Seasons 2 Seasons 4

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Purpose 1
Special Care 25
Markers and way-finding 47
Target users 1
Treatment of Tree Injuries 25
Fencing 47
Project Background 2
Tree staking and guying 26
Water Features 48
Project Location and Site Plan 3-4
Cable and rod bracing 28
Site Utilities Maintenance 49
Vision 6
Design Intent and Landscape
Appearance 6
Maintenance Guidelines - General
Maintenance Practices 7
Softscape Maintenance - Shrubs
and Groundcovers 32
General Care 33
Softscape Maintenance - Turf and
Lawns 36
Lighting Maintenance 50
Irrigation Maintenance 50
Drainage Maintenance 50
Annex 51
Softscape Maintenance 10
General Care 37
Personnel Requirements 51
General Softscape Maintenace
Practices 13
Mulching 13
Pruning 14
Watering 16
Feeding 17
Integrated Pest Management 18
Special Care 38
Mowing 38
Aerating and Dethatching 40
Weed control 41
Hardscape Maintenance 44
Paved surfaces, walkays, and
footpaths 47
Basic Landscape Maintenace
Equipment Requirements -
Checklist 51
Maintenance Schedule 52
References 53
Softscape Maintenance - Trees 22
Seating 47
General Care 23
Trash receptacles 47

Purpose
The Veterans Memorial Medical Center Golf Course Landscape Maintenance Manual (alternatively
referred to as LMM, or simply as “the Manual”) is a reference handbook designed to guide
administrative, planning, and operations and maintenance personnel of the Veterans Memorial Medical
Center Golf Course (also the Veterans Golf Course or VGC) on implementing landscape management
and maintenance procedures.
This LMM is a prescriptive document that describes the minimum requirements, common approaches,
and best practices for maintaining the facility’s softscapes, hardscapes, and utilities. It is created as a
supplement to realize the overall design intent as the landscape is established and continues to its
conservation in its maturity. The Manual capacitates the stewards of the landscape to implement
maintenance practices aligned with the landscape design concepts and principles to reap the maximum
benefits intended in the plan. These include environmental sensitivity, responsible use of resources, user
comfort, health, and safety, and aesthetic effect.
Target users
This document is intended for facility administrators, designers and planners, and maintenance and
operations personnel. This may also be valuable for staff involved in procurement, providers of supplies
and services, monitoring agencies, and decision-makers.

PROJECT BACKGROUND
The Veterans Memorial Medical Center Golf Course (“Veterans Golf Course” or VGC) is a golf course inside of the
55-hectare Veteran’s Memorial Medical Center Compound. Located in Proj. 6, Quezon City, Metro Manila, the Veterans
Memorial Hospital (now the Veteran’s Memorial Medical Center) was established on July 8, 1948, pursuant to Public Law
865 of the 80th U.S. Congress as an agreement between the U.S. and the Philippines signed by then Pres. Elpidio Quirino
and the U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Myron Cowen. The facility was set up by the US Veterans Administration to
provide quality hospitalization, medical care, and treatment to Filipino veterans who suffered from service-connected
disabilities. Eligibility was given to the servicemen of the United States Army Forces in the Far East (USAFFE), recognized
guerrilla units, Philippine Scouts, and the Philippine Commonwealth Army, which was later extended to AFP retirees and
their dependents. In 1939, the site was intended to be the location for the new Malacanan Palace on the original masterplan
of Quezon City. It is now being eyed to be privatized as part of the Quezon City Central Business District Redevelopment
Plan or Triangle Park.
Anecdotal accounts of the origin of the VGC suggest that it was a project to provide hospital staff with leisure activities as the
patient population declined. The resulting facility is now an 18-hole open course that is open to the public. The golf course is
equipped with a clubhouse, restaurant, halfway house restaurant, function rooms, locker/shower room, motor pool,
caddy/umbrella holding station, male caddy house, driving range with canteen, pro shop, coffee shop, and other wellness
spaces.
The scope of this LMM is focused on the redevelopment of the north-western area of the site. The section covers the main
access, the clubhouse area, the tee house, the driving range, shared open spaces and circulation, and parking. More
specifically, the document is only concerned with the landscaped or green and open areas of the site. Portions of this LMM
may be adopted to maintain the general playing area of the golf course beyond the defined scope at the discretion of the
Operations and Maintenance personnel.
2

PROJECT SITE
VETERANS MEMORIAL MEDICAL CENTER
3

PROJECT SITE
SITE DEVELOPMENT PLAN
NTS
4

This Landscape Maintenance Manual is based on “Banyuhay”, the Veterans Memorial Mediacal Center Golf
Course Redevelopment plan by Ar. Ron Rodil (GDipLS 2023-2024)

Vision
The vision for the new VGC is to become a space for revitalization. The conceptual basis of the design incorporates current
users and functions present in the site - looking out for the health and well-being of Filipino veterans of protection and
conflict. The redevelopment site is a convergence area between the functional program of the care given by the hospital and
the leisure and recreation program of the course. Being such, it is a space that serves as a transition to both - negotiating to
accommodate the varying intensities of concerns and bridging them through the common ground of interests they share.
“Banyuhay”, the concept for the redevelopment, is a contraction of “Bago+Anyo+Buhay”. It reflects the idea of transformation
of life, especially for veterans and their kin who have experienced physical, mental, or emotional trauma. The idea of
dynamism and change in a healing landscape represents the aspirations to assist in their integration into civilian life by
giving them access to relaxing and therapeutic activities and spaces.
Design Intent and Landscape Appearance
The main qualities that the landscaped development seeks to possess is an air of lush formality. The landscape, as much as
possible, should exude a sense of abundance of life and vitality while having visual order. This means that the landscape
should tend to have a fuller appearance without being overwhelming or unruly. This effect is, in a way, a contrast to the vast
openness that the golf course and driving range possess, providing a variety of spatial experiences to the users in the pre,
intra, and post-play stages.
●
●
●
●
●
Maintain a visual hierarchy where the throughways are clear of obstructions, the edges which contain markers
have elements that are low to moderate in height to facilitate legibility, and the peripheries and boundaries may
contain tall elements as physical and visual barriers.
The softscape should be semi-manicured, maintaining plant heights and volumes to a predetermined state
Roads, paths, and rest areas (and their furniture and elements) should always be maintained clean, organized,
and free of debris or barriers
Hardscape elements, furniture, and utilities should always be kept in order and functional with signs of disrepair,
disuse, or decline promptly addressed; unless otherwise specified to adhere to a design objective.
Repairs and replacements should match the original material, look, character, and/or model as per plans and
specifications, whenever possible.
6

MAINTENANCE GUIDELINES
General Maintenance Practices
General maintenance practices are landscape servicing and improvement
guidelines for constant implementation. These may include:
1. Keep parks clean and presentable
All public spaces need to be kept clean. Ensure regular clearing of
garbage and litter, cleaning of shared facilities, removal of signs of
vandalism, and restocking of supplies.
● Daily Maintenance
○ All trash and recycling containers should be checked and
emptied daily. During peak visitation or in conjunction with
special events, some receptacles may have to be emptied
twice daily.
○ Sweeping and cleaning of litter should be done weekly, at a
higher frequency depending on season, litter volume, or peak
visitation times.
○ Stickers and posters are to be removed from trees, light poles,
signs, etc.
○ All graffiti should be treated as vandalism and reported to VGC
security personnel before being cleaned
2. Make safety and security a top priority
Prioritize safety and security in the site through the maintenance of paths,
steps, railings, furniture, signage, and surveillance equipment upkeep.
Look out for items that could cause trips and falls, including damaged
concrete, tree roots, fallen branches, rocks, abrupt elevation changes, and
uneven surfaces.
3. Inspect facilities, infrastructure, and utilities often
Image source:
ttps://www.healthandcharity.com/the-green-revolution-why-hiring-a
-professional-lawn-service-is-a-smart-choice/

