Landscape Meetinghouse Update

For July 2012

Welcome

Welcome to the landscape meetinghouse update. This webpage is dedicated to all things landscape and we hope it will act as a reference to help keep you up-to-date on the most current meetinghouse landscape guidelines, standards, issues, questions, and answers. If you would like to contribute a question or comment, please send an email to: LandscapeResources@home.churchofjesuschrist.org.

 

Up-coming Training

Throughout the year landscape training is offered to FM's, PM's, landscape architects and landscape contractors. 2012 dates are as follows (times are given respective of Mountain Time Zone):

Date/Time	Webinar/Training	Recommended Attendees
9/4/12 9:00 AM and 11 AM	Participants will learn about civil and landscape updates and have a chance to give feedback and share best practices.	FM's, RFM's, PM's, APM's
12/5/12 9:00 AM and 11 AM	Aided by local professionals, the presentation will address current landscape considerations.	Primary - Contractors, Consultants Secondary - FM's, RFM's, PM's, APM's

 

Recent Questions

Q: Someone accessed my SMART controller and made adjustments which created some serious overwatering conditions and I lost 30 trees. How do I avoid this in the future?

A: Unfortunately, the unidentified person who adjusted the system did so in a manner that did not send any alarms to the FM or others monitoring it. There are limitations on what can be done to avoid this situation. However, the following are some ideas that may help avoid these losses in the future:

1. When loaning out a key that provides access to the SMART controller location, ensure the recipient understands they should not make adjustments to the controller without notifying the FM.
2. Add a sticker with this warning and FM contact information to the face of the controller.

 

Q: Which controller should I use if I am in a situation where a SMART controller is not required?

A: In these situations, the 32 8423 Underground Sprinklers specification allows for one of the following controllers:

1. Automatic Irrigation Controller and Control Wiring:
   1. Automatic Controllers:
      1. Category Four Approved Products. See Section 01 6200 for definitions of Categories:
         1. Hunter:
            1. 3 to 15 Stations: PRO-C Series
            2. 8 to 32 Stations: ICC Series
         2. Rainbird:
            1. 6 to 24 Stations: ESP-LX Modular
         3. Weathermatic: 4 to 30 Stations: LMC Series

The Rainbird ESP-LX Modular is a good choice because it can also become a SMART controller with minor upgrades if needed in the future. The Rainbird controller designation will be included in the July specification update.

 

Q: How do I protect the backflow preventers from theft?

A: The question was answered in some detail in the last Landscape Meetinghouse Update. The July specification publication will also include additional information addressing general anti-theft considerations. One option is the new Wilkins 375b product which, because it is constructed of composite material, is less desirable to metal scrap yards and less likely a target of theft.

 

Q: I understand there are municipal programs that provide grants and rebates for water conservation efforts. Are there any affecting my area?

A: A few are listed below, but there are potetially many more to consider when trying to obtain compensation for water conservation efforts. if you know of others, please submit them to LandscapeResources@home.churchofjesuschrist.org and they can be added to this list.

California
Southern California has rebate programs listed at http://www.bewaterwise.com/rebates01.html.

Colorado
Denver water has one of the most sweeping water incentive programs located at http://www.denverwater.org/Conservation/IncentivePrograms/IrrigationEfficiency/.

Nevada
Southern Nevada has the popular cash for grass program: http://www.snwa.com/rebates/rebates.html.

Utah
The State Division of Water Resources lists the following links for different programs throughout the state: http://www.conservewater.utah.gov/Rebate/Default.asp.

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