Stewardsip
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Master Revegetation Management Guide
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Lorem ipsum dolor sit Lorem gypsum dolor sit amet, consetetur 1. Lorem gypsum dolor sit amet, consetetur 2. gubergren, no sea takimata sanctus est 3. At vero eos et accusam et justo 4. ore et dolore magna aliquyam erat, sed diam voluptua. At vero eos et accusam et Establishing and maintaining grasslands, specifically naturalized lawn-based and meadow-based areas, is where design and installation meet maintenance and management. Naturally occurring grasslands in the otherwise forested Northeast are the product of either natural or manmade disturbance, with the exception saltmarsh and, less so, inland marsh systems. Naturally occurring grasslands or meadows represent a first and very transitory condition that will eventually evolve into forest cover through natural succession. In our temperate region, grasslands can only be maintained as such through human intervention.
Grasslands
There are two major challenges with establishing native/naturalized perennial meadows: 1) Most species are warm seasonperennial grasses and wildflowers that can take 1-5 years to germinate, as they do in nature during the hotter months of summer; and 2) Competition from weeds, particularly annual weeds, can greatly set back germination of intended species. Much competition comes fromool seasoweeds that germinate during the spring, mature by summer and thereby stifle germination and growth of intended warm season perennials by shading out the warm season species. It is possible to include an annual nurse seed such as annual ryegrass (or winter ryegrass/grain oats for late season seeding) to get rapid "cool season" cover (spring or fall). If annual ryegrass is applied as early as late March it is likely to see almost immediate greenup in April. However, the problem with nurse seed is that, like annual weeds, it also competes with the intended perennial grasses and wildflowers by casting shade over them and may even chemically impede germination of other species. The good news is that through properly timed and executed management steps BSSI can effectively minimize the competition from both the cool season nurse seed and invasive weeds. The key is cutting the meadows to the right height at the right time. Cutting (not mowing) meadows to
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Master Revegetation Management Guide
Some may ask, hat about using annual wildflowers?" Adding annual wildflowers can help to insure that esirable vegetation grows the However, if performing an early summer cutting to stimulate perennial seed germination then you essentially cut the very same annual wildflowers and preclude them from: 1) Blooming; and 2) Re-seeding themselves. But if in the first year an early summer cutting is missed then very full flowering meadows can result, even if just a few months after seeding after spring seeding. The best practice is still to perform an early summer cutting to stimulate perennial growth for the long-term. To create and preserve solar access to built arrays, solar sites necessarily need to maintain vegetation beneath and around the arrays at certain heights. The height restrictions can be relaxed as one moves outward from the array equipment. The following are the recommended mature vegetation heights by zone and location:
Zone 1Lawn-based Areas in Aisles: This includes aisles between array Zone 2 Lawn-based Areas beneath Arrays: This includes areas located directly beneath the array canopies.
Zone 3 Meadow-based Areas inside Fence Line: This includes peripheral areas inside fence line typically located a minimum 10distance from the south, east and west side of arrays. Maximum mature plant height: 6 Zone 4 Meadow-based Areas outside Fence Line: This includes peripheral areas located immediately outside fence line. Maximum mature plant height: 10 Zone 5 Old Field Areas outside Fence Line: This includes far peripheral cleared areas located a minimum distance of 25from fence line. This important edge zone transition to adjacent forested or other ecosystems should be managed to encourage a rich mixture of native grasses, wildflowers, shrubs and sapling trees. Maximum mature plant height: 15
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Grasslands
6-8" height in late spring/early summer just before annual weeds/ryegrass have set seed) is a critical step during the first few years of managing a meadow. In first year the meadow should be cut up to three times, such as early June, late July and September. That decreases to two times in second - third years and depending upon the progress in establishing the intended species down to just one cutting during the third-fourth years and thereafter. For a best long-term meadow results, de-thatching may also be conducted every few years starting with year 3. Refer to Master Vegetation Management Schedule for preferred timing of meadow cutting activities during the first three full growing seasons following installation. For the purposes of this Management Guide, if a meadow is installed in the spring, then the first full year of maintenance is that same calendar year. By contrast, if a meadow is installed in the summer or fall, then the first full year of maintenance will be considered the following calendar year.
