DRAFT Document valid at the date shown on the page header. Landscape and Planting. DETE Facilities Design Standards and Guidelines 1999 Page 1

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1 DETE Facilities Design Standards and Guidelines 1999 Page 1 Landscape and Planting D1 DRAFT Document valid at the date shown on the page header.

2 DETE Facilities Design Standards and Guidelines 1999 Page 2 Preface This document is a part of the DETE Facilities Design Standards and Guidelines document. It has been produced jointly by the Department for Administrative and Information Services and the Department of Education, Training and Employment with the following purposes:- To provide a reference for the selection and location of plant and tree species for educational facilities. This guide is located within the Standards and Guidelines document as follows. P PLANNING GUIDELINES P1 General P2 Children s Services Centre P3 Primary/Junior Primary School P4 Secondary School P5 Area School P6 Special Education P7 TAFE D DESIGN GUIDELINES D1 Landscape and Planting D2 Relocatable Buildings D3 Environmental Design D4 Disability Access D5 Shade Structures D6 Heating, Cooling & Ventilation S STANDARDS S1 Introduction S2 Buildings S3 Fixtures, Fittings and Furniture S4 Acoustics S5 Heating, Cooling & Ventilation S6 Exhaust Ventilation S7 Fire Protection S8 Hydraulics S9 Electrical Services S10 Structural S11 Civil Siteworks S12 References R REFERENCE DOCUMENTS R1 Standard Detail Drawings R2 Building Details R3 New Schools-Heating/Cooling Options R4 Existing Schools Heating/Cooling Upgrades R5 Alternative Technologies Heating/Cooling/ Ventilation Options R6 Exhaust Systems R7 Underground Oil Tanks R8 Buildings Treated With Termiticides

3 DETE Facilities Design Standards and Guidelines 1999 Page 3 D1 Landscape and Planting CONTENTS 1.1 Introduction Purpose Landscape Design Plant Selection Planting Guide Maintenance 1.2 Suitable Plants Trees Shrubs Ground Covers Climbing Plants 1.3 Plants not Recommended Purpose Management Species Not Recommended 1.4 Plants not Permitted Purpose Species not Permitted

4 DETE Facilities Design Standards and Guidelines 1999 Page 4 D1 Landscape and Planting Guide D Introduction Purpose The purpose of this document is to state some simple design and selection criteria and present them in the form of guidelines which will maximise the benefits of trees, shrubs and ground cover in schools, while minimising risk and maintenance issues. Success comes from the ability to put the right plant in the right location Landscape Design The design of the outdoor spaces is a specialist activity as important as the design of indoor spaces. Plants should be an integral part of the outdoor spaces of all educational institutions. The selection of plants needs to be carefully considered, and later sections given detailed advice on appropriate plant selection. Not all trees respond well in the built environment and some have an adverse effect on buildings, paving, underground services, overhead cables and neighbouring properties. Trees should not be planted where they can adversely affect their surroundings over their life into maturity. To fulfil a shade need it may be preferable to erect a shade structure such as a pergola or verandah. Tree and shrub selection should consider student supervision and surveillance. No vegetation should exist in the zone from about one metre to two metres above ground level. Trees with a natural canopy which starts two metres above the ground at maturity are the most appropriate. Trees should not be planted closer than their mature spread to buildings and be kept clear of paths, underground services and boundaries. Trees on reactive soil sites should not be planted closer to buildings or boundaries than two and one-half times their mature height. Deciduous trees can be used to allow winter sun to penetrate particular areas, whereas evergreen trees provide shade all year. If trees are intended to provide shade their best location is an arc from north-east by east to north-west by west. For complete canopy closure, trees should be planted slightly less than one mature diameter from each other.