3. Observe seasonal maintenance practices
“Spring cleaning” and “fall cleaning”, as they are popularly known, should
be localized and included as part of a general maintenance program.
Typical seasonal tasks are listed below according to when they should be
carried out.
● Rainy (Typhoon) Season
○ Selective pruning and planned removal of falling tree hazards
○ Tree bracing and guying
○ Clearing of fallen debris after major weather events
○ Identify water damage to trees and shrubs and prune, as
needed
○ Inspect turf areas for water damage and disease problems
○ Monitoring and repair of power distribution lines
○ Clearing of drainage systems and areas with ponding
○ Routine scrubbing of paved areas susceptible to algal
colonisation
○ Pest monitoring and implementation of integrated pest
management in case of the presence of pests, especially for
vectors of diseases
●
Dry Season
○ Practice fire prevention and safety by ensuring water reserves
for fire extinguishing are available
○ Designate smoking areas away from areas that produce dry
plant materials; provide trays or disposal bins to discourage
littering that may cause fires
●
Flowering and Fruiting Season “Tagsibol”
These conditions may be plant-specific. Observe plant phenology to
determine the appropriate timing for these practices.
○ Practice routine clearing of fallen flowers
○ Practice regular clearing of fallen fruits and seeds to avoid
damage and staining to paved surfaces, footwear, vehicles
○ Enforce precautionary measures in areas with falling fruit, seed,
or seed casings
○ Implement integrated pest management in case of the
presence of pests
○ Conduct routine inspections of flowering areas for man-made
damage caused by flower picking
○ Depending on the plant, pruning of perennials can take place in
both flowering and shedding seasons
●
Deciduous Shedding Season “Taglagas
These conditions may be plant-specific. Observe plant phenology to
determine the appropriate timing for these practices.
○ Clearing of fallen leaves, branches, and other debris
○ Implement mulch stockpiling and proper tree and shrub
mulching
○ Depending on the plant, pruning of perennials can take place in
both flowering and shedding seasons
4. Practice good housekeeping
○ Walking/working surfaces should be kept clear of slip/trip/fall hazards
○ Storage areas should not be overloaded and tools should be stored in an orderly and safe manner.
8

SOFTSCAPE MAINTENANCE
Landscape Maintenance Manual
10

Veterans Golf Club
SOFTSCAPE PLAN
NTS
This Landscape Maintenance Manual is based on “Banyuhay”, the Veterans Memorial Mediacal Center Golf
Course Redevelopment plan by Ar. Ron Rodil (GDipLS 2023-2024)

Softscape is the “soft”, living part of your landscape: the vegetation. These features may be permanent,
such as shrubs and evergreens, or temporary like perennials. Softscape elements in landscape design
are classified by their form. They can be divided into three groups—trees, shrubs, and groundcover.
Trees are distinguished by their large size, their trunks, and their canopy.
Shrubs are typically medium sized and are characterized by a mass of foliage covering the branches.
Groundcover is the smallest in size and varies greatly in form, but the distinguishing characteristic is the
way the plants are used—to cover the ground—hence the term "groundcover."
12

GENERAL SOFTSCAPE MAINTENANCE PRACTICES
The following are softscape maintenance practices that apply to most, if not all,
softscape categories.
Mulching
Mulching involves adding inorganic and organic matter to the soil. It improves
the soil’s health and assists with moisture retention. Mulch slows water loss
from the soil, reduces weed growth around the plant, and protects the shrub
from lawn mower and string trimmer injury. Mulching regularly is a vital part of
tree and shrub maintenance.
How to Mulch:
1. Collect your mulching materials. Gather and select debris. Use
bark, leaf debris, pine needles, cardboard, and other
biodegradable items. Non-biodegradable items can also be used
as long as they are appropriate for landscaping.
2. Clean out your beds. Remove dried-up leaves, debris, sticks,
and old mulch. Take the time to freshen up the edging along your
beds. Use a spade to cut a clean, defined line between your bed
and lawn.
3. Water your beds. If your area hasn’t experienced any recent rain,
you should wet down dry beds. Before you water your beds, you
may want to take the additional step of applying a pre-emergent
herbicide to prevent weed seeds from germinating.
4. Remove weeds
5. Spread mulch. Prepare your mulch in small piles. Spread the
mulch to be two to four inches thick. If your mulch is too thin,
weeds can push through. If your mulch is too thick, it prevents
water from reaching the soil.
6. Water after mulching. Gently water over the mulch to help it
settle into place.
Image source:
https://i.pinimg.com/originals/19/75/9c/19759ccce52a20
d5fd1c5c534b800d28.jpg

Pruning
Pruning is the removal of the damaged and unwanted tops, stems, and
branches of trees and shrubs using appropriate tools. The purpose of pruning is
to produce strong, healthy, and attractive plants. During tree pruning, you want
to remove any dead or diseased branches. You can skip pruning larger trees
but keep up with thinning their branches. This helps ensure healthy growth
throughout the season. For shrubs, you can trim away any excess growth.
What to prune:
Pruning Basics:
●
Pruning for safety
○ Remove branches that may fall and cause injury or damage to
people and properties.
○ Trim branches that interfere with lines of sight on streets and
driveways.
○ Remove branches that grow into electricity or communication
lines
●
●
●
●
TIP:
injured branches
diseased branches
dead branches
infested branches
●
●
crowded canopy
objectionable shape/form
undesirable branches
water sprout
Prune all dry and dead branches, including fresh or green ones which are
pruned on a selective basis. One important rule in removing green
branches is that at least 60% of the foliage must remain to sustain the
growth and development of the tree.
●
●
●
●
Pruning for health
○ Remove diseased or insect-infested branches.
○ Thin the crown to increase airflow and reduce some pest
problems. Remove crossing and rubbing branches.
○ Cut off broken or damaged branches to encourage wound
closure.
Pruning for aesthetics
○ Remove deformed or unwanted branches to enhance the
natural form and character of the plant and to stimulate flower
production.
○ For trees, prune all branches 2 cm in diameter and below within
the lower 5 to 6 meters of the trunk to provide a clear trunk.
14

How to Prune
1. Use appropriate and sharp tools to produce smooth and clean
cuts.
2. Avoid unnecessarily big cuts
3. Avoid pruning directly against the trunk since flush cuts can lead
to extensive decay. Cuts should be smooth and clean; they
should not leave stubs and should maintain the branch collar.
Cutting above/after the branch collar results in a smaller area
that callus tissue must cover.
4. When pruning large branches make at least 3 cuts to avoid
stripping of the wood and bark. The first cut is made at the
under- side of the branch (A), followed by a cut on its upper side
(B), and the last cut (C) is to remove the remaining stub.
5. Treat fresh wounds as suggested in the section “Treatment of
Tree Injuries”
Proper pruning methodology
as stated in item 4
Image source:
http://extension.msstate.edu/sites/default/files/publicatio
ns/information-sheets/IS204_web.pdf
Branch Collar - the swollen area where the branch attaches to the trunk.
Flash Cuts - made when a pruning cut is made as close as possible to the trunk or main branch. This practice creates an excessively large wound
on the tree. The size of the injury prevents the tree from employing its defensive “wound compartmentalization” (walling off decay) and callus
formation.
Stab Cuts - occurs when the pruning cut is made too far from the branch collar, leaving a protruding or broken branch or limb. Also referred to as
snags, stub cuts can lead to branch decay that will move backward toward the main branch or truck, potentially spreading to the healthy parts of the
tree.

