Landscape Guidelines - Shire of Yarra Ranges

LandscapeGuidelinesHow to prepare a Landscape Planin the Shire of Yarra Ranges

2 Landscape GuidelinesContentsIntroduction 1Step AWhat zone is your property in? 3Step BKey principles to consider in your Landscape Plan 5- Sustainable purchasing 3- Biodiversity protection and enhancement 3- Water conservation 3- Energy conservation 3- Wildfire management 4Step CWhat must be in your Landscape Plan 7- Document information 7- Information about existing conditions onthe property 7- Design justification 7- Landscape Plan drawing 8- Plant Schedule 8- Plant and tree protection 12- Soil preparation 13- Planting techniques 13- Mulch type and depth 15- Lawn treatment 15- Garden bed and lawn edge treatments 17- Irrigation 18- Maintenance program 19An example of a Landscape Plan drawing 20Additional resources 22Photo credits:Cover: Main photo: Juvenile King Parrot (Emma Campbell), Golden TipGoodia lotifolia (Colleen Miller), Old Man’s Beard Austral clematis (David Blair).Contents page: Chocolate Lily Arthropodium strictum (Marty White), CrimsonRosella eating Dianella flowers (Emma Campbell).Landscape Guidelinespurpose & scopeThese Landscape Guidelines are aimedat landscape designers and peoplewho are applying for a planning permit.The guidelines will help you to developLandscape Plans that are consistentwith the Shire of Yarra Ranges’ currentpolicies, strategies and programs aimed atprotecting our natural environment. Use ofthese guidelines will help ensure that yourplanning application is processed efficiently.These guidelines outline the key “softlandscaping” design aspects thatshould be taken into consideration inall developments, including residential,medium density housing, industrial, retailand commercial developments, that requirea Landscape Plan as part of a planningapplication.These Landscape Guidelines shouldbe used in conjunction with the followingdocuments when developing aLandscape Plan::: Environmental Weeds withinthe Shire of Yarra Rangeswww.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/Files/List_of_Environmental_Weeds.pdf:: Yarra Ranges Local PlantDirectorywww.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/plants

Landscape Guidelines 1Native violet Viola hederacea(Caroline Carvalho)IntroductionThe Shire of Yarra Ranges region is recognised as one of the mostbeautiful natural landscapes in Victoria. It makes up 51% of the YarraCatchment and hosts some of the most significant biodiversity assets ofthe State including habitat for the two endangered state faunal emblems- the Leadbeater’s Possum and the Helmeted Honeyeater, and the Statefloral emblem - the Common Heath. The region’s forests are home to thetallest flowering plant in the world – the Mountain Ash. The Shire’s naturalecosystems draw tourists to the area, making it a popular place forrecreation and enjoyment of the scenic beauty.It is for these environmental, social and eco-tourism values that the Shireof Yarra Ranges has a range of policies, strategies, the Planning Schemeand supportive Guidelines to assist in the responsible management andpreservation of the valued natural assets unique to this region.Vision 2020Vision 2020 is a shared vision of the Shire of Yarra Ranges, developed in consultation with thecommunity, to make a statement of what kind of community and environment we wish for inthe future. It is a steering document that guides all departments of the council.Under the Environmental Stewardship Theme, Vision 2020 sees the Shire protecting andenhancing the biodiversity values of our area through linking vegetation corridors, restoringindigenous vegetation and natural waterways and controlling the spread of environmentalweeds. Through the strategic guidance of the Shire’s Environment Strategy (2009) and issuespecific sub-strategies the Shire is working to achieve this vision.

2 Landscape GuidelinesCommon Correa Correa reflexa(Marty White)Vegetation protection inthe Shire of Yarra RangesGeneral vegetation protectionThe protection of native vegetation is a highpriority in the Shire of Yarra Ranges. UnderLocal Provisions 22.12 in the Shire of YarraRanges (SYR) Planning Scheme, vegetationis protected from destruction on both publicand private land areas. Any plant that occursnaturally (i.e. is indigenous to an area), whetherit is a small grass tussock, an orchid, wildfloweror the tallest tree, is protected and requires apermit to be removed or lopped. A permit isalso required to remove, destroy or lop anynative (Australian but not locally native) andintroduced plant species greater than fivemetres in height. Doing so without a permitmay be a breach of the law. Some exceptionsdo exist in relation to vegetation removal.Contact with the Shire’s Planning ServicesDepartment (1300 368 333) should be madeprior to any actions being undertaken.Vegetation on Shire-owned landVegetation, including dead trees, cannot beremoved or lopped on Shire-owned land suchas roadside reserves and footpath verges.without written approval from the Shire. Deadtrees provide important habitat for native faunaand are an essential part of wildlife corridors.Contact the Shire’s Arborists Team (1300 368300) for exemptions in relation to DangerousTree Assessments. This is a fee-for-serviceassessment conducted by qualified arborists.Remnant indigenous vegetationRemnant vegetation (indigenous vegetationthat grows in the area naturally and has notbeen planted) is sensitive to disturbancethrough indiscriminate and incrementalclearing which can result in the intrusion ofenvironmental weeds and the loss of habitatfor plants and animals.In relation to the re-establishment orrestoration of indigenous vegetation, thePlanning Scheme states:“In any landscaping or replanting requirementsimposed under this planning scheme,preference be given to planting native specieswhich are indigenous to the area within whichthey are to be planted, and which are suitablefor the location and purpose sought for thereplanting. These plantings should not includespecies that are listed as environmental weedsin this local planning policy”. (Clause 22.12-6)Victorian Native Vegetation ManagementFramework (NVMF)In addition to the Shire’s Planning Schemezoning and overlays, the NVMF is a VictorianGovernment policy incorporated into theVictorian Planning Provisions. The “NativeVegetation Management: a Frameworkfor Action” aims to achieve a “net-gain” –an increase in native vegetation - acrossthe State whenever there are planneddisturbances of native vegetation. TheShire of Yarra Ranges needs to ensure alldevelopments that include vegetation removalcomply with this State policy and have therequired “offsets” (to replace native vegetationor enhance remaining vegetation) can be metto ensure a net-gain is achieved.Developments that require a large amountof vegetation removal, or that proposeremoval of rare or threatened plant speciesmay be required to employ a qualified LandManagement Consultant to develop a ‘LandManagement Plan’ including a ‘habitathectare’ vegetation quality assessment tocomply with the NVMF.