5 DETE Facilities Design Standards and Guidelines 1999 Page Plant Selection Plants are best chosen to fulfil one or more particular functions, which can be covered under the following headings: Climate Modification provide shade and protection against sun and wind. reduce air movement and help control dust movement help reduce air temperature through natural evaporative cooling. contribute to the carbon dioxide/oxygen cycle. Visual quality define, separate or link spaces provide appropriate screening Environmental Considerations introduce the natural environment into school grounds. highlight seasonal changes provide a habitat for birds. The process requires selecting the most appropriate plants and locations. Plants should have sufficient space in which to fully develop the characteristics for which they were chosen. The plant lists that follow identify suitable and unsuitable plants for educational institutions, in Metropolitan Adelaide. The lists are not exhaustive but the suitable plants are generally ones which require minimum maintenance and are largely free of the most common plant failings. Australian native plants are often promoted as being low maintenance, and they are in their local natural environment. To perform optimally in a built up environment however they do need water and nutrients, and judicious pruning at times. The most appropriate plants are those that come from or do well in the local soil and climate. It is generally accepted that the smaller plant size, the more successful its establishment will be. The larger the plant, the greater the likelihood of root damage, and thus the larger the pause in plant growth. Tube-stock or plants no taller than 1 metre are recommended. Sometimes it is tempting to buy large plants for initial effect. If this is done, then expect a slower growth rate in the plants early years, whose growth could be overtaken by smaller specimens. When selecting a suitable tree, it should have a single stem which should be firm for its size, and not whippy. When selecting a shrub, the canopy should be similar in form to the adult plant. The canopy of either tree or shrub should be well balanced and showing new leaves or leaf-buds.

6 DETE Facilities Design Standards and Guidelines 1999 Page 6 Plants should appear vigorous, in good health and have been well cared for. Those which are in poor condition and what may appear to be bargains could be suspect Planting Guide Trees and shrubs should be planted upright and in a reasonably well drained area free of competition from other plants, lawn and weeds. Ensure minimum damage is done to the roots during planting. Plants should be planted when the soil is warm and moist, temperature mild and no risk of frost. Autumn is the ideal time, with Spring next. Ensure that the soil in the planting area is loose and free of weeds. Cultivate to break up heavy clay and add gypsum. Do not create a smooth sided hole as the roots will have difficulty spreading into the surrounding soil. Spread the roots from the root ball, plant in the hole and firm the soil down and around the plant. Water well to help compact the soil. Mulching Mulching is an important means of reducing water loss from evaporation, and reducing weed competition. Much can be any organic material such as wood chips or straw. Mulch on garden areas generally should be a material that does not get spread around or blown away easily Wood chip and shaving mulches are available that mat together well. Mulch should be 50-75mm deep. Fertilising For new plants, a slow release fertiliser spread on top of the soil is preferred. Watering Plants need regular watering in the first two years to ensure their establishment. Special arrangements need to be made during school holiday periods. If the root system of young plants dry out, they will die. Staking Staking is not recommended to support a tree, as it should be allowed to develop freely to resist wind forces. If it is necessary in some locations, then three stakes with a loose bracing of the tree to allow movement is preferred. Stakes and mesh surrounds can be used to protect young plants from damage from mowers and vandalism. Consider the local circumstances, as stakes can be used for inappropriate purposes Maintenance It is recommended that the school establish a diary or log book (incorporated into the Facilities Management Plan) to list all routine and seasonal tasks required to maintain the site landscape in peak condition.