Watering
Watering Basics:
Watering trees and shrubs is a crucial part of landscape maintenance. Newly
planted trees and shrubs require good soakings to help the root system settle
into the ground. It is necessary to know the needs of your planting materials to
satisfy the proper watering requirements.
Planted areas have to be assessed regularly for irrigation requirements.
Irrigation volume and frequency will be determined by rainfall, temperature,
season length, demands of plant material, and event schedules; and to water in
fertilizers, herbicides, or other products.
●
●
●
Watering should take place in the morning hours to soak up the most
moisture
Avoid watering in the heat of the day and wet conditions in the
evening.
Irrigate slowly or pulse-irrigate to prevent runoff and then only irrigate
as much as is needed. Apply water at rates that do not exceed the
infiltration rate of the soil.
●
Where practical, use automatic timers to minimize runoff.
●
Use popup sprinkler heads in areas with a lot of activity or where
there is a chance the pipes may be broken.
●
Consider the use of mechanisms that reduce water flow to sprinkler
heads if broken.
●
Ensure that there is no runoff from the landscaped area(s) if
re-claimed water is used for irrigation.
16

Compost
Feeding
Fertilizer is a generic term for a material that contains one or more plant mineral
nutrients which may also contain microbial agents. Nitrogen [N], phosphorus
[P], and potassium [K] are the primary nutrients found in fertilizers. The
numerous types of fertilizers available include granular and liquid, slow- and
fast- release, and organic and synthetic formulations. Many fertilizers are
blended for specific applications such as turf, ornamentals, or gardens.
Soil Test
The soil test uses physical soil samples taken from a lawn, garden, or other
area that are laboratory tested and provides information specific to the area
where the samples were collected. A comprehensive soil test provides
information on soil nutrients, heavy metals, salinity, pH, buffer pH,
cation-exchange capacity (CEC), texture, and percentage of organic matter
(OM).
A comprehensive soil test is recommended to be conducted every three to four
years. Turf pH should be measured annually since turf performance and health
can be affected by relatively small changes in pH.
Compost is partially decomposed organic matter that can be produced from
plant material, animal waste, or both. Compost is commercially available in bulk
or bags for the landscape trade and can also be produced at home. Compost
performs several important functions for lawns, gardens, and ornamental
plantings. This section will discuss compost as a means of increasing soil OM
content, increasing the number and diversity of soil organisms, and as a
fertilizer. All composts used as soil amendments on Nantucket must have a
known nutrient content or be tested for nutrient content before use.
Compost is considered viable fertilizer material because it contains varying
amounts of N, P, K, and other nutrients, depending on its source. While the
nutrient concentration of most composts is lower than that found in most
granular fertilizers, much larger amounts of compost are often added to soils
compared to fertilizers, so care must be taken to avoid over-applying compost.
Fertilizer Application Basics:
●
●
Fertilizers should be worked into the soil rather than dumped or
broadcast onto the surface.
Calibrate fertilizer and pesticide application equipment to avoid
excessive application.
●
●
Periodically test soils to determine proper fertilizer use.
Sweep pavement and sidewalk if fertilizer is spilled on these
surfaces before applying irrigation water.

Integrated Pest Management
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is the careful consideration of all available
pest control techniques and subsequent integration of appropriate measures
that discourage the development of pest populations.
It combines: (1) biological, (2) chemical, (3) physical and (4) cultural (crop
specific) management strategies and practices to grow healthy crops and
minimize the use of pesticides, reducing risks posed by pesticides to human
health and the environment
○
Pruning and thinning involve the deliberate removal of the
diseased plant part.
Complete control of all pests is neither necessary in most cases nor appropriate
for IPM. Almost all crops can tolerate a certain amount of damage without
appreciable effects on vigor and yield. In light of this, it is necessary to make
estimations on the pest densities that can be tolerated. A number of economic
concepts are helpful in determining the point at which it pays to apply certain
control methods.
○
○
Fertilizer management to build the plant’s resistance to pests
and diseases. Healthy plants tend to be more resilient and
tolerant of pests and diseases.
Water management. Irrigation frequency, time, and application
method should be considered in order not to encourage pests’
growth.
IPM Control Strategies
●
Cultural control involves the use of (horticultural or landscaping)
management strategies and resistant plant varieties to minimize the
impact of certain pests. (Bryant and Reay-Jones)
○
Planting disease-resistant varieties is the easiest and the most
inexpensive practice of controlling plant diseases. Resistance,
sometimes called tolerance, is a term used to describe the
ability of a plant to be still productive even when it is infected
with the disease. It also refers to the ability of the plant to
overcome the effects of plant diseases.
○
○
Soil tillage. When the soil is inverted, soil-borne diseases may
die due to solar radiation and heat exposure. Tilling of soil can
bring larvae and pupa of soil-dwelling pests into the surface,
exposing them to predators. Tilling is an effective way to control
weeds as they may be uprooted and destroyed in the
processes.
Variation of time in planting. Keep track of the season when
certain pests and diseases are predominant to avoid these peak
infestation periods.
○
○
Crop rotation - practice of planting different crops on the same
plot every cropping season to interrupt the pest and disease life
cycle.
Intercropping also called mixcropping or multicropping, is the
growing of two or more crops simultaneously on the same area
so insect pests will need more time to search for their specific
crop to feed on. Trap crops are plants added in the field to
attract pests to keep them away from the main crop.
18

●
Biological control focuses on protecting beneficial species in the field
as well as introducing beneficial species in some cases to reduce the
densities of target pests.
○
○
Predators. Predators are living organisms that naturally feed on
insect pests.
Parasitoids. Parasitoids are insects that lay their eggs inside
other insect pests. The egg hatches into the body of the insect
pest and kills it in the process.
○
Exclusion of plants using screens and barriers.
■
Mulches or ground covers can be placed on the ground to
prevent the growth of weeds.
○
○
Pathogens. Pathogens are fungi, bacteria, or viruses that cause
diseases in pests.
Botanicals. Use of natural pest repellent is a form of biological
control practice.
Introduction of new natural enemies should be carefully done because it may be
an invasive species that may cause disruption of the natural ecosystem causing
more harm than good. This also applies to the use of pathogens to control pests
because these may also kill non-pest organisms.
■
■
■
Copper tape, sticky tape, grease band can be wrapped
around the trunks of trees and shrubs to prevent pests
from crawling up the plants.
Nets are usually placed above young seedlings to avoid
insect and bird damage; nurseries and tropical
greenhouses to prevent pests from entering.
Bagging fruits in paper bags or plastic keeps them away
from insect pests
One limitation of using parasitoids and predators is that they tend to move out
of the cropping area if they have no longer food to eat. The use of natural
predators may be more effective in greenhouses where they cannot escape.
■
■
Traps
Pressurized spraying to remove surface-dwelling pests.
●
Mechanical (Physical) control is any physical measure taken to trap
pest species, exclude or block them from the area, or manually or
mechanically eliminate them.
○
○
Hand-picking of pests.
Collection and destruction of diseased plant parts. Clipping and
pruning infested twigs and branches to prevent the disease from
further development. Throw away or burn the collected diseased
plant parts far away from the crops
■
■
Heat. Heating soil by burning or applying hot water will kill
disease-causing fungi, bacteria, and viruses. During
tillage, exposing the soil to the direct heat and radiation of
the sun also kills some disease-causing organisms and
soil-borne insect pests.
Moisture. Decreasing the humidity within the plants and
improving air circulation through pruning or removing plant
parts like leaves and branches will reduce the chance of
disease development..