Landscape Guidelines 3Preparing a Landscape PlanStep A:What zone is yourproperty in?The Shire of Yarra Ranges (SYR) has adopted a series of rural zones and overlays from theVictorian Planning Provisions that acknowledge the values of certain classifications of rural landand their associated environmental significance. The zone and associated overlays that apply toa property will influence how that land is allowed to be used, making it important to understandthese limitations before you start planning your development.How to find what zone your property is in:: Contact the SYR ‘Community Links’ office 1300 368 333 or visit them at thefollowing locations:Lilydale – corner of Anderson & Hardy StreetsHealesville – 276 Maroondah HwyMonbulk – 94 Main StreetUpwey – 40 Main StreetYarra Junction – corner of Warburton Hwy & Hoddle Street:: Search for your property athttp://services.land.vic.gov.au/landchannel/content/addressSearch:: Search the SYR Planning Scheme online:www.dse.vic.gov.au/planningschemes/yarraranges/home.html

4 Landscape GuidelinesA basic outline of rural zones and overlaysRural Conservation Zone (RCZ)Land classified RCZ is the most protected against use or development that isconsidered environmentally unsustainable. Generally RCZ land has a high degree ofremnant vegetation and is located in an area of continuous indigenous vegetation.Green Wedge Zone (GWZ)GWZ land is the interface between urban fringes and rural land. This zoningis designed to maintain areas for agriculture and horticulture to continue in anenvironmentally sustainable manner.Environmental Significance Overlay (ESO)ESOs identify areas where the development of the land may be affected byenvironmental constraints and to ensure the development is compatible withidentified environmental values. The Shire of Yarra Ranges has 75 sites of BotanicalSignificance and 39 sites of Zoological Significance identified in ESO - Schedule1 of the Planning Scheme. Development on or around these sites will requireincreased environmental sensitivity.Wildfire Management Overlay (WMO)A WMO is applied to rural properties that carry a reasonable risk of bushfire due tothe density and type of vegetation. Developments that are planned on propertieswith a WMO will have to carefully consider wildfire prevention along with therequirement to protect biodiversity. Some developments will require a ‘WildfireManagement Plan’ to be designed by a qualified Land Management Consultant.Snowy Daisy Bush Olearia Iirata(Marty White) King Parrot (EmmaCampbell)Erosion Management Overlay (EMO)An EMO is used to protect areas prone to erosion, landslip or other landdegradation processes, by minimising land disturbance and inappropriatedevelopment. Land with an EMO will have limitations on the type of developmentallowed including limitations on soil removal and movement.

Landscape Guidelines 5Step B:Key principlesto consider in yourLandscape PlanSustainable purchasingCouncil is committed to the principles ofsustainability. Landscape designs need toincorporate environmental sustainability by::: Using materials produced from renewableresources for mulch, garden sleepers,decking materials, and stone, recycledbrick or recycled concrete:: Using materials that are locally sourced thatcontribute to the betterment of the localeconomy and reduce high transportationcosts and emission impacts on theenvironment:: Selecting plants and built featuresthat conserve water and treat/re-usewastewater and stormwater runoffWater conservationWith water resources increasingly limited, allgarden designs must incorporate efforts toreduce demand for potable water for nondrinkingpurposes, and to improve the qualityof water before it enters waterways.These include but are not limited to::: Keeping lawn areas to a minimum - considerporous paving, ground cover plants:: Incorporating greywater/stormwaterirrigation:: Selecting and grouping plants accordingto their water needs:: Use of sustainable mulch to a minimum of75mm depth to minimise evaporationBiodiversity protection& enhancementIn order to protect and enhanceremnant indigenous vegetation, landscapedesigns must::: Identify and protect any existing remnantindigenous vegetation:: Identify and remove environmental weeds:: Establish gardens using local indigenousplant species:: Recognise that native animals will beattracted to and flourish in indigenousgardens:: Where required, plan for wildfiremanagement while protecting biodiversityvaluesEnergy conservationReducing the energy requirements in theestablishment and on-going maintenance ofa landscape is most effective if done at theplanning stage.Common EverlastingChrysocephalum apiculatum(Shire of Yarra Ranges)

