sumac* Eve’s Necklace Texas Mountain Laurel* +

(Susceptible to insect damage and root rot) Mexican Buckeye* + Rusty Blackhaw Viburnum* + Chaste Tree

Shrubs

Red Buckeye* +

Century Plant* +

White Mistflower +

Texas Indigo Bush

Flame Acanthus* +

Agarito* +

Wooly Butterfly Bush +

Beautyberry* +

Black Dalea

Texas Kidneywood

Sotol +

Elbow Bush

Silk Tassel

Red Yucca* +

Dwarf Yaupon Holly +

Texas Lantana* +

Cenizo +

Spicebush

Turks Cap +

Dwarf Wax Myrtle

Nandina*

Nolina +

Prickly Pear* +

Pavonia +

Mexican Oregano* +

Pyrancantha

Rhus aromatica Rhus virens Rosa Rosmarinus officinalis Salvia greggii Senna corymbosa Symphoricarpos orbiculatus Tecoma stans Teucrim fruticans Yucca elata Yucca pallida Yucca recurvifolia Yucca rupicola

Achillea millefolium Aquilegia Canadensis Aquilegia hinckleyana Arterrisia spp. Aster frikartii Callirhoe involucrata Calylophus drummondianus Calyptocarpus vialis Capsicum annuum Carex texensis Cassia lindheimeri Chrysactinia ‘mexicana’ Cyrtomium falcatum Dalea greggii Datura wrightii Echinacea purpurea Eupatorium greggii Gaillardia pulchella Hemerocallis fulva Hymenoxis scaposa Ipomopsis rubra

Shrubs (Continued)

Fragrant Sumac* + Evergreen Sumac* + “Earthkind” or Antique Rose varieties + Rosemary* + Autumn Sage* + Flowering Senna + Coralberry Yellow Bells Bush Germander Spanish Bayonet* Pale-leaf Yucca + Soft-leaf Yucca* + Twist Leaf Yucca*

Perennials and Groundcovers

Yarrow* Red Columbine + Texas Gold Columbine* Silver Mound Artemisia* Fall Aster + Winecup + Sundrops (Texas Primrose) + Horseherb* Chile Pequin + Sedges (Berkeley, Cedar, Meadow) + Lindheimer’s Senna Damianita* + Holly Leaf Fern* Gregg’s Dalea* + Datura Purple Coneflower + Gregg’s Blue Mist Flower + Indian Blanket* Daylily Four Nerve Daisy* + Standing Cypress

Iris spp. Lantana spp. Liatris pycnostachya Lonicera sempervirens Melampodium leucanthum Nolina texana Oenothera lindheimeri Orbexilum sp. Oxalisviolaoea Perovskia atriplicifolia Phlox drummondii

Perennials and Groundcovers (Continued)

Iris Trailing Lantana* Gayfeather Coral Honeysuckle + Blackfoot Daisy* + Beargrass* Lindheimer’s Gaura + Mountain Pea + Wood Sorrel* Russian Sage + Drummond’s Phlox

Phyla incisa Phyla nodiflora Plumbago auriculata Ranunculaceae aquilegia hinckleyana Rivina humilis Rosmarinus officinalis ‘prostratus’ Rudbeckia hirta Ruellia brittonia Katie’s Dwarf Salvia coccinea Salvia farinacea Salvia ‘Indigo Spires’ Salvia leucantha Salvia lyrata Salvia penstemonides Salvia roemeriana Santolina chamaecyparissus Santolina virensScutellaria wrightii Sedum acre Stachys coccinea Tagetes lemmonii Tagetes lucida Tecoma stans Teucrium chamaedrys Thelypteris kunthii Frog Fern Frogfruit + Plumbago + Yellow Columbine + Pigeonberry + Trailing Rosemary* + Black Eyed Susan* Katie’s Dwarf Ruellia Scarlet Sage* + Mealy Sage* Indigo Spires* + Mexican Bush Sage* + Lyre Leaf Sage* Big Red Sage* + Cedar Sage* + Gray Santolina + Green Santolina + Skullcap* + Sedum + Texas Betony + Copper Canyon Daisy* + Mexican Mint Marigold* + Esperanza + Germander + River Fern* +

Thymus vulgare Tradescantia spp. Verbena bipinnatifida Viguiera stenoloba Viola spp. Vinca major Vinca minor Wedelia hispida

