Stormwater Quality Design Manual (May 2007) - City of Sacramento ...

Runoff Treatment Control Measure Fact SheetWater Quality Detention BasinsRecommended Planting GuidelinesPropagation MethodsPlugs. Plugs are clumps of plant roots, rhizomes or tubers combined with associated soil. To propagateplants with plugs, follow these guidelines:• Plant plugs during the fall dormant period, preferably between October 1 and November 15.• Collect plugs from a suitable collection site in the vicinity of the constructed basins, using aqualified botanist or nursery staff. Plugs can be removed manually or salvaged with an excavatoror backhoe. Collect plugs from healthy specimens free of insects, weeds and disease. Use eitherwhole plants or plant divisions. The minimum recommended size is 1 foot x 1 foot.• When possible, plant plugs immediately after collection. When necessary, plugs can be stored ina cool, moist, shaded location for a maximum of one day.• Space plugs 1 foot to 6 feet apart, depending on the size of the plug. Smaller plugs can be plantedat the minimum distance to promote faster spreading and cover. Plant larger plugs from cattailand bulrush species at 3 foot to 6 foot intervals.• Prepare a hole slightly larger than the diameter of each plug and place the root system of the pluginto the hole. Use a breaking bar or similar technique to create the planting hole. Manual plantingwith a spade is recommended for wet soils. Power augers can be used to create holes in dry soils.Alternatively, in lieu of individual holes, create a trench along the narrow axis of the pond;manually place plants at specified elevations in relation to the proximity of permanently saturatedsoils as shown on the planting plan.• If the plug has an established root system, make sure the base of the stem and top of the rootcollar are level with the ground surface. Secure tubers to prevent floating. Place rhizomes in thesoil with a slight upward angle.• Backfill the hole or trench containing the plug(s) with soil and tamp it down to assure good soilcontact and secure the plug.• Cut back the vegetative portion of the plant to prevent water loss and wilting, and encourage thegrowth of roots and new shoots. Plugs of wetland plants should be grown in saturated soil.• For wetland plants, the soil should not be allowed to dry out after planting.Container Stock. When planting using container stock, follow these guidelines:• Dig planting holes twice as wide and deep as the container size. It is recommended that containerplantings receive a balanced time released fertilizer tablet that is placed at the bottom of theplanting hole prior to installation of the plant.• Space plants as shown on the planting plan.• When planting, make sure the root collar and base of the stem are level with the adjacent soilsurface. Berms for water retention and mulch can be used enhance plant establishment.• Backfill the soil and tamp it down to assure contact with the roots. Promptly water to promote thesettling of soil.Pole Cuttings. Follow these guidelines when using pole cuttings:• Collect pole cuttings from the young wood of dormant trees that are healthy and free of diseases.• Size pole cuttings to have at least five viable nodes; to have a diameter at the base between 1/2and 2 inches (1 inch is optimum); and to be between 2 and 4 feet long.• Collect pole cuttings no more than 10 days prior to planting. Place them in cool water to promoteswelling of the nodes, and keep the water fresh by aeration and/or by daily replacement.Stormwater Quality Design Manual for the Sacramento and South Placer RegionsMay 2007DB-13