Master Vegetation Management Scedule or Management Zone Mgmt. Year
1
2 xawn xrea
eneath grrays
gteadgw greas wsede eence
weadew wreas utsdde dence
Grasslands
De-thatch Fertilize
Year 3 Year 1
Mow
Mow Mow Mow
Overseed Year 2 Year 3
De-thatch Fertilize Overseed w/Annuals
Mow Mow
Cut to
Cut to
Year 2 Mow/Cut to 1-2” Ht.* De-thatch Fertilize Overseed w/Annuals
Cut to
Prune Native Shrubs by 1/2****
Cut to
Year 2
Year 3 Year 1
tld eeld cegheral) sreasgutsge aence
Jun
Fertilize
Year 2
Year 3 Year 1
4
May Overseed
Year 1
3
April Fertilize
Year 1
sawn rea dn jjsles
5
March
Prune Native Shrubs by 1/2**** Mow/Cut to 1-2” Ht.* De-thatch Fertilize Overseed w/Annuals Add Plantings per Plan
Cut to
Prune Native Shrubs by 1/2***
Cut to
Year 2 Year 3
Prune Native Shrubs by 1/2*** Cut to 3-4” Ht.*
NOTES: * Cutting in Management Zones 3,4 and 5: Cutting will be limited to herbaceous species ** Woody invasive species in Zones 4 and 5 to remove include, but are not limited to: O Herbaceous invasive species may also be herbicided including but not limited *** Include additional mid-summer meadow cutting if site formerly in lawn or agricul **** Desirable native shrub species to preserve in Zones 4 and 5 include, but are not
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Master Revegetation Management Guide
Management Year 1 - Year 3 (growing season) July
August
September
October
to 3” Ht.
Fertilize Mow to 3” Ht. Overseed as Needed
to 3” Ht. to 3” Ht. to 3” Ht.
Mow to 3” Ht. Fertilize Mow to 3” Ht Overseed as Needed
to 3” Ht. to 3” Ht.
November
.
Grasslands
ne
Mow to 3” Ht.
o 6-8” Ht.*
Cut to 6-8” Ht.***
o 6-8” Ht.*
Cut & Dab (Herbicide) Woody Invasives (e.g. Bittersweet)** Cut to 6-8” Ht.*** Cut & Dab (Herbicide) Woody Invasives (e.g. Bittersweet)**
o 6-8” Ht.*
Cut to 6-8” Ht.***
o 6-8” Ht.*
Cut & Dab (Herbicide) Woody Invasives (e.g. Bittersweet)** Prune Native Shrubs by 1/2**** Cut to 6-8” Ht.*** Cut & Dab (Herbicide) Woody Invasives (e.g. Bittersweet)** Prune Native Shrubs by 1/2****
o 6-8” Ht.*
o 6-8” Ht.*
Cut to 6-8” Ht.*
Cut to 6-8” Ht.*
Cut to 6-8” Ht.*
Cut & Dab (Herbicide) Woody Invasives (e.g. Bittersweet)** Prune Native Shrubs by 1/2**** Cut & Dab (Herbicide) Woody Invasives (e.g. Bittersweet)** Prune Native Shrubs by 1/2****
s (e.g. grasses/wildflowers) with avoidance of tagged native shrubs to be pruned separately in Zones 4 and 5. Oriental Bittersweet, Common/European Buckthorn, Honeysuckle, Multi-flora Rose and Barberry. d to: Japanese Knotweed, Common Reed, Ragweed, Mile-a-Minute Vine and Purple Loosestrife. ltural fields or observed to produce significant herbaceous weed growth. t limited to: Summersweet, Bayberry, Sweetfern, Inkberry, Winterberry, Viburnum, Dogwood and Witch Hazel.
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Dedinitions Annual Plant -- A herbaceous plant that lives its entire life cycle over one growing season. Typically grasses and weeds that reproduce by abundantly re-seeded themselves (e.g. Ragweed).
Biennial Plant -- A herbaceous plant that lives its entire life cycle over two successive growing seasons, often not flowering until the second season (e.g. Black-eyed Susan).
Compost-Mulch A mixture of 70-75% well-aged composted organic matter achieving level 5-8 on SolvitaCompost Maturity Index and 25-30% wood chips that may be used as both a plant growing medium and protective mulch covering in planting beds. The compost portion must originate from certified sources. Compost shall be prepared (aged) for a minimum of two years and be essentially free of viable weed seeds. Compost-mulch shall typically be hydraulically applied as a slurry from a blower truck, similar to hydroseeding, to a minimum uniform depth of three inches. Following application, compost-mulch shall be thoroughly saturated with water and remain saturated for a minimum period of two weeks. Compost-mulch shall ideally be applied in the spring or fall but may also be applied in the summer if needed.
Compost-Mulch Tube Refers to hydraulic compost-mulch application within a biodegradable ube�containment of typically twelve-sixteen inch (12-16) diameter. Compost-mulch tubes provide a highly effective alternative to traditional haybales and silt fence for linear erosion control barrier applications. Once placed, compost-mulch tubes are intended to biodegrade in place not to be removed.
Compost Tea – A liquid soil amendment consisting of compost brewed in constantly aerated
Definitions
water-based solution to produce maximum nutrients for plant uptake and optimal biology for maximizing soil health. Compost tea shall typically be applied from a backpack sprayer or hose but may also be applied from a watering can. Compost tea shall be applied to lawn and meadow areas during the spring and/or late summer-early fall.