Bouteloua curtipendula Buchloe dactyloides Chasmanthium latifolium Hilaria berlangeri Muhlenbergia dubia Muhlenbergia dumosa Muhlenbergia capillaris Muhlenbergia lindheimeri Muhlenbergia rigens Schizachyrium scoparium Stipa tenuissima

Perennials and Groundcovers (Continued)

Thyme* + Spiderwort Prairie Verbena* + Skeleton Leaf Goldeneye + Wood Violet* Bigleaf Periwinkle Vinca Orange Zexmenia* +

Prairie Grasses

Sideoats Grama* + Buffalo Grass* Inland Sea Oats* + Curly Mesquite* Pine Muhly* Bamboo Muhly* + Gulf Coast Muhly* + Big Muhly* + Deer Grass* Little Blue Stem* Mexican Feather Grass* +

Cynodon dactylon Buchloe dactyloides Zoysia spp.

Antigonon leptopus Bignonia capreolata Campsis radicans Gelsemium sempervirens Lonicera sempervirens Parthenocissus quinquefolia Passiflora spp. Wisteria texensis

Lawn Grasses

Bermuda Grass Buffalo Grass Zoysia Grass

Vines

Coral Vine

Crossvine* +

Trumpet Vine +

Carolina Jessamine

Coral Honeysuckle* +

Virginia Creeper +

Passion Flower +

Texas Wisteria*

Landscape designs can create a sense of space, add beauty and detail to areas, and even enhance the architecture. The following images are examples that portray these elements.

4.3 Landscape Water Conservation

It is important to consider the amount of water required for all areas of the landscape design including, but not limited to turf, shrubs and trees. The following details key elements that must be followed to minimize the use of water and support the effort of water conservation within Boot Ranch:

1. Turf

• To help water conservation efforts, the maximum amount of turf allowed is based on the conditioned living space of the home in square feet (SF):

Conditioned Living Space Maximum Turf Allowed 2,500 - 5,000 SF 5,001 - 7,500 SF 7,501 - 10,000 SF 10,001 - 15,000 SF

3,000 SF 3,500 SF 4,000 SF 4,500 SF

• All turf irrigation must be water saving; only MP rotary style heads will be approved; spray heads are prohibited.

• For all turf areas and landscape beds, it is required to import a minimum of 6” of enriched top soil. Provide test holes through the project that must be left open to show minimum depth of top soil placed. The ARB must approve prior to turf and landscape installation.

• Layout of all turf and landscape beds must be field approved by the ARB to guarantee the size matches the approved design plans. ARB must also inspect and approve all irrigation lines prior to burying.

• Artificial turf is strongly encouraged, and key items to consider include color, maintenance, warranty, pet friendly, and/or kid friendly. A sample must be provided to the ARB and approved prior to installation.

2. Landscape Beds

• All landscape beds and trees must be irrigated with individual emitters on a drip irrigation system.

• Landscape beds are required around the entry monument and on the other side of the driveway.

• All field boxes and risers, including at the street, require landscape screening. Refer to

Chapter 4.6 for additional information.

• All trees must be a minimum of 30-gallon in size.

3. Rainwater Collection

• Cisterns are a common type of rainwater collection and if used, must be incorporated into the architectural and landscape design. It is required that the design and materials reflect the architecture and minimize exposure of downspouts and piping due to aesthetics. A few key items to consider are location, underground versus above ground, size, structural support, manual versus automatic, views, and schedule.

• All types of rainwater collectors and systems must be included in the Preliminary Design

Review submittal. The ARB may request additional information if needed.

4. All disturbed areas must be reseeded or hydro mulched and covered with green erosion blankets with temporary irrigation across all disturbed areas after construction.

5. An irrigation sub-meter is required. Irrigation system must have a rain sensor.

4.4 Fencing

Fences are considered an extension of the architecture of the residence and a transition of the architectural mass to the natural forms of the lots. All fence designs should be compatible with the total surrounding environment. Fences should be considered as design elements to enclose and define courtyards, pools, child play areas, pets, and other private spaces.

All fences will be closely scrutinized for their appropriateness to the site. As in other areas of the design, only natural materials are allowed, with the exception of wrought iron, which can be used pending ARB approval of the design. Any other fencing material would need approval from ARB and will be reviewed on a caseby-case basis. Materials used to enclose a courtyard in the front yard will have more flexibility as it should match the architectural materials and style. Fencing must be well maintained at all times.