7 DETE Facilities Design Standards and Guidelines 1999 Page 7 Include such items as:- fertilising regimes nursery and landscape material suppliers and prices tool and equipment maintenance requirements list plant failures for future reference list storm damage and insect attacks include a site planting plan with all plants identified The following check list of grounds maintenance work can be used as a guide:- Generally regularly clean up leaves, branches, berries and needles especially from paths and stormwater channels. inspect gutters, down-pipes and sumps and clear blockages. check for leaks from taps and irrigation system. report vandalism and graffiti as it arises consider student traffic patterns and adjust paths to suit, if possible. examine steps and ramps and paving for occupational, health and safety requirements. Oval and Grass Areas water to provide a safe playing surface, being careful not to over or under-water. consider replacing grassed areas with mulch to reduce water use and maintenance where not specifically required to be grass. core and tyne playing field every three years. fertilise, top-dress and treat for weeds regularly. check sprinkler operation and ensure head to head coverage. be aware of potential for bee stings from clover and reduce clover content, if a problem. Garden Areas ensure mulch cover is maintained. ensure a regular regime of weed removal before they become established. remove nuisance tree and bush limbs. remove dead and dying plants. consider the life span of plants and plan a replanting program in advance of their removal. paths should be clear from intruding foliage. keep plants with significant pollen production away from paths to avoid upsetting those susceptible to their effects. Trees and Shrubs have a tree audit carried out every five years (or on demand) to ensure they remain in a safe condition. report any signs of large dying limbs, termites, borers, and major fungal attack. be aware of the condition of all trees and shrubs on the site.

8 DETE Facilities Design Standards and Guidelines 1999 Page 8 D1 Landscape and Planting Guide D Suitable Plants The following lists are of plants considered suitable for planting in educational institutions in Metropolitan Adelaide. For country areas, coastal areas and hills sites consult with local experts Trees This list considers only trees in the small to medium size range and avoids large trees, and ones known to be short-lived or subject to random limb loss. Heights and spreads will vary according to location and care given to them. SPECIES height spread benefits liabilities (m) (m) Acacia baileyana (n) 6 6 winter evergreen brittle limbs ferny leaves pollen allergy, short-lived Acacia longifolia (n) 5 5 fast growing evergreen pollen allergy Acacia melanoxylon evergreen (n) pollen allergy Acacia pendula (n) 10 4 graceful evergreen weeping pollen allergy Acacia podalyriifolia 6 6 silver foliage evergreen (n) winter pollen allergy Acacia pycnantha (n) 8 6 glossy leaves evergreen (C) borers pollen allergy Acacia salicina (n) 10 4 graceful evergreen weeping pollen allergy Acacia saligna (n) 5 5 showy evergreen (C) pollen allergy Acacia longifolia var 5 5 evergreen sophorae (n) pollen

9 DETE Facilities Design Standards and Guidelines 1999 Page 9 allergy Acer negundo 5 5 ornamental winged Variegatum shade seeds deciduous Acmena smithii (n) 6 4 shade evergreen messy berries Agonis flexuosa (n) 6 6 weeping evergreen (C) weeping habit may impede surveillance Albizzia julibrissin ferny leaves, Rosea, deciduous Allocasuarina 5 5 verticillata (n) (C) Angophora costata (n) 12 8 Angophora floribunda 12 8 evergreen Arbutus unedo 6 6 red fruits evergreen (C) Banksia ericifolia (n) showy evergreen Banksia ornata (n) showy evergreen Bauhinia candia 5 3 evergreen Bauhinia variegata 5 3 ornamental evergreen Callistemon ornamental evergreen Harkness Callistemon 3 3 ornamental evergreen viminalis (n) weeping surveillance Calodendron ornamental evergreen capense showy Erythrina indica ornamental spiny showy deciduous Eucalyptus 5 5 silver foliage evergreen campaspe Eucalyptus 6 4 graceful evergreen calycogona

10 DETE Facilities Design Standards and Guidelines 1999 Page 10 Eucalyptus cosmophylla (n) showy evergreen Eucalyptus evergreen forrestiana (n) 4 3 fruits Eucalyptus 6 4 showy evergreen lansdowniana (n) weeping Eucalyptus evergreen leucoxylon subsp megalocarpa Rosea (n) Eucalyptus tall evergreen maculata (n) (E) Eucalyptus 10 8 fine foliage evergreen nicholii (n) (C) Eucalyptus 6 5 evergreen torquata (n) Fraxinus griffithii (n) 6 6 evergreen (C) Fraxinus Raywoodii deciduous (n) autumn colour Gleditsia 6 6 shademaster (A). Hakea laurina 4 3 evergreen Hymenosporum 8 4 evergreen flavum (C) Jacaranda mimosifolia (A) Koelreuteria 6 4 paniculata deciduous Lophostemon 12 8 evergreen confertus (n) Melaleuca 3 3 evergreen halmaturorum (n) (C) Melaleuca 10 8 evergreen styphelioides (n) (C)