6 Landscape GuidelinesEnergy requirements come in many forms::: Human labour to mow lawns, waterplants, apply fertilisers and herbicides.:: Petrol to run mowers and whippersnippers:: Electricity to run pond pumps, lightingand electric mowers:: Energy costs involved in producing andusing herbicides or fertiliser:: Transport of garden products over longdistancesWildfire managementIf your property is located in a potentialbushfire area you will need to appropriatelymanage the vegetation around your home.Proper planning in the design phase canprovide the appropriate mix of elementsrequired to save your house while protectingthe biodiversity values of your property.:: Design vegetation breaks around yourhouse to slow the spread and speed ofthe fire and reduce radiant heat:: Remove existing weeds and do notintroduce new ones into the garden asweeds often contribute to high fuel loadsthat feed firesLeft to right:Tasman Flax-lilyDianella tasmanicaKnobby Club RushFicinia nodosa(Caroline Carvalho)Tips to reduce energy requirements::: Keep lawn areas to a minimum – theyrequire a lot of energy (fertilisers, mowing)in their establishment and continualmaintenance:: Use grass seed, not instant turf, toestablish lawns (see below):: Use locally available products to reducetransport energy costs and to keep withthe local character (avoid river pebblesharvested from Asia, or Merbau timberdecking from Indonesian rainforests):: Avoid plants that are vigorous growers or“weedy”, as these will require on-goingcontrol requiring human labour, mowingand herbicides:: Plant selection and placement shouldcontribute to solar efficiency of buildingsby providing shade in the summer andallowing sun through in the winter:: Don’t rely on plants being ‘fire-retardant’– all plants can burn in high intensity fires:: Avoid having plants near your home thatmay burn more easily. Such plants includethose that accumulate lots of dry or deaddebris during the fire season, have loose,flaky bark, have masses of very fine leavesor have very low moisture content:: Do not plant large shrubs and trees tooclose to buildings (within 2m) where theycan drop a limb or bring the fire over thebuilding:: Consider the building location in relationto prevailing summer winds, as thisindicates the most likely direction abushfire may come from:: Ensure good access to water forfirefighting:: Graded or ploughed breaks canencourage weeds and cause soil erosionso consider other ways of creating lowfuelareas, such as grazing, paving orslashingFurther reading‘Landscape and Building Design for Bushfire Areas’, CairdRamsay and Lisle Rudolph, CSIRO Publishing, 2003.

Landscape Guidelines 7Step C:What must be in yourLandscape PlanWhen developing your Landscape Plan we recommend you use the accompanying LandscapePlan Applicant Checklist to ensure you include all the required elements in your plan. Below is asummary of the elements you should include.1. Document informationPlease use a standard scale of 1:100 or 1:200to allow the plan to be legible when printed onA4 or A3 sized paper. Larger developmentsmay submit larger sized plans if necessary.All plans must be black and white only;colour detail will not get reproduced. If colourplans are necessary ensure that at least fivecopies are supplied to the Council with yourapplication.Include the planning permit number suppliedby the SYR Planning Services Department.2. Information about existingconditions on the propertyInclude on the landscape plan drawing or inan attached document::: Property statutory requirements: the zoneand any overlays or ‘173 Agreements’attached to the property:: Descriptions of neighbourhoodcharacter, including nature strips,remnant vegetation, weeds, roadsides,footpaths and parks or reserves. For smalldevelopments “neighbourhood” generallymeans neighbouring properties; for largerdevelopments streets, blocks and suburbsshould be considered3. Design justificationInclude in your Landscape Plan, or in anattached document::: The objectives of your landscapedesign. Objectives could include visualscreening, buffers, traffic control,biodiversity protection and enhancement,or solar access:: Neighbourhood character: How will theproposed development fit in with theneighbourhood character? What is thehousing density, how is the land used?:: Topography, soil type: contours, slopedirection, drainage- plan solar access for building andgarden placement to make the mostof solar energy- Is the soil sandy or clay? This willdetermine suitable plant choices:: Linkages to public open space orbushland- Is the site close to existing parks orbushland that will have an impacton the appropriate design of thedevelopment?:: Height and type of existing fencing:: Height and location of adjoining buildings