●
●
Behavioral control often involves the use of chemicals to alter pest
behavior such as mating, aggregation, or host identification via the
use of pheromones and semiochemicals.
○ Chemical attractants.
■ Pheromones for IMP are chemicals for insect mating used
to lure pests into traps to capture male insects. This
process disrupts the mating cycle of the insect pests, thus
controlling their population.
○
Insect growth inhibitors (IGR) are insecticides that disrupt the
growth and reproduction of insects, making some insects sterile,
and preventing eggs from hatching. They may also cause
juvenile insects to have abnormal growth hindering their
maturity.
Chemical control is typically a last resort in integrated management
systems but can still be used in the context of IPM. The goal of
chemical control is to use products that specifically target a pest
(as/when possible) while also reducing the number of sprays by
using periodic sampling and action thresholds.
How to Implement IPM
1. Identify pests: Identifying pests is a critical step in developing
managing strategies. In many cases, a single pest is of primary
concern; however, many pests can be managed in similar ways
(for instance, several stink bug species cause similar damage to
fruiting structures of crops and can be managed as a species
complex). Identifying all the pests that require management can
promote the use of strategies that are effective in preventing a
range of pests.
2. Determine acceptable injury level (EIL and ET): Research-based
economic injury levels and economic thresholds are available for
many major pests and can be found in crop production and
management guides.
3. Monitor pest population levels: Achieved/accomplished through
trapping or scouting of managed areas. Degree day models are
predictive tools involving simple calculations using high and low
daily temperatures to determine when pest species may be
emerging and can sometimes help to optimize the timing of
sampling efforts.
4. Evaluate management options: Determine all available control
methods for the pest or groups of pests. Prevention or exclusion
of target pests is often the first line of defense, then biological or
chemical control can be used if pest levels still reach economic
levels.
5. Develop and implement an IPM program: Pest exclusion or
prevention should be used whenever possible, for all previously
identified pests. These strategies must be used prophylactically.
If populations still reach previously determined threshold levels,
implement one or more of all the other available control
strategies. Chemical management should be supplemental and
used if all other strategies fail. Chemical applications should be
made at the determined acceptable level of injury or ET.
6. Monitor management effectiveness: Continue to monitor pest
population levels after control implementation. This is a critical
portion in IPM as it can inform the use of additional management
strategies.
7. Evaluate the program: Evaluate the effectiveness of each step in
the IPM implementation process to determine strengths and
shortcomings for future management.
20

TREES
SOFTSCAPE MAINTENANCE
Tree forms are often dominant in the garden because of their size.
Trees are also the most functional plants in the landscape, providing
shade and blocking views. Tree maintenance in the landscape is very
important as they possess a commanding stature in the landscape.
They need to be monitored and maintained as they have a substantial
influence on the micro-climate and ecology of an area, provide
environmental benefits, contribute to a variety of sensory experiences,
and have an effect to the overall comfort. health, and safety in their
environment. They also tend to be the “long-haulers” in a landscape,
making them major elements that require proper care.
Image source:
https://www.freeimages.com/search/black-and-white-tree
22

GENERAL SOFTSCAPE MAINTENANCE PRACTICES
Contents under this section are supplementary information to the ”General
Softscape Maintenance Practice”
Feeding
●
●
Watering
Fertilize all shrubs, evergreens, trees, groundcovers, and perennials twice
a year
Fertilize once during a flowering season and once in the mid summer time
●
●
●
Two to four inches mulch depth is standard for well-drained locations. If
surrounding soil doesn’t drain well, one inch of mulch is probably enough.
Too much mulch on top of soil that drains poorly could result in the growth
of mold, root rot and plant stress.
Do not lay mulch any closer than six to 12 inches around a tree trunk and
three to six inches around plant stems. This creates a clear water zone for
trees and plants, allowing quick delivery of irrigated water and rainfall to
roots.
Avoid ‘volcano mulching’ which is when you pile the mulch up on the trunk,
as it can lead to bark decay. You can sculpt a basin around the plant to
help keep future watering in the rootzone of the plant.
●
●
Newly-planted trees will be watered at the time of installation and will be
provided with weekly supplemental water over the course of their first
growing season. Should it be necessary, supplemental irrigation may be
continued during the second growing season following installation.
○ Newly planted trees need to be watered 3 - 4 times a week, at 1/4
turn of hose nosel, for 15-20 minutes each.
Older specimens have deep root systems and do not require frequent
watering, especially if there is a layer of mulch. Only water mature plants
when the soil is dry.
○ Water in drought conditions where there is less than 1” of rain per
week
Mulching
●
Ideally, mulch would cover a tree’s entire root system. Since most tree
roots extend many feet beyond the drip line (where rain falls off leaves),
full tree mulching may not be practical or attractive. You can lay down as
wide a circle of mulch around a tree as applicable.
.
Image source:
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/you-value-trees-dont-create-infamous-mulch-volcanoes-kathy-thomas

Pruning (Trees)
Pruning Techniques for Trees:
●
Crown Cleaning
This is the process of selectively removing dead, diseased, broken,
or weakly attached branches from the crown of the tree. It helps to
correct minor growth problems in an effort to prevent bigger issues
later.
●
Utility Pruning
Utility pruning involves the removal of branches or stems to prevent
the loss of service, prevent equipment damage, and provide access
for workers. Always contact a professional for this type of pruning as
it is a highly specialized type of arboriculture with much added risk.
●
Crown Thinning
Crown thinning involves crown cleaning in addition to selectively
removing branches. It is important to not over-thin, as it can have
adverse effects. Always contact a professional to make sure you are
making the best choice for your tree. Crown thinning:
○
○
Promotes light penetration and air movement through the
crown, and improves structure
Increases light which improves light stimulation and increased
air flow to help improve the health of the tree
Tree Topping - used to reduce the tree size that involves cutting the tree
back to a predetermined crown limit. Tree topping is not recommended in
most cases as it can lead to branch dieback, decay, and unstable sprout
production from the cut ends.
Crown Restoration - used for a tree that has been previously topped, has
vigorously sprouted or has sustained significant storm damage. Crown
restoration uses specific methods and techniques to encourage ideal
growth. This usually requires several pruning over a number of years.
○
○
Reduces the wind-sail effect and relieves weight of large
clumps of foliage and heavy limbs
Retains the tree’s natural shape and structure
When to Prune Trees:
●
●
Crown Raising
Removal of the lower limbs of a tree to a desired height and is
important to provide clearance for buildings, signs, vehicles,
pedestrians and line of sight.
Crown Reduction
Reducing the overall size of a tree using specific techniques and is
important to preserve structural integrity and natural form.
Prune trees only during an appropriate time of the year in order not to
accidentally cause damage to them. The ideal time for pruning is:
● after the fruit bearing season
● before the rainy season, light pruning or trimming can be done
● during the dry months especially for trees that exude plenty of sap
● 2-3 months before the rainy season for rejuvenation
● when infection, infestation, unwanted branches and damages are
observed
24

