California State University, Los Angeles
OP-9: Landscape Management

Areas where buildings are located are not included.

The following section is included in Cal State LA's Sustainable Landscapes and Tree Care Plan:

2.2. Integrated Pest Management

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an ecosystem-based strategy that focuses on long-term pest prevention through a combination of common-sense practices. IPM techniques include biological control, habitat manipulation, modification of human behavior, and use of pest resistant plant species. Chemical pesticide treatment to address weed and pest issues is to be used only as a last resort.

Cal State LA staff and pest management contractors shall follow an IPM strategy that focuses on long-term pest prevention and/or suppression through a combination of techniques, such as: 1) monitoring for pest presence and establishing treatment threshold levels, 2) using non-chemical practices to make the habitat less conducive to pest development, 3) improving sanitation, and 4) employing mechanical and physical controls.

Cal State LA’s Grounds unit and pest management contractors are to manage pest problems for all campus grounds and interior spaces through the following IPM procedural order:

1. Prevention: reducing the landscape’s capacity to support the target weed or pest population through proper planning and design of green spaces
2. Education: changing user behavior to limit potential pest problems from arising
3. Cultural: using appropriate maintenance practices to support strong, healthy plants that prevent weeds and pests from developing
4. Physical: using physical methods or mechanical equipment to control weeds and pests, such as mowing, traps, lure and barriers.
5. Biological: using living organisms to control pest populations, such as healthy turf, beneficial insects, and other natural predators.
6. Chemical: applying minimum amount of non-pesticide alternatives, and pesticides in combination with other approaches only as a last resort

Any treatment of pests is to be made with the goal of removing only the target organism. Pest control materials are to be selected and applied in a manner with the least possible hazard to people, property, and the environment. When establishing a pest treatment plan, appropriately licensed personnel are to first use non-chemical and biological controls.

If this treatment is ineffective, use Tier 3 (least hazardous) herbicides/insecticides, progressing to Tier 2 and then to Tier 1 (most hazardous) only if necessary to manage the pests. Least toxic pesticides include: 1) Boric acid, 2) Desiccant dusts (diatomaceous earth and silica gel), 3) Nonvolatile insect and rodent baits in tamper resistant containers or for crack and crevice treatment only, 4) Microbe-based pesticides, 5) Pesticides made with essential oils (not including pyrethrums) without toxic synergists; and, 6) Materials for which the inert ingredients are nontoxic and disclosed.

Cal State LA staff and pest management contractors are to utilize only Tier-rated herbicides/insecticides as listed on the current San Francisco Department of Environment Hazard Screening List. Restricted-use pesticides are not to be used on main campus landscapes. For additional guidance, see DGS Management Memo 15-06: State Buildings and Grounds Maintenance and Operation.

To commemorate Arbor Day on April 29, 2022, Cal State LA students, with assistance from Facilities Services and Associated Students, Inc., planted 47 trees throughout the core of campus. The student volunteers learned how to plant the trees and about native tree species that support local biodiversity. The event is part of the University’s partnership with North East Trees to mitigate climate change by planting trees at Cal State LA and surrounding communities.

The Resilience Assessment in Cal State LA ‘s Climate Action Plan identifies the major climate hazards for the University as “extreme heat, wildfires and reduced air quality, drought conditions, and heavier storms and flooding.” The robust tree canopy being planted at Cal State LA will address these hazards by providing critical shade and evaporative cooling benefits, and improves air quality, stormwater management, energy efficiency, and overall public health benefits.

2.3. Water Use Management

Green infrastructure and low impact development (LID) practices are to be a priority for all new construction, major renovation, and development projects across campus. There are multiple benefits to implementing green infrastructure and LID principles and practices, such as protecting animal habitats, improving management of runoff and flooding, improving groundwater quality and quantity, mitigating urban heat island (UHI) effects, and raising community aesthetics and value.

Green infrastructure applies systems and practices that use or mimic natural processes to infiltrate, evapotranspirate, or reuse stormwater or runoff on the site where it is generated. Examples of green infrastructure include rainwater harvesting, downspout disconnection, rain gardens, compost-amended bioswales, permeable pavements, bioretention planters, green streets and alleys, vegetated roofs, rain barrels, permeable pavement, and urban tree canopy.

LID is as an approach to land development that works with nature to manage stormwater as close to its source as possible. LID employs principles such as preserving and recreating natural landscape features, and minimizing effective imperviousness to create functional and appealing site drainage. LID practices include natural or man-made swales, depressions and vegetated areas to capture and retain water onsite, and allowing time for water to soak into the soil where it is naturally filtered.

There are 5 core requirements when it comes to designing for LID:

1. Conserve natural areas wherever possible
2. Minimize the development impact on hydrology
3. Maintain runoff rate and duration from the site
4. Scatter integrated management practices (IMPs) throughout site
5. Implement pollution prevention, proper maintenance and public education programs.

New landscape over 500 square ft. installed by contractors must meet state requirements including the 2015 Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance. Landscapes that support MS4 stormwater management program with bio-swales and other water retention bodies are encouraged.

New landscape installed by contractors as part of construction activities must comply with Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP), Section 01 57 23, outlining the necessary actions to implement to prevent the pollution of storm and non-storm water discharges during construction.

The campus irrigation controls are to be a centralized and “smart” system, with bi-directional communication, weather station connectivity, flow sensors, and master valve operation. Landscape water conservation best practices, such as limiting water intensive lawns, xeriscaping, permeable hardscaping, installation of drip irrigation, and drought resistant plants, is encouraged.

Our green waste is managed offsite, and converted to mulch.

Cal State LA participates in the City Plants program, a non-profit organization running a public-private partnership to coordinate tree planting and care throughout the City of Los Angeles. City Plants provides free shade trees for property owners in the City of LA every year, along with guidance on where to plant those trees to maximize energy efficiency.

Cal State LA's Sustainable Landscapes and Tree Care Plan covers Landscape Policies (Plant and Tree Selection, Integrated Pest Management, Water Use Management, Routine Tree Maintenance, Tree Maintenance during Construction, Maintenance of Newly Planted Trees, Tree and Stump Removal, Protection and Preservation), Responsible Parties (Landscape Advisory Committee, Facilities Services, Faculty and Student Managed Spaces, Contractors), Campus Tree Program, and Communication Strategy.