8 Landscape Guidelines4. Landscape Plan drawingA landscape drawing should graphicallyrepresent the areas to be occupied by builtstructures, as well as showing the placementof vegetation to be removed or planted. Thiswill allow the council to more accuratelydetermine the appropriateness of the changesto existing vegetation and the objectives ofnew plantings. While the landscape drawingis best prepared by a professional, it can bedone by anyone as long as all the requiredelements are included.any areas of cut and fill, and the location ofunderground and overhead services in thelandscape drawing..Refer to the example of a Landscape Plandrawing on page 20.5. Plant ScheduleA Plant Schedule is a detailed list of all theplants that are proposed in your LandscapePlan. Landscape Plans should have aminimum of 50% indigenous plant speciesunless the zone or overlays require a higherproportion. Refer to “Minimum indigenousvegetation for your zone” on page 10 forguidance on acceptable percentage mixes ofindigenous and non-indigenous species.Landscape Plans will not be approved if theyinclude plants that are listed as environmentalweeds within the Shire of Yarra Ranges oras declared Noxious Weeds for the State ofVictoria.The Plant Schedule should include:Slender Bitter-peaDaviesia leptophylla(Shire of Yarra Ranges)The drawing should show::: Location of existing buildings, includingthose on immediately adjoining properties:: Vegetation which is to be retained,including Tree Protection Zones:: Vegetation which is to be removed:: Proposed plantings, using the code inyour Plant Schedule, with plant numbers,or density (i.e. number of plants persquare metre) for mass plantings:: Paths and areas covered by paving,driveways etc:: A legend to explain the graphicsymbols used:: North arrowDevelopments that require earthworks orthe alteration of drainage lines should showthe contours and directions of the slope,:: Botanical and common names: Bothnames are required to help accuratelyidentify each plant as common namescan vary. Please include any informationregarding a specific variety or cultivar ofthe plant.:: Height and width at maturity: Thestandard maximum height and widtheach plant can be expected to grow to.This should be taken into considerationfor placement of plants near buildingsor driveways to ensure the plant willnot obstruct vision or cause damage tostructures when fully grown.:: Quantities and Pot size: State thenumber of each plant species to beplanted and the size (the diameter of thepot) of the commercially available pot sizeyou are intending to purchase. This willprovide an indication of the maturity ofthe plant you are going to put in, whichhas an impact on the way the plant willperform in a specific design and how it willneed to be maintained to ensure properestablishment and on-going plant health.

Landscape Guidelines 9:: Plant code: Use a two letter code which will identify the plant on the Landscape Plandrawing. Codes are not standardised but generally consist of the first initials of the plant’sbotanical name.An example of a Plant ScheduleType Code Botanical name Common Name Height xWidthPot SizeQuantityTREES AL Allocasuarina littoralis Black Sheoke 12 x 6m 250mm 2AM Acacia melanoxylon Blackwood 9 x 5m 250mm 3LARGE SHRUBS KE KunzealeptospermoidesBurgan 2.5 x 2m 250mm 12PL Prostanthera lasianthos Christmas Bush 2 x 2m 250mm 9SHRUBS CR Correa reflexa Common Correa 9 x 9m 50mm 12BM Banksia marginata Silver Banksia 2 x 2.5m 50mm 4CLIMBERS HV Hardenbergia violacea Purple Coral Pea 3 x 9m 50mm 6GRASSES & SEDGES CA Carex appressa Tall Sedge 1 x 1m 50mm 4PE Poa ensiformis Purple SheathTussock Grass1 x 1m 50mm 12GROUND COVERS BM Brachyscome multifida Cut-Leaf Daisy 15 x 9m 50mm 3KP Kennedia prostrata RunningPostman1.5 x 2m 50mm 5Native Raspberry Rubus parvifolia(Simone Orscheg)

10 Landscape GuidelinesThings to consider when choosing plants:: Is it a known environmental weed inthe Shire of Yarra Ranges?Many species of weeds were originally usedas garden plants and are often still availablefor sale. Now many of these plants are“jumping the garden fence” and damagingour native grasslands and forests. Theseplants are known as “environmental weeds”.Plant Schedules that specify the use ofenvironmental weed species will be rejected.The Shire is also taking a precautionaryapproach by preventing the planting ofspecies which have been identified as weedsin our area in reports like the World WildlifeFund’s ‘National list of naturalised invasive andpotentially invasive garden plants’.www.wwf.org.au/publications/ListInvasivePlants/:: Is it an indigenous plant to theShire of Yarra Ranges?“Indigenous” plants are plants that naturallyoccur in a given area. There are 44 naturallyoccurringgroups of indigenous plants –“Vegetation Communities” and over 900individual plant species that are indigenous tothe Shire of Yarra Ranges. These plants areadapted to the local soil types and climaticconditions and are mostly likely to be the bestoption for low water use gardens and providinghabitat for native animals. Specific lists ofplants indigenous to a site can be produced byrequest from any Shire office and can also befound at Yarra Ranges Online Mapshttp://www.mapimage.net/yarra_ranges/The use of indigenous, or locally native, plantsis strongly encouraged in all Plant Schedules asthey will increase the environmental value of anydevelopment. All developments should have aminimum of 50% indigenous plants but somedevelopments in environmentally sensitive areasshould have 100% indigenous planting.Properties with conservation zones oroverlays may be required to use a majorityor entirety of indigenous plants to protector enhance the biodiversity values of theproperty. Properties outside key conservationzones may use some non-indigenous plantspecies where this is consistent with theneighbourhood character and the plantspecies used are not weeds.Minimum indigenous vegetation for your zoneProperty zone With no planning overlays With planning overlaysEnvironmentalSignificance or Subjectto Inundation*Significant LandscapeRural ConservationZoneA minimum of 85%indigenous plant species100% indigenous plantspecies85% indigenous plantspeciesGreen Wedge ZoneUrban Floodway Zone*A minimum of 85%indigenous plant species100% indigenous plantspecies85% indigenous plantspeciesRural Living Zone A minimum of 70%indigenous plant species100% indigenous plantspecies85% indigenous plantspeciesResidential 1 ZoneIndustrial 1 ZoneA minimum of 50%indigenous plant species100% indigenous plantspecies85% indigenous plantspeciesOther zones (or)Business 1A minimum of 50%indigenous plant species100% indigenous plantspecies85% indigenous plantspecies:: All properties with a Wildfire Management Overlay must ensure CFA Vegetation Management Requirements are met within the innerand outer Fire Management Zones:: % is based on the number of plants, not plant species used*Specific consideration is required on plant selection and densities so as to not impede surface water flow.Where possible, plant species specifically indigenous to your property’s ‘Shire of Yarra Ranges Vegetation Community’ should be used.To find the vegetation community for your property see Yarra Ranges Online Maps http://www.mapimage.net/yarra_ranges/. Plant listsfor each vegetation community are available at www.yarraranges.vic.gov/plants, from Shire offices or Community Links.