SPECIAL SOFTSCAPE MAINTENANCE PRACTICES
Some guidelines for tree wound and cavity treatment are:
Treatment of Tree Injuries
Tree injuries come mostly in the form of wounds and cavities. These wounds
are usually unintentional, such as automobiles, construction equipment, or lawn
mowers bumping the tree trunk or surface roots, or improper pruning. Naturally
occurring events, such as storms, fires, or damage by birds or other animals,
may also cause wounds.
Trunk wounds that penetrate the bark will damage the cambium layer, a thin
layer of vascular tissue, which is vital to movement of water and nutrients.
Trees have a unique defense where wood around the wound will produce
special compounds in the wood cells that set up a barrier to isolate the infected
area. This is called compartmentalization. In a vigorous tree, new growth
continues to form and add to the sound wood. If less than 25% of the bark
around the trunk has been damaged, the tree will probably recover. Once
compartmentalized, discoloration and decay will spread no further unless one of
the barriers is broken.
Historically, many people recommended the treatment of tree wounds which
would involve applying tree paint. We now know that covering wounds with
paint is detrimental. Many of tree dressing products are petroleum-based—tar,
asphalt, paint—and serve only to impede callus tissue formation and successful
compartmentalization. These products also seal in moisture, which prevents
drying and encourages decay. In addition, some of these products can actually
be used as a source of food for fungi. In most cases, tree wounds can seal
themselves and should be allowed to go through the natural processes
described earlier.
●
●
●
●
●
●
When fresh wounds occur on the trunk, the injured bark should be
removed carefully, leaving healthy bark that is sound and tight to the
wood.
When an older wound is discovered, remove the dried and loose
bark back to the area where the new wood can be seen along the
edges of the wound. Trunk wounds that are not addressed could
potentially be a hazard in the future.
Cleaning decayed wood from cavities is not recommended since the
compartment wall might be breached and further decay of the trunk
could result.
In cases of small cavities, it is usually best to allow the tree’s natural
defensive processes to seal the cavity
Larger cavities may never seal over; however, they may not be a
problem if the tree is able to successfully compartmentalize the
wound and further damage does not occur. If it is necessary to fill a
cavity, callus tissue that has formed must not be damaged. For
cosmetic purposes, cavities could be filled with non-biodegradable
mineral compounds such as cement, mortar, or similar materials.
Storm-damaged branches should be properly pruned to expedite the
healing process. Wounds with ragged torn bark should have loose
bark removed and the rough edges smoothed by cutting with a saw,
knife, or chisel.

Tree staking and guying
Staking and guying systems are alike in most ways. Both provide temporary,
external support to trees that are not stable enough to grow without excessive
bending, partially or fully tipping over, or being vulnerable to unintentional
vandalism. Instability may be due to a tree that has grown too fast and too tall
and cannot remain upright without temporary support, a greatly reduced root
system, trees that have been partially tipped during a violent wind and
rain-loading event, or trees in high-traffic areas.
The major differences between staking and guying systems include where the
attachments to the tree trunks are placed, the height and placement of the
anchorage stakes, and sometimes, the interface (aka, connection) materials.
Staking is often occasionally used on newly planted trees when:
Tree Staking
●
They have unusually small root systems that can’t physically support
the larger, above-ground growth (stem and leaves).
●
The stem bends excessively when not supported.
●
The planting site is very windy and trees will be uprooted if they are
not supported.
●
There’s a good chance that vandals will uproot or damage
unprotected trees.
If done properly, staking provides stability until the tree can support itself.
However, if staking is done poorly or for too long, it can do far more harm than
good.
Guying is usually used for stabilizing transplanted trees with larger diameters, 4
inches or larger. Guying anchors are usually shorter and stronger since they are
driven deep into the ground and exposed only a few inches above the soil
surface.
Image source:
https://www.seattle.gov/trees/plan
ting-and-care/staking
https://www.houzz.com/discussio
ns/1714311/tree-staking
Tree Guying
26

How to Stake/Guy a Tree
1. Determine the type of system and materials appropriate
depending on the situation and size of the tree.
●
●
For small to average-sized trees (up to 10-12 feet in
height), wooden stakes are sufficient. They should be at
least 2 inches by 2 inches by 5 feet long.
For larger or heavier trees, or trees in particularly windy
situations, metal fence stakes may be necessary.
2. Place the stake upwind from the direction of prevailing winds.
● If one stake is not sufficient, place two stakes that run
parallel to the prevailing winds.
3. Drive the stake into the outer edge of the planting hole, safely
away from the root system but still within the mulched planting
area.
4. For guying straightened, wind-thrown trees, use three stakes or
anchors, equally spaced around the tree with one placed upwind
from the prevailing winds.
5. Never place guying anchors outside of the mulched planting bed
because this can become a safety hazard to people walking by
or playing near the trees
6. For staking trees, the wide, flexible stem attachment materials
should be placed either 1/3 or 2/3 the distance from the ground
up to the first set of branches.
7. Never place the attachments directly beneath the first set of
branches.
● Stems will snap in heavy wind loads if the canopy
(branches and leaves) move but the stem is held rigid
directly below the canopy.
TIP:
8. For guying trees, the attachments should be made on the
canopy stem, the area around the stem above the first set of
branches.
● This will allow maximum stability of the entire tree during
windy periods.
9. Always attach the stem to the stakes or anchors loosely, with
some flexibility at the point of attachment to the stem as well as
the attachment of the ropes or wires to the stakes or anchors.
● Trees need to move a little during windy periods in order to
develop flexible strength and stem diameter.
● Rigidly supporting trees to stakes or cables will result in tall
but weak stems.
10. Staking and guying attachments can be removed the following
year after they are installed
11. Check the tree for stability after removing the attachments. If the
tree’s root system still moves in the soil when the stem is moved
or if the stem still bends excessively, loosely reattach the
connections to the stakes. Leave the stakes or anchors on for
one more season.
As a rule of thumb, use as few as possible. For many smaller trees, one stake
is sufficient to keep the tree vertical and stable.
Stakes that are too tall for the tree may damage the branches in the canopy
from rubbing.