Fencing is permitted in the rear yard only, can be a maximum of the width of the house, and shall encompass only key elements for use (pools, play areas, pets, etc). Fencing is not allowed in setbacks and easements. Perimeter fencing of a Lot is prohibited. All fencing must be shown on a landscape plan that includes location, dimensions, materials, and color, as well as the footprint of the house, topography (existing and proposed), property line, setbacks, landscape, and easements.

The standard is a 48” tall split 3 rail fence with 2x4 mesh attached to the back side. Post size must be 3”x6”x7’ with 10’ spacing between posts. For the contemporary style architecture, wrought iron will be considered. The gate(s) must match the fence with material, color and height. Landscape and temporary irrigation must be incorporated along both sides of the fence to minimize the visual impact.

Privacy walls of a maximum of six feet (6’) in height, constructed of stone consistent with the architectural style of the house, will generally be permitted if located within twenty feet (20’) of the rear of the house and within the building envelope for the Lot. The ARB, in its sole discretion, may approve or disapprove any privacy wall on any particular Lot for any reason.

Stone walls with gates must fully screen all electric and gas meters, air conditioning condensing units and any other appurtenances including trash receptacle storage areas.

The location, material, size, and design of all fences and walls must be approved in writing by the ARB prior to installation. Location and materials of all proposed fencing should be shown on the Final Review. All wall heights shall be shown on the Grading and Drainage Plans.

4.5 Lawn Ornaments, Bric-a-Brac and Flags

All lawn ornaments, bric-a-brac, windmills, flags, and flagpoles constitute landscape improvements and therefore are subject to review and approval by the ARB. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, lawn ornaments and bric-a-brac must be incorporated with the style of architecture of the house. If, at the sole discretion of the ARB, such landscape elements are incompatible with the objectives of the Guidelines, they must be removed or relocated by the responsible Owner within ten (10) days from the date of written notification to the Owner. Items such as but not limited to water hoses, pool toys, lawn equipment, and bicycles must be stored and not visible from adjacent lots, golf course or other public areas. Windmills are limited to twenty-five feet (25’) in height.

An Owner is permitted to display the flag of the United States of America, the flag of the State of Texas, an official or replica flag of any branch of the United States Military, or one (1) flag with official insignia of a college or university (“Permitted Flag”) and permitted to install a flagpole no more than 5’ in length affixed to the front of a residence near the principal entry or affixed to the rear of a residence (“Permitted Flagpole”). Only two (2) permitted Flagpoles are allowed per residence. A Permitted Flag or Permitted

Flagpole need not be approved in advance by the ARB. Approval by the ARB is required prior to installing vertical freestanding flagpoles installed in the front or back yard area of any Lot (“Freestanding Flagpole”). Unless otherwise approved in advance and in writing by the ARB, Permitted Flags, Permitted Flagpoles and Freestanding Flagpoles, installed in accordance with the Flagpole Application, must comply with the following: (a) The display of a flag, or the location and construction of the flagpole must comply with Applicable Law; the flagpole must be placed within the building envelope and located outside or behind all required building and utility setbacks of record, outside of any easements, and within a landscape bed; (b) No more than one (1) Freestanding Flagpole OR no more than two (2) Permitted Flagpoles are permitted per Lot, on which only Permitted Flags may be displayed; (c) Any Permitted Flagpole must be no longer than 5’ in length and any Freestanding Flagpole must be no more than 25’ in height; (d) Any Permitted Flag displayed on any flagpole may not be more than 4’x6’; (e) The flag of the United States of America must be displayed in accordance with 4 U.S.C. Sections 5-10 and the flag of the State of Texas must be displayed in accordance with Chapter 3100 of the Texas Government Code; (f) Any flagpole must be constructed of permanent, long-lasting materials, with a finish appropriate to the materials used in the construction of the flagpole and harmonious with the dwelling; (g) A flag or a flagpole must be maintained in good condition; any deteriorated or damaged flag, or any deteriorated, damaged, or structurally unsafe flagpole, must be removed until it is fixed or replaced; (h) A single downlight or uplight can be used to illuminate the flag but must follow the requirements under Section 3.9 - Lighting and shall not be aimed towards or directly affect any neighboring property; (i) Any external halyard of a flagpole must be secured so as to reduce or eliminate noise from flapping against the metal of the flagpole; and (j) Stainless steel is the only material allowed for the flagpole, and the desired height, lighting, and location of the flagpole must be shown on a plan and approved by the ARB prior to installation. In the event of conflict between the terms and provisions of this section and Section 2.20 of the Development Area Declaration recorded under Document 20160759, Official Public Records of Gillespie County, Texas, the terms and provisions of this section shall control.