11 DETE Facilities Design Standards and Guidelines 1999 Page 11 Metrosideros 8 8 evergreen excelsa (n) (C) Photinia serrulata 5 5 evergreen autumn colour surveillance Pistachia chinensis 5 5 berries (A) deciduous autumn colour Pittosporum 6 6 showy evergreen tenuifolium foliage Garnettii (C) Pittosporum 6 6 showy evergreen tobira foliage variegatum (C) Quercus ilex (C) large evergreen Quercus robur large deciduous Robinia 6 6 deciduous spiny pseudoacacia (C) Ulmus 10 6 deciduous parvifolia (C) small leaves (n) refers to trees which are native to some part of Australia. Other trees are not indigenous to this country. To assist in selection, trees have been given a rating, as follows, (A) winter sun / summer shade, not too large, safe limbs, colourful, not root - intrusive, winter sun / summer shade, not too large, safe limbs, colourful, not root - intrusive, (C) shade all year, not too large, safe limbs, inconspicuous colour, (D) shade all year, not too large, some limb problems, inconspicuous colour. (E) shade all year, larger than needed, some limb problems, inconspicuous colour, other limitations.

12 DETE Facilities Design Standards and Guidelines 1999 Page Shrubs Shrubs are useful for providing colour, aroma, bird-life and definition of spaces. For surveillance, shrubs that grow to more than one metre high are inappropriate and should not be planted. SPECIES Height Spread Benefits Liabilities (m) (m) Abelia 1 2 evergreen grandiflora open sprays autumn colour Acacia 2 2 winter pollen iteaphylla (n) (C) evergreen allergy Acacia ligulata 2 3 evergreen pollen (b) (C) allergy Acacia 2 2 evergreen pollen myrtifolia (n) (C) allergy Alyogyne 2 2 open sprays hakeifolia (n) evergreen Alyogyne open sprays huegeli (n) evergreen Buddleia 3 3 evergreen Davidii (C) butterflies Callistemon 3 3 evergreen Capt Cook; (n) Coleonema 1 2 evergreen alba (A) Coprosma 3 3 evergreen repens (n) (D) glossy leaves Correa reflexa 1 2 evergreen (n) Correa pulchella 1 2 evergreen (n), Eremophila evergreen maculata (n) Grevillea 3 2 evergreen Winpara Gem (n) Grevillea evergreen lavandulacea

13 DETE Facilities Design Standards and Guidelines 1999 Page 13 (n) Grevillea 2 2 evergreen rosmarinifolia attrative (n) Hebe Blue Gem evergreen Hebe diosmifolia evergreen Hibiscus Apple Blossom evergreen Hibiscus Wilders s evergreen White Hypocalymma 1 1 evergreen angustifolium Kunzea baxteri 1 1 evergreen Lavandula spica 1 1 evergreen (A) scented Leptospermum 3 3 evergreen laevigatum (n) (C) Melaleuca 2 2 evergreen diosmifolia (n) (C) Melaleuca 3 3 evergreen ericifolia (n) Melaleuca 2 2 evergreen hypericifolia (n) Melaleuca 2 2 evergreen elliptica (n) Melaleuca 3 3 evergreen huegeli (n) Melaleuca evergreen incana (n) Melaleuca 4 4 evergreen

14 DETE Facilities Design Standards and Guidelines 1999 Page 14 nesophila (n) (C) Melaleuca evergreen steedmani (n) Melaleuca evergreen wilsonii (n) Pimelia 1 1 evergreen ferruginea (n) Plumbago 1 2 evergreen increases auriculata (A) ness by suckering Polygala 2 2 evergreen myrtifolia Grandiflora (A) Prostanthera 2 2 evergreen ovalifolia (n) scented Raphiolepis x 4 4 evergreen delacouri showy berries Rosmarinus evergreen officinalis Sollya 1 2 evergreen heterophylla (n) Strelitzia 1 1 evergreen very hard nicolai (A) very showy to dig up Stenolobium 3 3 evergreen stans (C) Templetonia 2 2 evergreen retusa (n) Thryptomene evergreen saxicola F C Payne (n)