Cable and rod bracing
Cable and rod bracing are support devices used to address common risks of
tree breakage. Some major causes of structural instability in trees are:
●
●
●
Codominant stems, or “v-crotches”. These occur when a trunk
branches into two or more stems as opposed to having a single
leader. In codominant stem growths, the greater the angle of the
“v-crotch,” the greater the risk of structural failure. This is due to the
lack of connective tissue anchoring a stem to the tree trunk and the
presence of included bark between the stems.
Presence of long, heavy or “overextended” limbs. These are limbs
that are unusually long for the tree species or grow horizontally or
downward, with most of the foliage concentrated toward the end of
the branch. Failures usually occur when the branch is under heavy
loading such as wind, snow or ice.
Poorly anchored trees. These are the result of transplanting a tree
with a substandard rootball, a compromised root system with root
damage or decay, or planting in shallow or compacted soils.
Pruning, removal, installation of support devices such as cables,
brace bolts, and guys, or a combination of these techniques may be
recommended to resolve such problems.
Brace rods
Brace rods are used when multiple leaders exist in the tree. These rods reduce
the risk of the leaders spreading apart or moving sideways in relation to each
other. Brace rods are also used to repair a crotch or branch that has split. Brace
rods are typically accompanied by at least one cable for additional support.
Brace rods are installed as either a through rod (rod is bolted with a nut on
other side of tree or branch) or dead-end (rod is threaded into the tree)
configuration. The appropriate configuration is dependent on tree size, whether
decay is present in the tree and the structural problem on the tree.
Image source:
https://www.researchgate.net/figur
e/Forces-involved-in-different-brac
e-rod-locations_fig8_265656591 28

Cabling
Cabling restricts the distance that a branch can move in relation to the rest of
the tree. Cables are installed across a weak crotch to reduce the risk a branch
breaking. Cables are also installed on overextended branches to support the
branch. More than one cable is often necessary in the installation and may be
used in combination with brace rods. Cable systems include anchors, cables
and the appropriate termination hardware for connection to the anchor. Cable
anchors are installed in the tree at a point that is approximately 2/3 of the
distance from the weak crotch to the ends of the branches. The exact location is
determined by the location of lateral branches and the weak area of the tree
being supported. If a lightning protection system is installed in a tree with cables
installed, the cables must be connected to the lightning protection system.
There are several configurations used for multiple cable systems:
●
●
●
●
Direct cabling consisting of a single cable between two tree parts,
e.g., two limbs, two stems or a trunk and a limb
Triangular cabling consists of connecting tree parts in combinations
of three. This method is preferred when maximum support is
required
Hub and spoke cabling consists of a center attachment (hub) with
spans (spokes) of cable radiating to three or more leaders. Hub and
spoke cabling should only be used when other installation
techniques cannot be installed
Box cabling consists of connecting four or more tree parts in a closed
series. This system should only be used when minimal support is
needed.
Image source:
http://npshistory.com/series/tree/3n/bulletin.pdf

SAMPLE PICTURE OF WELL-MAINTAINED TREES
BEFORE
AFTER
Image source:
https://www.thumbtack.com/co/arvada/tree-trimming/front-range-forestry-services-llc/service/357480873061097487
https://www.treepeople.org/2016/07/12/dont-tree-pruning-mistake-prune-prune/
https://americanclimbers.com/cost-of-poor-tree-care/
30

SHRUBS AND GROUNDCOVERS
SOFTSCAPE MAINTENANCE
Shrubs and groundcovers comprise the median and low-level planting
materials in a landscape. A shrub is generally considered as plants that
is less than 15 feet tall. Ground-cover shrubs are low-growing shrubs
(around 3 feet or lower) and often have a spreading habit. Ground
covers are commonly used to cover large portions of planting beds or
landscapes. Shrubs represent a significant portion of softscape
composition as they dominate at eye level while groundcovers cover the
base and edges of a landscape.
Image source:
https://pixels.com/art/digital+art/black+and+white+botanical?page=5
32

GENERAL SOFTSCAPE MAINTENANCE PRACTICES
Contents under this section are supplementary information to the ”General
Softscape Maintenance Practice”
Mulching
●
Place mulch with 2 to 3 inches deep around the shrub.
Feeding
●
Fertilize all shrubs, evergreens, trees, groundcovers, and perennials twice
a year
●
●
Do not lay mulch any closer than three to six inches around plant stems.
Avoid ‘volcano mulching’ which is when you pile the mulch up on the trunk,
as it can lead to bark decay. You can sculpt a basin around the plant to
help keep future watering in the rootzone of the plant.
●
Fertilize once during a flowering season and once in the mid summer time
Watering
●
●
●
●
●
When watering by hand, run hose water with slow to medium pressure for
approximately 1-3 Minutes per plant. Evergreens need to be watered
about 5 Minutes each day.
Run over each plant a few times to allow water to reach the root zone.
During hot weather, additional watering may be needed.
Newly planted shrubs and evergreens should be watered once daily for
the first week
Established shrubs need to be watered 1-2 times per week, depending on
the weather
Established groundcover can be watered around 3 times a week,
depending on the weather
.
Image source:
http://permadesign.com/portfolios/mulching_materials

Pruning (Shrubs)
Pruning Techniques for Shrubs:
●
●
Pinching Back
Simply use your fingers to pinch off the terminal bud of the branch.
This will encourage lateral branches to form and can be a great way
to prevent more pruning later on.
Heading Back
This method removes the terminal bud, resulting in more branches.
Cut the branch at an angle, about ¼” above a branch bud and
sloping down and away from the bud. The branches about 6” to 8”
below your cut will be stimulated the most, so keep that in mind
when choosing where to cut. The bud nearest the cut determines the
direction the branch grows, with the outward-facing bud usually
resulting in the best shape. If a heading cut is made in the middle of
a branch with no bud, the result will be a flush of growth at the site of
the cut.
●
●
●
Thinning
Thinning involves removing branches while leaving the terminal bud.
Make the cut just outside the branch collar, which is the bulge where
the branch meets the stem, but don’t leave a stub. Thinning can
produce a more open, shapely plant, without altering its overall size,
shape, or growth habit.
Renewal Or Rejuvenation Pruning
Renewal pruning involves removing the oldest stems and branches
at the base, then thinning or heading back the younger stems to
promote regrowth. With rejuvenation pruning, the entire shrub is cut
to stubs less than 12”. This drastic measure is usually done if a
shrub has become an overgrown, tangled mass that is not blooming
well.
Shearing
Shearing involves trimming off the tips of branches and is best used
only for formal hedges. Shearing alters the shrub’s natural shape
and promotes thick growth only on the exterior of the plant, which
results in dead foliage and lack of growth on the interior branches.
When to prune shrubs:
The time of year to prune shrubs depends on whether the species blooms on
old wood or new wood.
●
●
Prune plants that flower on old wood just after they flower. If you
prune later in the year, you will most likely be cutting off flower buds
that will open the following spring.
Prune plants that flower on new wood any time after they flower to
just before they leaf out in the spring.
Shrubs that flower on old wood produce flower buds in the year prior to
flowering. For example, a forsythia that flowers in spring 2008 produces
flower buds in the summer of 2007. A species that flowers on new wood
produces flowers in the year that it flowers. For example, butterfly bush
or crape myrtle sets flower buds in 2007 and flowers in 2007.
●
For shrubs that do not produce showy flowers, you can prune most
any time of the year. 34

SAMPLE PICTURE OF WELL-MAINTAINED SHRUBS
AND GROUND COVER
Image source:
https://www.istockphoto.com/photos/conifers-garden
https://www.azplantlady.com/tag/senna-nemophila
https://www.galenalawncare.com/how-to-trim-overgrown-hedges/

TURF AND LAWNS
SOFTSCAPE MAINTENANCE
Turf is valuable in the landscape for aesthetic appeal and environmental
contributions, such as protecting soil from erosion, capturing runoff
water, reducing dust and heat irradiation. As a natural carpet, a lawn is a
cushion in recreational sports or for relaxation.
Image source:
https://www.istockphoto.com/photo/natural-grass-texture-in-black-and-white-gm976645296-265591228
36

