The Ruby Hill project will include two types of sustainable landscaping.
Mulch areas: Rings of mulch around trees will be expanded to incorporate clusters of trees.
Natural Landscaping: Selected areas (15.9 acres) will have native/natural plants introduced using seeding or planting techniques.
The project has four phases:
Phase 1 - Removal of existing bluegrass (using an herbicide application such as RoundUp). The first application is scheduled for Tuesday, September 11, 2007 (weather permitting); follow up applications will be done only if needed. If the schedule changes, updates will posted on this page.
Phase 2 - Irrigation system modifications to improve watering efficiency. This will begin towards the end of September.
Phase 3 - Drill seeding of native grass mix into the dead bluegrass. The dead bluegrass will serve as a protective cover for the native seed, allowing it to grow and take root more successfully. This phase will also include the expansion of mulch around selected tree clusters. This will begin in early-mid October.
Phase 4 - Contracted maintenance during the establishment period (3 years). This includes weeding, trash removal, irrigation, and maintenance of the native plants.
Below is the map from the 2004 Ruby Hill Master Plan. The area being converted to low-water native meadow as part of this project is highlighted in red.