15 DETE Facilities Design Standards and Guidelines 1999 Page 15 Viburnum 3 2 deciduous opulus sterile (C) very showy Viburnum tinus 3 2 evergreen (C) Weigela florida 2 2 Westringia 1 1 evergreen fruticosa (n) (n) refers to shrubs which are native to some part of Australia. Other shrubs are not indigenous to this country To assist in selection, shrubs have been given a rating, as follows: (A) Colourful, long - flowering, not too tall, not a screen Colourful, long - flowering, not too tall, (C) Colourful, long flowering (D) Colourful Ground Cover Ground cover plants are useful for covering ground not needed or appropriate as grass. They are especially useful for dust control and to stabilise embankments where erosion is possible. They can define garden areas without impeding surveillance SPECIES Height Spread Benefits Liabilities (mm) (m 2 ) Bacopa spp evergreen Brachyscome 300 evergreen multifida (n) Correa reflexa evergreen (prostrate form) (n) Eremophila evergreen glabra (prostrate form) (n) Grevillea evergreen long arching biternata (n) limbs may need to be cut back Grevillea evergreen thelemanniana (prostrate form) (n) Hardenbergia evergreen comptoniana

16 DETE Facilities Design Standards and Guidelines 1999 Page 16 Hemiandra evergreen pungens (n) Kennedia evergreen nigricans (n) Kennedia evergreen prostrata (n) Myoporum evergreen parvifolium (n) Osteospermum evergreen fruticosum Polygonum capitatum Rhagodia evergreen spinescens (n) (n) refers to ground cover plants which are native to some parts of Australia. Other plants are not indigenous to this country Climbing Plants Climbers are useful when foliage and colour is important but space is limited. Most climbers need support and the strength of trellises and pergolas must be considered SPECIES CHARACTERISTICS BENEFITS Ficus Pumila self-clinging forms a minima needs a wall dense cover Hibbertia needs support dense scandens colourful Jasminum needs support colourful polyanthum Lonicera needs support colourfull Japonica scented Purpurea Solanum needs support perpetual jasminoides Trachylospermum needs support perpetual jasminoides scented Vitis coignetiae needs support autumn colour Wisteria sinensis needs support very showy.

17 DETE Facilities Design Standards and Guidelines 1999 Page 17 D1 Landscape and Planting Guide D Plants not Recommended Purpose The list of plants which are not recommended to be planted on educational sites in Metropolitan Adelaide has been compiled from 12 years feedback from school sites. The list includes those that have proven to be either a nuisance, dangerous or inappropriate. Nuisance plants are those which develop low level canopies which either obscure supervision or become an eye level occupational health risk, those with spikes or spines, berries or sharp or prickly leaf margins. Dangerous plants are those which drop limbs without notice, tend to split limbs or break due to canopy weight. Inappropriate plants are those that are unsuitable for the climate, especially those that have excessive water demands, those that grow too big, have invasive root systems or are very short lived. some trees are also unsuitable due to susceptibility to borer and termite infestation Management The obvious preferred risk management strategy is not to plant trees and shrubs that are proven to be inappropriate. Regular inspection audits of trees and shrubs on existing sites should be undertaken to ensure inappropriate plants do not exist and that current plants are in good healthy condition, to maintain a risk free environment. Expert arboricultural advice should be obtained to ensure appropriate auditing and maintenance information is provided Species not recommended SPECIES REASON Acer spp, other than negundo plains are too dry and hot Acokanthera oblongiflia poisonous Agathis robusta too big Ailanthus spp too big, suckers too freely Albizzia lophantha short-lived Araucaria araucana (D) too big Araucaria bidwilli (D) too big Araucaria cunninghami (D) too big Araucaria excelsa (D) too big Betula alba not successful, needs too much water Brachychiton spp not too successful, erratic results Cassia fistula not successful Casuarina glauca suckers too freely Cedrela sinensis suckers too freely Cedrus deodara not too successful, needs too much water