GENERAL SOFTSCAPE MAINTENANCE PRACTICES
Contents under this section are supplementary information to the ”General
Softscape Maintenance Practice”
Feeding
Watering
●
Conduct a visual examination of turf health and vigor for the assessment
of fertilizer needs.
●
Be careful not to overwater as this may cause disease. Make sure there
are never any puddles in the seeded areas.
●
●
●
Maintain intervals of two weeks or more between applications. Lengthen
intervals if applying more than 0.5 lb. N/1000 sq. ft. at any one time.
Special precaution should be taken for fertilizer applications at either end
of the growing season when plant uptake rates may be slow.
Apply no more than 3.0 lb N/1000 sq ft. No P unless a P deficiency is
identified by a soil test (certain exemptions for compost).
Individual application amount of less than 0.5 lb. N/1000 sq. ft. per
application is preferred. No more than 1.0 lb. N/1000 sq. ft. is allowed per
application. If a total 3.0 lbs. N is applied at rates of 0.5 lb. N/1000 sq. ft.,
this implies six applications over no less than twelve weeks. If all 3.0 lbs.
are applied at 1.0 lb. N/1000 sq. ft., this implies three applications over no
less than twelve weeks.
●
●
Be careful not to underwater. There should never be any cracking or
dry-looking areas in the soil.
Watering schedule:
○ First two weeks: Twice a day for 5 minutes per section
○
○
○
Third week: Water same as first two only with a broad misting
fashion
Fourth week and on: Slowly reduce the amount of watering (every
other day) to train the roots to reach deeper for water source
In extreme heat (29 degrees celsius or higher): water more often as
needed
● During times of rapid growth and fertilizer uptake, up to 0.25 lb. N/1000
sq. ft. of fast‐release fertilizer may be used in an application. The balance
must be slow‐release fertilizer.
●
Either organic or synthetic fertilizers may be used.

SPECIAL SOFTSCAPE MAINTENANCE PRACTICES
Mowing
Mowing is done for more than just appearance. Lawns that are mowed regularly and properly have greater tolerance to heat and drought and are less susceptible
to problems.
●
●
●
●
●
Ideal mowing height varies by grass type and region.
As a guideline, no more than about 1⁄3 of the grass blade should be removed at one time.
Mowing should be done on a regular schedule. In general, weekly mowing is recommended, but this can vary with different turf types, seasons and changing
conditions.
Adjust the frequency of mowing based on the growth rate of the grass in order to remove approximately 1/3 of the grass at each mowing.
Less frequent mowing is beneficial; it promotes root growth and produces healthier turf.
MOWING CHEAT SHEET:
Cool season grasses, such as ryegrass, Bluegrass or fescue, should be
mowed to a height of 2 – 3" (5.0 – 7.5 cm)
Buffalograss can be mowed to shorter heights of less than 2" (5 cm) or
it can also be left unmowed
Bentgrass, commonly used on golf course putting greens, can be
mowed to 1⁄8"
Bluegrass and fescue lawns may require mowing twice a week in the
spring when growth is fastest; in hot, dry or cold conditions, these
grasses may need mowing only once every week to 10 days
Buffalograss may only require mowing every 10 – 20 days, depending
on how much water it receives
Bentgrass may be mowed two or more times per week depending on
the desired appearance and texture
38

How to Mow
1. Walk the site and remove debris before mowing.
2. Identify and clear any hazards or obstacles.
3. Begin by making two passes the width of the mower around the
perimeter of the area. Blow clippings to the inside.
4. Overlap each pass using the following guidelines:
● 21" mower — overlap approximately 2" (5 cm)
●
Intermediate walk-behind mower — overlap
approximately 4" (10 cm)
● Riding mower — overlap approximately 8" (20
cm)
5. Mow in a direction perpendicular (at right angles) to the direction
mowed the previous time. Note: On slopes, mow from side to side
to prevent rollover.
6. If mulching mowers are used, clippings may be left on the lawn to
decompose, which will provide the lawn with nutrients and
organic matter.
7. Keep mower blades sharp. Dull blades shred grass instead of
cutting it cleanly. As a general rule, sharpen mower blades as
needed, and at least weekly
Image source:
https://s3.amazonaws.com/img.mynetdiary.com/blog/are-mowing-and-weeding-exercise.jpeg

Aerating and Dethatching
Aerating and dethatching are procedures that can deal effectively with too much
thatch (build-up of decaying organic matter and debris) and provide other
benefits to overall turf health. Prior to aerating or de-thatching, it is useful to
take a core sample from the turf area to determine the amount of thatch, soil
moisture and compaction. The core sample allows you to observe what the
conditions are several inches below the grass, which includes the thatch layer
and underlying soil.
Aerating helps the turf by reducing soil compaction, and improving uptake of
oxygen, fertilizer and other nutrients. It also enhances irrigation effectiveness —
after aeration, water reaches the root zone quicker and run-off is reduced.
Aeration breaks down thatch, creating a more favorable environment for roots
to grow
How to Aerate
● Aerate the ground by creating small, evenly spaced holes, 3 – 4"
(7.5 – 10.0 cm) deep throughout a turf area.
●
●
Aerating can be done manually for small areas, and tow-behind
and power aerators for larger areas.
Aerate soil before fertilizing or reseeding - clay soils twice a year,
sandy soils once a year. Aerating should be avoided in periods of
high heat or during drought conditions to minimize stress to the
root system.
Image source:
https://prestigekentucky.com/the-importance-of-aeration/
https://www.drapertools.com/product/30565/lawn-aerator/
40

Weed control
While sustainable lawns may have some weedy plants in them, having
well-adapted grass varieties will help keep weeds to a minimum. In golf
courses, weed control is usually concerned with maintaining the uniformity of
the stand. But there are other reasons to control turfgrass weeds: competition
with turfgrass, hard to mow plants, spiny plants.
A few weeds in a lawn are not a serious threat to lawn health. You can adjust
cultural practices to keep plants healthy when controlling weeds with reduced or
no use of herbicides. In some cases, promoting plant health to create a
vigorous lawn can prevent any serious weed problems from taking over.
Weeds as Indicators of Specific Conditions
How to implement a weed control plan:
1. Know what kinds of turfgrass you have and the total area of each
different type.
2. Identify the problem weeds and note what time of the year they
occur.
3. Determine why the weeds invaded the turf area and correct the
conditions or cultural practices that caused the problem.
4. When an herbicide is needed:
● Select a chemical that is effective for the weeds and safe
for the turfgrass.
Low pH
Soil compaction
red sorrel
goosegrass, knotweed, Poa annua, path rush
●
Follow all label directions.
Low nitrogen
legumes: clover, lespedeza
●
Apply the herbicide at the correct time and rate.
Poor (sandy) soils
Poor drainage
High pH
sandbur, poorjoe
sedges, rushes
plantains
●
Apply the herbicide uniformly over the turf area without
skips or overlapping.
High nematode populations
Low mowing
Surface moisture
prostrate spurge, knotweed
algae
●
Repeat the herbicide application when specified on the
label.
5. Follow a good turf management program along with the weed
control program. An integrated approach that includes enhancing
turfgrass competition, mechanical control and chemical control
methods will be the most successful weed control program.
6.