Landscape Guidelines 11“Native” plants are plants that naturallyoccur in Australia, but not necessarily withinthe Shire of Yarra Ranges. Some native plantscan be weedy when outside of their naturalrange. For example: Sweet Pittosporum(Pittosporum undulatum) is indigenous toGippsland, but only considered native in SYRwhere it is well known as an environmentalweed. Cultivars of indigenous species arealso considered to be native.“Exotic” plants are plants that did notnaturally originate in Australia, having beenimported from around the world. Thisincludes plants suited to a wide range ofclimatic conditions. With the warm, wetclimatic conditions and lack of strong, coldwinters throughout most of Australia, someexotic plants flourish and can becomeenvironmental weeds.:: Is it low water use?While all plants take some watering tobecome established, avoid plants that requireon-going intensive watering such as ferns andazaleas. Take into consideration limitations forwatering gardens based on water restrictionlevels. For example, Stage 3 restrictions allowtargeted drip irrigation and hand-watering atcertain times, but not spray watering systems.Stage 4 restrictions will mean no gardenwatering at any time.:: Does it provide the functionyou want it to?Consider the mature size and shape of a plantto determine its most appropriate placementand whether it will provide the right function(for example screening, bird-attracting orshade). Also take into consideration theseasonality of a plant as its ability to providethat function may change throughout the year.Try to select a range of plants that will providefast and slow growing components to thelandscape to provide both a more immediateand a long-term effect.:: Is the plant suited to the site’senvironmental conditions?For example, is it shade tolerant, does itrequire full sun, what type of soil is it bestsuited for, can it handle inundation by water?Silver Banksia Banksia marginata(Kelly Castelletti)

12 Landscape Guidelines6. Plant and tree protectionCat’s Claw GrevilleaGrevillea alpina(D. Allen)Trees can be severely damaged by the effectof soil compaction or mechanical damageto their roots during building construction.Landscape Plans must provide a descriptionof how existing vegetation (particularlyindigenous or rare plant species) will beadequately protected on a development site.It may be advisable to seek advice from anarborist to determine the appropriate TreeProtection Zone for existing trees that are tobe retained in the plan.Note: there are strict regulationsregarding the removal of vegetationwithin the Shire of Yarra Ranges. Propertyowners and contractors could be finedif vegetation is removed that is notapproved by your planning permit. Pleasemake sure you clearly outline all intendedtree removal on your Landscape Plan forproper assessment by Council and toavoid problems later.A method of determining theTree Protection Zone1. Measure the diameter of the tree at 1.5mabove the ground(If the tree has forked into multiple trunksbelow 1.5m, the diameter is measuredbelow the fork).2. Calculate the Tree Protection Zone bymultiplying the diameter by 12.3.6mExample:A mature Blackwood (Acacia melanoxylon)tree may have a diameter of 30cm. 30cm x 12= 360 cm (3.6m). The Tree Protection Zonewill therefore be a 3.6m radius around the tree.3.6m

Landscape Guidelines 13Tree protection guidelinesPrior to construction::: A “Tree Protection Zone” must be establishedaround the tree (see page 12):: The Tree Protection Zone must be fencedwith a 1.5m high chain link fence:: Organic mulch 100mm deep should belaid in the Tree Protection Zone to retainmoisture, suppress weeds and clearly markout the area that is not to be compacted:: It must be clearly explained to contractorsthat there must be no damage to thetrunks or limbs of these treesDuring construction::: There must be no compaction in the TreeProtection Zone, no machinery, materialsor pedestrian traffic:: Any roots that have to be severed mustbe cleanly cut with secateurs, saw or,if under 50mm diameter, a spade, notripped with an excavator:: Soil or other materials must not be built uparound the trunks:: Care must be taken not to spill fuel orchemicals in the Tree Protection Zone:: The trees must be watered regularly,especially during hot weather:: Any weeds must be removed to preventcompetition with the treesAfter construction::: Trees must be regularly monitored toassess impacts:: Pest control, weed control and pruningmay be needed. All pruning must meetthe Australian Standard for Pruning ofAmenity Trees, AS 4373-1996:: Watering must be kept up during warmweather, with care taken to ensure thatthe trees do not become waterloggedProtecting shrubs & groundcover plants:: All shrubs or ground covers to be retainedshould be clearly marked with flaggingtape or with a temporary fence of highvisibilitymaterials and wooden stakes7. Soil preparationThe Landscape Plan should indicate whatwork is to be done to prepare the soil inlawn and garden bed areas. Where possible,existing topsoil should be retained duringa development and re-used. If additionalsoil is required it should be obtained from areputable local source and incorporated intothe existing soil on site. Existing weeds shouldbe controlled prior to any movement of soil.:: Recommended topsoil levels areapproximately 75mm for lawns andapproximately 125mm for garden beds:: The existing soil in lawn areas shouldbe rotary-hoed to a depth of 100mm topromote the establishment of lawn seed:: If soils have a high content of clay, gypsumshould be added to help increase friability(apply according to manufacturersguidelines)8. Planting techniquesInclude in your Landscape Plan a descriptionor diagram of the planting technique to beused, accompanied by a diagram.Holes for plants should be dug larger thanthe pot so there is loose soil around the plantto allow its roots to expand. Half-fill the holewith water, then add the plant when the waterhas drained away. The hole should then bebackfilled – and fertiliser added if appropriate.After planting, the top of the soil that came withthe plant should be slightly below the groundlevel around it, to catch rainwater. Once in, theplant should be watered immediately to removeany air spaces around the roots.:: Fertiliser should be “native” fertiliser assome fertilisers can contain excessive andharmful nutrient levels for indigenous plantsNew tree and shrub plantings should have aplastic tree guard and wooden stakes. Thiswill help protect the plant from browsing byanimals and decrease water evaporation.