18 DETE Facilities Design Standards and Guidelines 1999 Page 18 Cinnamomum camphora Cocos plumosa Cordyline australis Cortaderia selloana Crataegus spp Cupressus spp Eucalyptus botryoides (D) Eucalyptus camaldulensis (A) Eucalyptus citriodora (A) Eucalyptus cladocalyx (A) Eucalyptus cladocalyx Nana Eucalyptus conferruminata Eucalyptus globulus subsp bicostata (A) Eucalyptus gomphocephala (A) Eucalyptus leucoxlon (D) Eucalyptus sideroxylon Rosea Eucalyptus spathulata (A) Ficus spp (C) Fraxinus oxycarpa Grevillea robusta Melaleuca armillaris (C) Melia azedrach Phoenix spp Phormium tenax Pinus spp (D) Platanus spp (D) Populus spp Pyracantha spp Salix spp Schinus ariera Tamarix aphylla Ulmus procera (C) Ulmus glabra Aloe spp Yucca spp Zantdeschia aethiopica too big sharp edged leaves sharp edged leaves razor- sharp edged leaves spiny fails due to borer infestation too big too big, drops limbs too big, drops limbs too big, drops limbs drops limbs limbs collapse, has borer infestation too big, drops limbs, has borer infestation too big, drops limbs, has borer infestation too big limb breaks, borers limbs collapse, has borers too big, irritant exudations invasive roots short-lived, high water requirement limbs collapse has many round berries- causes slippery surface sharp edged leaves, long sharp spines sharp edged leaves too big too big too big, has termites, some sucker spiny too big, limbs collapse too big too big, limbs collapse limbs collapse, cavities develop high water requirement sharp edged leaves sharp edged leaves poisonous Rating: To help explain why it is imprudent and a risk to plant or retain these trees on campus a rating system has been applied as follows: (A) too big anywhere near buildings and paths, likely to drop limbs, likely to collapse, prone to borers, prone to termites. likely to drop limbs, likely to collapse, prone to borers, prone to termites. (C) likely to collapse, prone to borers, prone to termites. (D) prone to borers, prone to termites.

19 DETE Facilities Design Standards and Guidelines 1999 Page 19 D1 Landscape and Planting Guide D Plants not Permitted Purpose There are some plants that are not permitted to be on educational sites. These are plants that are known to be poisonous or harmful. Poisonous plants are those which exude irritant sap, cause allergic reactions from pollen as well as those with parts that can be poisonous when ingested. for the most part, however, poisons taste so unpleasant that it is unlikely that sufficient amounts will be ingested to cause harm Species not Permitted Agapanthus orientalis Amaryllis belladonna Avum italium Calla Lily Castanospermum australe Clematis microphylla Convallari majalis Datura species Digitalis purpurea Duranta repans Euonymous europaeus Euphorbia pulcherima Hedera helix Ligustrum vulgare/ovalifolium Monstera deliciosa Narcissus species Nerium oleander Poinciana/Ceasalpina Prunus laurocerasus Rhus species Richnus communis Solanum species Taxus baccata Wisteria Sinensis (Agapanthus) (Belladonna Lily) (Morten Bay Chestnut) (Small leaf Clematis) (Lily of the Valley) (Angel s Trumpet) (Foxglove) (Sky Flower) (Spindle Tree) (Poinsettia) (Ivy) (Privet) (Fruit Salad Plant) (Daffodil) (Oleander) (Bird of Paradise Tree) (Cherry Laurel) (Sumac) (Castor Oil Plant) (Potato Vine) (Yew Tree) (Wisteria)