SAMPLE PICTURE OF TURFS AND LAWNS
Image source:
https://www.myhometurf.com.au/lawn-tips/what-grass-is-used-on-golf-courses/
https://simmonslandscape.com/how-poor-drainage-damages-your-lawn/
https://golf.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/badgrass2-1024x576.jpg

HARDSCAPE MAINTENANCE
Landscape Maintenance Manual
44

Veterans Golf Club
HARDSCAPE PLAN
NTS
This Landscape Maintenance Manual is based on “Banyuhay”, the Veterans Memorial Mediacal Center Golf
Course Redevelopment plan by Ar. Ron Rodil (GDipLS 2023-2024)

Hardscape is the “hard” features in your landscape. It is the heavier,
unchanging, inanimate objects comprised of gravel, paving, stone and wood.
Hardscape elements include built landscape elements and fixtures.
46

HARDSCAPE MAINTENANCE PRACTICES
Contents under this section are supplementary information to the ”General
Softscape Maintenance Practice”
Landscape Features
Paved surfaces, walkays, and footpaths
●
Keep paved walkways and footpaths free of litter and debris
○ Paved walkways and footpaths should be scouted daily, and a leaf
blower should be used to blow off surfaces once daily and following
other activities, such as lawn mowing or bed mulching, in adjacent
areas.
Seating
●
●
Benches and chairs are to be repositioned as necessary to maintain
garden aesthetics and ease of public use.
Practice biennial inspections to address need for power washing.
○ If deemed necessary, power washing will be completed before the
dry
season.
●
●
●
●
●
At no time should an accumulation of sand, dirt, leaves, graffiti, mold, or
mildew detract from the appearance or safety of paved walkways and
footpaths.
Conduct regular scouting for emergence of weeds between cracks.
Practice annual inspections in the November for spalling, cracking, or
other damage caused by the rainy season
○ There should not be irregularities in grade greater than half an inch
(0.5’’) and these should be free of cracks and holes greater than two
(2”) inches in diameter and depth.
○
The need for repairs will be evaluated following inspection, and any
necessary repairs will be conducted within the same calendar year.
Markings
○ Pavement markings will be evaluated annually to assess the need
for re-touching or re-striping.
Ensure that paved walkways, footpaths, steps, and ramps are clear of
obstructions that may impede traffic or cause harm to the users
Trash receptacles
●
●
Practice annual inspections to address need for power washing, which will
be completed before the dry season.
Repair and graffiti removal needs should be addressed immediately upon
discovery.
Markers and way-finding
●
●
Fencing
●
Practice annual inspections to address need for power washing, which will
be completed before the dry season.
Repair and graffiti removal needs should be addressed immediately upon
discovery.
The fence will be monitored on an ongoing basis for damage to posts,
mesh, or signage. Any necessary repairs or replacements are to be made
promptly, either by the project assistant or a qualified contractor.

Water Features
●
●
●
●
●
●
Water features and ponds should be filled year-round; and hardy plants
may remain in place throughout the year.
Conduct a monthly inspection of water features for proper functionality
○ If not working properly, troubleshoot and then call VGC work
reception desk to request a plumber
Skim off and remove debris as needed
○ During growing and shedding seasons, water features should be
skimmed daily.
At least once every two weeks, aquatic plants should be groomed to
remove any dead, diseased, or unsightly foliage.
Pond dye may be added if necessary to maintain water opacity.
Algaecides, flocculants, or other additives may be required in order to
prevent or control algae blooms.
○ Liquid barley extract should be applied every two weeks or as
required to prevent algae from proliferating.
○
Should algae develop, chemical algaecides non-toxic to desirable
aquatic plants and fish may be applied.
Image source: https://ggapartners.com/single-blog-template/
○
Following application of algaecide, flocculant may be required to
facilitate cleanup of algae debris.
48

SITE UTILITIES MAINTENANCE
Landscape Maintenance Manual

IRRIGATION MAINTENANCE
General Care
LIGHTING MAINTENANCE
General Care
●
Make sure to have an updated map, inventory, and tagging system
for lighting fixtures in the development
●
●
Irrigation system should be scouted on an ongoing basis, while
active, for correct operation
Minor malfunctions should be fixed immediately upon discovery if
possible, but within a maximum timeframe of one working week
● If a major leak or issue is discovered, it should be stabilized /
contained as soon as possible, and VGC plumbing crew called to
address the situation.
●
●
Conduct a monthly inspection of the functionality, cleanliness, and
integrity of the lamps and lighting fixtures
○ Any necessary bulb replacements and minor adjustments
should be made at time of inspection
○ Inspections should be done a minimum of two weeks prior to
any evening event
Larger issues should be referred to VGC electricians for investigation
and repair.
DRAINAGE MAINTENANCE
General Care
●
Check and remove drain blockages like leaves, dirt, stones, toys,
trash, etc.
○ Use a garden hose to flush water through the drain and see if
that helps clear any remaining blockage. If this doesnt work, try
a snake drain.
●
●
Avoid using chemicals in your yard drainage as they typically drain
directly into a waterway via the storm sewer without first treating the
water at a sewage treatment facility.
Repair or replace broken drain grates and pipes that might have
been damaged.
50

ANNEXES
ANNEX A - Personnel Requirements
ANNEX B - Basic Landscape Maintenance Equipment Requirements Checklist
1. Maintenance supervisors: Administrators who strategize and organize
park maintenance tasks, which can include planning, obtaining equipment,
enforcing rule and regulation compliance, and staff management.
2. Custodians/Janitors: This type of staff is responsible for ensuring the
cleanliness of park facilities, such as recreation areas, restrooms, and
shelters. They might help with lighting, the proper use of which can reduce
instances of vandalism.
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
hardhats
safety glasses or goggles
hearing protection
respirators
reflective vests
gloves
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
spade
pitchfork
rake
garden trowel
wheelbarrow
landscape broom
3. Landscapers and gardeners: These maintenance workers help out with
grass mowing, irrigation, debris cleanup, pruning, planting, and controlling
weeds. Individuals who have pesticides and fertilizers are handling
potentially dangerous chemicals, so they need a license from the federal
government to prove they know how to use them safely.
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
safety shoes
aerators
topdressing machines
vertical mowing units
fertilization and herbicide
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
blowers
trimmers
hedge trimmers
lopper for branches
heavy-duty lopper for large
4. Technicians: Caring for equipment, managing HVAC systems, and
maintaining plumbing are some of the many technician duties.
❏
sprayers
power washer
❏
branches
anvil-type hand shears
❏
hose
❏
scissor-type hand shears
❏
mowers
❏
hedge shears
❏
tractors
❏
electric hedge shears
❏
weed eaters
❏
pruning knife
❏
utility vehicles
❏
pruning saw
❏
shovel
❏
power saw for large limbs
❏
pole pruner for high branches

ANNEXES
Maintenance Activity Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Softscape
Monitoring ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
ANNEX C
Maintenance Schedule (Annual)
Planting ✔ ✔
Trees, shrubs, and ground covers
Fertilizing (depending on plant phenology) ✔ ✔
Watering (as needed) ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
Trimming ✔ ✔ ✔
Pruning ✔ ✔ ✔
Mulching ✔ ✔ ✔
Installation of Suport Devices (as needed)
Clearing of Botanic Litter
(as needed - depending on plant phenology) ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
✔
Turf and Lawns
Lawn Seeding (as needed)
✔
Aerating ✔ ✔
Mowing ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
Weeding ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
Pest Management
Monitoring ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
Hardscape
Monitoring ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
Inspection
Repairs (repainting and refurbishing)
Power washing
✔
✔
✔
52

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