14 Landscape GuidelinesPlanting technique diagram3 Stakes, evenly spaced toprovide tension for the treeguard.Treeguard.3 Recycled plastic or treatedpine stakes, set vertical andclear of rootball.Min. depth of 450mm intoundisturbed soil.Mulch kept clear ofplant stem.3 ties securely stapled to stakes.Trunk should be able to move.Top of rootball to bejust below level ofadjacent soil.Mulch 75mm deep.Backfill hole withtopsoil.Timber garden bededgeLevel of adjacent groundHole dug larger thanroot ball.Set rootball on undisturbed soilto prevent settling.Tubestock Planting(with treeguard)Advanced TreeTree guards, hardwood stakesand mulch (Marty White)

Landscape Guidelines 159. Mulch type and depthThe Landscape Plan should identify theamount and type of mulch to be used. Mulchshould be applied to all garden beds to assistin controlling weeds and retaining moisturewhile plants get established. Various types ofleaf litter or wood chip mulches are available,but avoid mulch that utilises tree species fromthreatened forest communities, such as RedGum or Jarrah.It is highly recommended that all weeds, inparticular perennial weeds such as CouchGrass, Kikuyu and Oxalis be controlled beforemulch is applied to reduce the chance of themcontinuing to invade garden beds.Recommended types of mulch include::: Plantation grown timber (pine mulch):: Common local eucalyptus species or‘Euca-Mulch’:: Sawmill waste:: Recycled garden waste, ensuring it doesnot contain weeds which may resprout.Organic mulch and compost fromrecycled garden waste is now producedat various compost facilities. Theseproducts are heat treated to inhibit thepersistence of weeds. Contact your localgarden supply outlet:: Recycled timber that has been shreddedinto mulch:: Jute mat – a coarse, thick fabric availablein either small squares for individual plantsor large rolls to cover entire garden bedsAlternatives, include pebbles and scoriawhich may be acceptable when used onprivate property.Mulch should be applied to a minimum depthof 75mm and replenished to this level annuallyfor the first 2 years of the planting and thenas required.10. Lawn treatmentThe landscape plan should explain howlawn areas will be established.New lawn areas should be established usingthe seeds of non-invasive grass species. Theuse of instant turf is discouraged. Instantturf establishment requires a much greateruse of water and chemical fertilisers. Itrequires significant amounts of energy for themovement of topsoil and transport to the site.Instant turfs also commonly use weedy grassspecies such as Kikuyu and Couch grassesthat can invade garden beds and landscapingedges, necessitating on-going maintenance.While they may take a bit longer to fulfil on-siterequirements, direct-seeded lawns that usenon-invasive grass species need less energyto establish and maintain.Weeping GrassMicrolaena stipoides(Shire of Yarra Ranges)Kookaburra (Anthony Mann)