4.6 Landscape Screening

All above ground utilities and emergency power generators, not immediately adjacent to the home, must be screened on all sides with mature, evergreen plant material. The vegetation must be a minimum of 10-gallon plants when installed. If desired, walls or coyote fencing will be allowed but must be approved by the ARB prior to installation. Refer to Gillespie County’s minimum setbacks in order to maintain access.

Various styles of landscape screening throughout Boot Ranch

4.7 Tree Preservation

Live Oaks (Quercus virginiana) are a prominent tree throughout Boot Ranch. All Live Oaks and any other species of oak tree on site must be preserved unless approved by the ARB.

If a Live Oak is diseased, a certificate must be provided by an arborist to the ARB and approved by the ARB prior to removal.

All trees to be preserved, inside the limit of disturbance, must have a 48” tall green fence located at the dripline of the tree(s) throughout the entire construction process. If during construction, a tree(s) is damaged or dies whether it is located inside or outside the limit of disturbance, the tree(s) must be replaced with a similar size and variety. Any replacement tree(s) must be approved by the ARB prior to installation.

Removal of any Oak tree that has a single main stem or trunk of three inches or more in diameter at 4.5 feet above grade height or diameter at breast height (DBH) or up to three of the largest secondary stems totaling three inches or more DBH is prohibited unless:

• The tree is dead, dying or diseased

• The tree limits or restricts the development or improvement of a parcel

• The tree is a safety hazard

• The tree is unsuitable

The ARB may require the planting and maintenance of replacement trees, including replacing dead or diseased trees in accordance with the following:

• Replace each tree measuring between 3”-6” DBH with (1) 30-gallon tree.

• Replace each tree measuring between 6”-12” DBH with (2) 30-gallon trees.

• Replace each tree measuring over 12” DBH with (3) 30-gallon trees.

The ARB will take into consideration unusual circumstances such as the loss of large clusters of trees due to disease. The proposed location for all replacement trees shall be shown on Landscape Plans and approved by the ARB prior to installation. Replacement trees shall be selected from the list of shade trees in the ADG Section 4.2 Landscape Palette. Drip irrigation shall be provided for all replacement trees.

Oak Wilt is a serious problem throughout Boot Ranch. Refer to Attachment 8 in the Boot Ranch Policy Manual for more information on the disease symptoms, prevention, and treatment.

Leaves affected by Oak Wilt Disease

4.8 Landscape Maintenance

Natural areas of Boot Ranch are an integral part of the overall aesthetics of the community. We encourage the periodic management practices to ensure the overall appearance of the Boot Ranch community is maintained in a manner that promotes and preserves the natural beauty of the hill country. By doing so, the list below must be followed:

1. The native grasses of the hill country do not respond well to routine mowing. Annual or semiannual mowing in late winter is an effective management practice to help keep native stands of grass from becoming invaded by woody species such as the juniper, baccharis, or other types of brush. Repetitive mowing (more than one time in late winter) typically inhibits the native grasses and promotes shorter low growing stands of non-native species such as Bermuda grass.

2. Hand cutting of juniper and other invasive species can be done any time of the year.

3. If a tree or shrub dies due to any reason, the plant must be replaced with a similar size and type.

4. For the re-establishment of native grasses in a multi-year endeavor, we promote the use of two types of native grass blends. The first is a shorter growing blend that can tolerate a few mowings per year; this is a good blend for native areas adjacent to homes and outbuildings. The second blend is for taller growing, native grasses which is typically seen prior to any construction. • Short Native blend - Timeless turf blend (Buffalo grass and Blue Gramma) 25#s per acre.

• Short Native blend for high risk erosion areas - Timeless turf blend (Buffalo grass and Blue

Gramma) plus buckaroo Bermuda grass and foxtail millet 50#s per acre.

• Tall Native Blend (Boot Ranch) - Little blue stem, buffalo grass, side oats Grama, Blue Grama,

Green Sprangle top, Foxtail Millet.

• All seed can be purchased from Turner Seed Company LLC at #1-800-722-8616.

By following the above items as well as preserving the landscape through proper tree and shrub trimming, providing adequate water usage, removing any debris, and maintaining turf areas, the beauty within Boot Ranch will remain intact.

Leaves infected with oak wilt disease