Compost/Topdress – Refers to pure compost layer applied over lawns or planting beds. Compost topdressing shall typically be hydraulically applied as a slurry from a blower truck, similar to hydroseeding, to a depth of one-third to one-half inch. Compost is applied to topdress lawns or meadows and contains fine organic matter intended to improve soil nutrient
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levels and moisture-holding capacity. As an important part of organic lawn care and landscaping techniques, topdressing with compost gradually builds up depleted soils and removes the need for fertilizing and watering. Compost topdressing is best applied in the spring, but may also be applied in the late summer-fall.
Cut – Refers to mechanical cutting of meadow-based or areas originally naturalized with herbaceous seed mixes other than lawn areas. Tractor-pulled cutting equipment, weed whackers, other power tools or hand scythes may be used to cut meadow and naturalized areas. Power tools may be used to cut in larger, more peripheral and less visible areas. Hand or power tools shall be maintained in a well sharpened condition to produce clean cuts. Cut stems shall be left in place on the ground surface surrounding the plants. During the growing season cutting of meadow or naturalized herbaceous areas should be to height of six-eight inches (68”) unless otherwise specified by the Owner/Owner’s Representative. At the end of the dormant season (March-April) and prior to emergence of new season’s growth, cut meadow grass, wildflower or other herbaceous groundcover stems to near ground level. Refer to Master Vegetation Management Schedule spreadsheet for preferred timing of lawn and meadow cutting activities during the first three full growing seasons following installation.
stalks/stems. Thatch acts as a dense mulch that impedes seed germination. De-thatching opens up the surface to more light thereby encouraging germination. De-thatching may best be achieved using “rake” attachments pulled by farm tractor. De-thatching is best performed in mid-late spring and may occur anytime from third growing season onward.
Fertilize – Refers to application of a range of soil amendments to enrich the soil that may be applied in liquid or solid form. Fertilizer application may be required for both lawn-based and meadow-based areas, but will be needed primarily for lawn-based areas. Refer to BSSI’s Master Revegetation Installation Guide for discussion of potential soil amendment types and products. Refer to Master Vegetation Management Schedule spreadsheet for preferred timing of fertilizer application. Fertilizer shall be applied per manufacturer’s instructions or as directed by the Owner/Owner’s Representative.
Graze – An agricultural approach to maintaining vegetation through the use of grazing plant-eating (herbivorous) livestock such as sheep, goats, llamas, cows or cattle. This traditional and seasonal approach to maintaining open fields requires specialized fencing, equipment (e.g. water troughs), personnel and leasing agreements with farmers/keepers of the livestock. Grazing as maintenance should be coordinated into the design process to select herbaceous seed mixes specifically intended for use in pasture settings that will not be harmful
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Definitions
De-Thatch – Refers to mechanical removal of organic thatch build up from fallen plant
Common Invasive Species Common Herbaceous Species
Japanese Knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum) Photo: Invasive Plant Atlas of New England
Common Reed (Phragmites australis) Photo: Invasive Plant Atlas of New England
Invasive Species
Ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) Photo: Wikipedia
Purple Loostrife (Lythrum salicaria) Photo: Invasive Plant Atlas of New England
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Master Revegetation Management Guide
Mile-a-Minute (Polygonum perfoliatum) Photo: Invasive Plant Atlas of New
Common Woody Species
Oriental Bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus) Photo: Invasive Plant Atlas of New England
Multiflora Rose (Rosa multiflora) Photo: Invasive Plant Atlas of New England
Morrow’s and Tartarian Honeysuckle (Lonicera morrowii; Lonicera tartarica) Photo: Invasive Plant Atlas of New England
Invasive Spe-
Common or Glossy Buckthorn (Frangula alnus or Rhamnus frangula or Rhamnus cathartica) Photo: Invasive Plant Atlas of New England
Common/European and Japanese Barberry (Berberis vulgaris; Berberis thunbergii) Photo: Invasive Plant Atlas of New England Winged Euonymous/Burning Bush (Euonymous alata) Photo: Invasive Plant Atlas of New England
Autumn Olive (Eleagnus umbellata) Photo: Invasive Plant Atlas of New England
Norway Maple (Acer platanoides) Photo: Invasive Plant Atlas of New England
Tree-of-Heaven (Alanthus altissima) Photo: Invasive Plant Atlas of New
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Stewardsip
Summary This Guide has summarized important steps to take at solar sites to manage desired ground cover post-construction. Diligent implementation of the steps outlined herein should greatly improve groundcover revegetation at Borregos solar sites in both the short- and long-terms. Proper vegetation management will help move these sites toward becoming self-sustaining systems where maintenance needs and costs are greatly reduced over the long-term and where ecological values are greatly enhanced.
Prepared by: Thomas S. Benjamin, RLA, LEED-AP BD+C Sustainable Designer/Landscape Architect e: tom@wellnesscapes.com
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