16 Landscape GuidelinesGrasses recommended for use in the Shire of Yarra RangesGrasses for garden beds and lawns in properties near remnant bushland and other environmentallysensitive areas such as waterways and public reserves with indigenous revegetationBotanical Name Common Name Type Uses CharacteristicsBothriochloa macra Red-leg Grass native Coarse lawn Not frost tolerantDicantheum sericeumQueenslandBlue-grassnativeLandscape plantingsand rockeriesHardy and drought tolerantMicrolaena stipoides Weeping Grass indigenous Fine lawn, roughlawn, pasture,revegetationThemeda triandra Kangaroo Grass indigenous Landscaping,revegetation andrough lawnShade and droughttolerant, tolerates moderatewearSemi-shade tolerant,does not tolerate frequentmowingAustrodanthoniaracemosaClusteredWallaby-grassindigenousFine lawn, roughlawnWorks well blended withMicrolaenaAustrodanthoniaerianthaHill Wallaby-grass indigenous Lawns in very dry,shallow soilTussockyAustrodanthoniageniculataKneed Wallaby-grass indigenous Fine lawn, roughlawnVery fine, low growing turfJoycea pallidaSilvertop (or Redanther)Wallaby-grassindigenousOrnamental,revegetationFine, medium to large,hardy tussock withattractive flowers; Hardto getPoa ensiformis Sword Tussock-grass indigenous Ornamental,revegetation, erosioncontrolMedium to large, deepgreen tussock with tallstems, not for very dry sitesGrasses for lawns near less environmentally-sensitive areasBotanical Name Common Name Type Uses CharacteristicsFestuca arundinacea Tall Fescue exotic General turf, lawns,parks, playing fieldsMay be weedy nearbushland areasDicantheum sericeumQueenslandBlue-grassnativeLandscape plantingsand rockeriesHardy and droughttolerantAgrostis stolonifera Creeping Bent exotic Fine turf for bowlinggreens, golf coursesPoa pratensis Kentucky Blue-grass exotic General turf, lawns,parks, playing fieldsDoesn’t likecompacted soilsHard wearingAustrodanthoniaracemosaClustered WallabyGrassindigenous Lawns Works well blendedwith MicrolaenaMicrolaena stipoides Weeping Grass indigenous Lawns in very dry,shallow soilTussocky

Landscape Guidelines 1711. Garden bed and lawn edge treatmentsGarden beds (and most lawns) should be properly edged to retain top soil and mulch andprovide a tidy look. Timber from threatened species including Red Gum, Jarrah and WhiteCypress Pine is unsustainably harvested and must be avoided unless it can be demonstratedthat it is from a recycled or sustainable source.Garden bed with treated pineedging.Left to right: Common CorreaCorrea reflexa, Grass Trigger-plantStylidium graminifolium,Bulbine Lily Bulbine bulbosa.(Marty White)Recommended gardenedging includes::: Treated pine:: Plantation Sugar Gum:: Recycled plastic sleepersThe use of black plastic sheetsbeneath garden beds will not beaccepted, as this prevents the soilfrom absorbing rainwater.:: Recycled railway sleepers:: Local stone:: Recycled brick:: Concrete garden edging

18 Landscape Guidelines12. IrrigationShow in the landscape plan what type, if any,irrigation is to be used.Garden irrigation must be designed in linewith current levels of water restrictions. Thiswill have a bearing on what type of manualor automatic irrigation system should beinstalled and the level to which a garden canbe watered.Stage 3 Water restrictions:: No watering lawns:: No spray sprinkler or spraywatering systems can be used:: Manual or Automatic drippersystems and hand-watering canbe used at limited timesStage 4 Water restrictions:: Lawns and gardens cannot bewatered at any timeMore information on waterrestrictions:www.ourwater.vic.gov.auTips for low water use gardens:: Keep lawn areas to a minimum – lawns arevery thirsty, accounting for 90% of the waterused in Australian gardens. Lawns can bereplaced with porous paving, ground coverplants, gardens or outdoor structures suchas playgrounds and gazebos:: Where possible drought tolerantindigenous plant species that only requirewatering for establishment should beused in landscaping. Non-indigenousdrought tolerant plants should be carefullychecked against the environmental weedWeeping grasslist as many popular low water use plantslike feather grasses and succulents areweedy:: Group plants together according to theirwater requirements to make irrigationmore efficient:: Use mulch or indigenous groundcovers to reduce water evaporation fromgarden beds:: Consider the limitations water restrictions puton how gardens are allowed to be watered.Catching and using water on-site:: Install a rainwater tank to collect wateroff roofs that can be used for wateringgardens, washing cars or fightingbushfires:: Install a greywater tank and treatmentunit for recycling household water foruse in the garden. Seek installationand maintenance approval through theShire’s Building, Health and Local Lawsdepartment:: Use porous paving to allow rainwater toseep into the ground, rather than runningoff and adding pressure to drains andwaterways:: Consider integrating a reed bed, raingarden or vegetated swale into yourgarden or wetland design to help captureand purify stormwater (rain) or wastewateroverflow (septic) on site. Design andinstallation of these systems must bedone by professionals to get themright. (A list of appropriate indigenousplants that can be used in reed beds isavailable on the SYR website. Refer to theShire’s Building, Health and Local Lawsdepartment).Information on appropriate indigenousplants that can be used in reed bedsis available – contact the Shire of YarraRanges Environment Department.:: Place plants that require more water(e.g. ferns) in cooler more shaded areasof the garden

Landscape Guidelines 1913. Maintenance programTo ensure the successful establishment andon-going health of your planting, a 24-monthmaintenance program needs to be included inyour Landscape Plan. This should include::: Regular weed control in garden beds andinside tree guards:: Replacement of dead plants (with thesame approved species) to stop weedinvasion on exposed ground:: The removal and recycling of tree guardswhen the plants are established and havegrown beyond the protection of the guards.:: Pruning:: Replenishment of mulch annually for thefirst two years of a plantingFor more information on water saving devices visit GreenPlumbers (www.greenplumbers.com.au) or Melbourne Water(www.melbournewater.com.au)Left to right:BurganKunzea leptospermoides(Simone Orscheg)Superb Fairy-wren(Emma Campbell)

