California State University, Long Beach
OP-9: Landscape Management

Building footprints, parking lots parking structures, and hardscaped areas are excluded from the area of managed grounds.

Organic fertilizers and organic landscape management practices are utilized whenever possible and appropriate to meet our campus' very high landscaping standards. One example is the application of beneficial insects and nematodes to manage pests in and above the soil.

CSULB is committed to applying the principles of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) when dealing with indoor and outdoor pests. IPM is defined as managing outdoor pests (plants, fungi, insects, and/or animals) in a way that protects human health and the surrounding environment and improves economic returns through the most effective, least-risk option. Core elements of IPM include: - Use of the least-toxic method for monitoring and control. For example, sticky traps or non-toxic bait stations, - Minimum use of chemicals - Use of chemicals and pesticides only in targeted locations and for targeted species - Routine inspection and monitoring - Proactive communication To ensure building users are informed and empowered to care for their health concerning pest management activities, IPM includes procedures for notifying occupants and visitors in advance of any pesticide application other than a least-toxic pesticide.

The university has an extensive crew of experienced landscaping and grounds staff including several certified arborists. The staff and management take a very hands-on approach to all aspects of landscape management including careful selection of plant material and ongoing evaluation of landscape management practices and programs. The department utilizes two software programs, Arbor Pro and iTree, to manage and maintain the campus' extensive urban forest, which is comprised of more than 7000 trees. These programs allow the department to carefully track and monitor the age, health, and maintenance of each tree on campus as well as to calculate the environmental benefits and associated value of the campus forest. The university is also home to the Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden, a living museum with an extensive collection of specialty trees typical for traditional Japanese garden design. This living collection requires specialized maintenance and stewardship practices.

Water conservation is a key consideration in all landscape design and maintenance at CSULB. Examples of the university's approach to hydrology and water use include the integration of bioswales and water recovery basins into landscape projects, the conversion of underutilized turf areas to drought-tolerant landscaping, and the preference for California-appropriate, drought-tolerant plant material generally. Engaging students in the implementation of water-conserving projects is also a priority. The Landscaping and Grounds department has partnered for several years with students to monitor the functionality of irrigation systems and convert irrigation heads to more efficient types as part of a service-learning program.

CSULB endeavors to facilitate a closed-loop system concerning the landscape waste generated on campus. Tree trimmings are mulched for use on campus and the contracted waste hauler who hauls the campus' green waste to their processing facility also delivers 6 roll-offs of mulch to campus annually. It is also the university's standard to grass cycle (leave grass clippings on the turf), a practice that effectively diverts more than 133 tons of green waste from the waste stream each year. It is also common practice for excess plants (or plants that have proliferated significantly in one area) to be relocated to other areas in need of landscaping.

In addition to the low-impact design practices mentioned previously (use of bioswales and water recovery basins), the university utilizes landscape design to support energy efficiency by planting trees in proximity to buildings to help shade them, thus reducing energy costs associated with HVAC.

The university employs the "drill and fill" method, which involves drilling holes up to 12 inches deep into the athletic fields on 6-inch centers, removing soil and backfills with sand to create deep sand columns in the root zone profile. The DryJect system is also used to open up more channels in the root zone to aid in increased oxygen and water penetration. Both methods help improve drainage and provide air and water down through the root zone. This process results in healthier plants, which in turn means less fungicides are needed.