BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
Sustainable Landscaping BMP Checklist
LANDSCAPING HIGH-VISIBILITY AREAS
Integrate low-maintenance turfgrasses and native plant species into landscape areas around the buildings and other focal areas .
Perform a soil test and analysis when analyzing problems or when renovating landscapes .
Use organic amendments ( e . g ., compost , compost tea , or leaf mulch ) as part of the overall nutrient management plan , to build healthy soils , establish beneficial soil organisms , and release nutrients over the long term .
Utilize native plants wherever possible , integrating them into the landscape along with annuals to maintain season-long color and aesthetic interest .
Group plants with similar watering , pH , and fertilizer requirements together to allow for the most efficient use of resources .
Where irrigation is necessary , utilize highefficiency irrigation systems ( e . g ., drip irrigation ) in all landscaped areas for maximum efficiency . If possible , design recycling water features , such as collecting rainwater for greywater use .
Where necessary , maintain 2 to 4 inches of organic mulch over the surface of soil , applied a few inches from the base of trees and plants , to keep soil moist and minimize weeds .
SUSTAINABLE NATURALIZED AREAS
Actively manage open-space areas to support native habitats and avoid introduction and establishment of invasive species .
Incorporate well-adapted , drought-resistant plants , including low-growing ground covers , shrubs , and trees that require little , if any , supplemental irrigation once established .
Allow beneficial “ weeds ” ( e . g ., milkweed , which supports the survival of monarch butterflies ) to grow and mature in out of the way areas where they will not interfere with integral in-play areas .
POLLINATOR HABITAT Follow site preparation guidelines when renovating areas to ensure success . Choose south-facing sites whenever possible for establishing native areas . Place plants in masses ( three or more ) to attract pollinators . Select plants that feature different shapes , sizes , and colors and that bloom at different times of the year . Select native grasses that provide foraging and nesting habitat . Use both perennials and annuals . Leave stems and coarse , woody debris in native areas for pollinator nesting . Leave exposed patches of well-drained soil in native areas for pollinator nesting .
Provide water sources with shallow sides for pollinators .
HABITAT CORRIDORS
Manage natural areas to encourage wildlife diversity and to provide habitat connectivity by linking habitat patches using habitat corridors .
INVASIVE SPECIES Consult with university Extension specialists and other sources of information , such as the Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health , to identify regional invasive species and appropriate control methods for these species .
Remove invasive and exotic plants and replace them with native species adapted to the ecological conditions prevalent at the site .
Do not introduce invasive or potentially invasive plants .
40 SportsField Management | July 2023 sportsfieldmanagementonline . com