20 Landscape GuidelinesAn example ofa Landscape PlandrawingNeighbouriCACACACAAMAMADGarageHouse18mADNPE x 12KP x 10DL x 10Eucalyptus baxt27mLegendPlanting ScheduleADRetained existingtreeProposed plantLawnPaved areaCode Botanical name Common name Size at maturity Pot size Qty.AM Acacia melanoxylon Blackwood 5-30m x 4-15m 250mm 2AD Acacia dealbata Silver Wattle 6-30m x 5-10m 250mm 3HN Hakea nodosa Yellow Hakea 1-3m x 1-2m 250mm 2CR Correa reflexa Common Correa 0.5-2m x 1-2m 40mm 4PF Platylobium formosum Handsome Flat Pea 0.3-2.5 x 1-2m 40mm 4CA Clematis aristata Old Man’s Beard to 15m 40mm 4PE Poa ensiformis Sword Tussock Grass 0.5 x 1m 40mm 40LL Lomandra longifolia Spiny-headed Mat rush 0.5 x 0.5m 40mm 20DL Dianella laevis Pale Flax-lily 0.3 x 0.5m 40mm 20KP Kennedia prostrata Running Postman prostrate to 1m 40mm 10

Landscape Guidelines 21ing garagePE x 23LL x 15DL x 5ADHNEucalyptus baxteriCRPFHNPFExample StreetLandscape notesSoil preparation:: Lawn areas to be rotary-hoed to a depth of100mm. Topsoil levels to be approximately75mm for lawns and approximately 125mm forgarden beds.Lawn areas:: Lawn areas are to be established with seed;Weeping Grass Microlaena stipoides andClustered Wallaby Grass AustrodanthoniaracemosaExisting vegetation:: Trees that are to retained will be clearly markedas being retained to avoid confusion duringassociated tree removal.:: During construction trees will be enclosed by1.8m high chain link fence or high-visibilitybunting supported by steel posts.Irrigation:: Low water use drip system with timers to alltrees and shrubs.Garden bed edging:: Treated pineMulch:: Pine mulch 75mmteriPFPE x 5LL x 5DL x 5CR24 month maintenance plan:: Weeding and trimming every 14-21 days:: Dead plant replacement as required particularlyduring establishment period (6 months):: Mulch level to be maintained at 75mmCRCR:: Tree guards removed when plants areestablishedPlanting technique3 Stakes, evenly spaced toprovide tension for the treeguard.Treeguard.Mulch kept clear of plant stem.Top of rootball to be justbelow level of adjacent soil.Mulch 75mm deep.Timber garden bed edgeTubestock Planting(with treeguard)Landscape Planfor2 Example St, LilydaleScale: 1:1007 April 2010Level of adjacent groundHole dug larger than root ball.

Assistance with your Landscape PlanIn developing a Landscape Plan it is critical that the landowner obtain the best possible advice.Plan preparation is a specialist task requiring expertise in plant identification and performance,ecological processes, plant establishment and maintenance. It is recommended that youobtain the services of a qualified consultant. Please check your local directory for a consultantwith local knowledge or contact the organisations below.Australian Institute of LandscapeArchitects (AILA)49 Exhibition StreetMelbourne VIC 3000Phone 03 9650 1898www.aila.org.auLandscape Industries Associationof VictoriaPO Box 706Mount Waverley VIC 3149Phone 1300 365 428www.liav.com.auFurther information about preparing a Landscape Plan and the permit application process can be obtained from theShire of Yarra Ranges Planning Services Department.Additional ResourcesIndigenous plantsYarra Ranges Online Mapshttp://www.mapimage.net/yarra_ranges/Simply locate your property in the “propertymode” on the map to download the IndigenousRevegetation List for your property. This will giveyou a list of the plants that are locally indigenousto your property. Additionally the Shire’s PlantDirectory www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/plantsprovides information and photographs of mostindigenous species found within the shire in aneasy to use database.Local nurseries: Various nurseries sell plantsindigenous to the Shire; a list is available on theShire’s website at http://www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/Files/Indigenous_Nurseries.pdfSustainable gardening:: Sustainable Gardening in the Shire of YarraRanges - 60 page booklet:: Sustainable Gardening Australia(www.sgaonline.org.au) - website with adviceon sustainable garden design, garden productsand plant selections.:: Melbourne Water(http://wsud.melbournewater.com.au/)Water Sensitive Urban Design for large scaledevelopments or small scale/one off projects- pamphletWildfire Management:: Country Fire Authority (www.cfa.vic.gov.au)Weeds:: Shire of Yarra Ranges EnvironmentalWeeds Listwww.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/environment:: Weed CRC (www.weeds.crc.org.au)Weed identification and managementtechniques:: WWF Australia (http://www.wwf.org.au/publications/ListInvasivePlants/)‘National List of naturalised invasive andpotentially invasive garden plants’.Shire of Yarra RangesAnderson StreetPO Box 105Lilydale VIC 31401300 368 333yarraranges.vic.gov.au:: WWF Australia and CSIRO(http://wwf.org.au/publications/jumping_the_garden_fence/)‘Jumping the Garden Fence: Invasive gardenplants in Australia and their environmental andagricultural impacts’.These Landscape Guidelines have been produced with the assistance of Our Common Ground Environmental Consultancy