University of South Florida (Tampa)
OP-T2-47: Xeriscaping

Sustainable landscape is a high priority of the University. USF uses plant species that are indigenous to the natural plant communities of the Tampa Bay area. Application of low maintenance xeriscape landscape treatments for new building construction and new campus common areas is required by USF policy. The University minimizes site disturbance on previously undeveloped sites, and utilizes native or adapted non-invasive xeriscape vegetation when restoring disturbed areas. In cases where non-native plants are used they are limited to non-invasive species able to resist periods of drought and require little fertilization or use of pesticides. The University protects areas of native plant communities from development, including the large USF Forest Preserve property north of the main campus. Campus development is carefully sited to minimize impacts to existing trees. The trees are protected from damage through the use of perimeter barricades placed at the tree drip lines or critical root zones. Limited existing trees that must be removed are replaced with new trees, which may be planted at the construction site or elsewhere on campus. The University maintains and improves existing vegetative communities through the removal of ecologically undesirable and invasive vegetation. The University is reducing the extent of turf grass on campus in favor of alternative native and xeriscape groundcovers to reduce water consumption, fertilizer application, and mowing. A tree and plant inventory and interactive mapping system is currently in development in order to keep a live landscape data inventory, including the 2,384 campus trees planted since 2010. Please see: http://usfweb2.usf.edu/FacilitiesPlan/Campus%20Planning/Goals_Objectives_Policies.html