CITY OF LOS ANGELES
CALIFORNIA
BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS MEMBERS
AURA GARCIA
PRESIDENT
TERESA VILLEGAS
VICE PRESIDENT
MIKE DAVIS
PRESIDENT PRO-TEMPORE
VAHID KHORSAND
COMMISSIONER
SUSANA REYES
COMMISSIONER
OFFICE OF THE
BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
200 NORTH SPRING STREET
ROOM 361, CITY HALL
LOS ANGELES, CA 90012
(213) 978-0261
(213) 978-0278 Fax
FERNANDO CAMPOS
EXECUTIVE OFFICER
http://www.bpw.lacity.org
Karen Bass
MAYOR
September 05, 2023
Parkway Landscaping Guidelines
Bureau of Street Services (StreetsLA)
Overview
This document is intended to provide constituents with guidelines regarding the installation of
landscape improvements within the public right-of-way (R/W). The public R/W generally consists of
street easements that contain City streets, lanes, alleys, parkways, and sidewalks.
For the purposes of this document, the term “parkway” is defined as the area of the street between
the back of the curb and the sidewalk that is typically planted or landscaped. Parkways provide a
buffer between pedestrians on the sidewalk and cars in the street. All parkway landscaping is the
responsibility of the adjacent property owners. Similarly, for the purposes of this document, the
term “landscape improvements” includes groundcover planting, shrubs, trees and tree wells,
automatic irrigation, and other non-vegetative landscape materials.
I. Permit Requirements for Landscape Improvements in the Public R/W
The installation or modification of landscaping in the public R/W may require a construction
permit (A- or B-permit) and a revocable permit (R-permit). Permitting requirements and
exemptions are in accordance with Sec. 62.169 of the Los Angeles Municipal Code and are
described herein. See
https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/los_angeles/latest/lamc/0-0-0-158842.
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A tree permit is required to plant a tree in any street in the City. This requirement can be
incorporated into the scope of a broader permit (A-, B-, or R-permit) thereby waiving the need
for a separate tree permit.
The installation of any non-vegetative material, including but not limited to pavement,
decomposed granite, raised planter beds, planter pots, stormwater capture systems, bollards,
pipe railing, street furniture, within parkways will also require the necessary permit(s).
A. Residential Properties
Residential parkways can be exempt from the aforementioned permit requirements. In
accordance with Sec. 62.169 (b) of the Los Angeles Municipal Code, “No permit is
required by the owner of property fronting the parkway portion of the street in an area
zoned for residential use in order for the owner to remove existing shrubs and
plants…and replace the shrubs and plants with landscaping, including edible plant
materials….” provided the owner meets all of the following conditions:
1. Zoning
a) Residentially zoned development shall have at least 1 and up to 10
residential dwelling units.
Refer to the Department of City Planning’s ZIMAS web page at
http://zimas.lacity.org/. To determine a property’s zoning designation, a
planning code reference guide is accessible at
https://planning.lacity.org/odocument/eadcb225-a16b-4ce6-bc94-c915408
c2b04/Zoning_Code_Summary.pdf.
2. Landscape
a) Plant materials comply with the requirements from Sec. IV. Parkway
Landscape Improvements below.
Trees and other non-vegetative materials are not included in this permit
exemption.
b) Parkway irrigation complies with Sec. IV. G. Parkway Irrigation
Systems below.
B. Non-Residential Properties
Pursuant to Sec. 62.169 (a) of the Los Angeles Municipal Code, “No person shall plant,
remove, destroy, cut, prune, or deface or in any manner injure any tree, shrub, or plant
in any street in the City, without first obtaining a permit to do so from the Board” [of
Public Works] (See code at
https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/los_angeles/latest/lamc/0-0-0-158842). This
applies to all non-residential zones. A construction permit and revocable permit as
described above will be required for any shrubs and/or groundcover installations in the
public R/W. Both components of the permit can be applied for through the City of Los
Angeles Bureau of Engineering online portals
(https://buildla.lacity.org/bureau-engineering-services.html) or permit counters, see Sec.
II. B.
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II. Landscape Improvement Permits
Landscape improvements that include shrubs and/or groundcover will require a permit (unless
in compliance with Sec. I. A.). For tree planting in an existing parkway or open tree well
(excluding the installation of automatic irrigation equipment) that is not included in a broader
permit (see Sec. I. above), apply for a Tree Permit by creating a service request through
myla311.lacity.org.
A. Residential Properties
Residential parkway improvements do not require permits if they conform to the
requirements in Sec. I. A. above.
B. Non-Residential Properties
Landscape improvements may be installed within the parkway as long as the occupant
or owner of the lot fronting the parkway obtains the required permit(s) issued by the
Department of Public Works.
Permits for parkway landscape improvements may be obtained by visiting the
Department of Public Works, Bureau of Engineering. Permits for parkway landscape
improvements may be obtained by visiting the Department of Public Works, Bureau of
Engineering Customer Service Portal (https://engineering.lacity.gov/permits). To get
started, you may use one of the options below:
1. The Virtual Counter (https://appointments.lacity.org/apptsys/Public/Account) for
same day services
2. The Customer Service Request
(https://engpermits.lacity.org/public/control.cfm?action=services) to inquire about
the construction permits
3. An Appointment (https://appointments.lacity.org/apptsys/Public/Account)
As a part of the permit process, the following will be required in the plan submittal:
1. Ground level planting and irrigation plans, associated notes, and detail sheets
describing how and where each type of parkway landscape material (planting,
irrigation, ground cover, etc.) will be applied.
2. Include associated street plans showing curb, gutter, driveway, curb ramp, or
sidewalk improvements where applicable.
Department of Public Works permit counter staff will preview all parkway landscape
improvement proposals and determine the appropriate approval(s), permit(s) and fee(s)
that might be required. For a full understanding regarding permit types and processes,
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see https://engpermitmanual.lacity.org. A brief summary of the permits used to cover
parkway landscape improvements include the following:
1. A-Permit
An A-Permit is a construction permit. It is required and used when the proposed
R/W improvements are smaller in overall scope, straightforward, and do not
require extensive plan reviews or field inspections during construction. A-Permit
fees vary – refer to the BOE Development Services Procedures Manual more
information regarding fees at
https://engpermitmanual.lacity.org/construction-permits/permit-overview/4-standa
rd-associated-fees-permits
2. B-Permit
A B-Permit is a construction permit. It may be required for R/W improvements
depending on the complexity, type, and size of the proposed construction,
modification, or installation. Projects that are required to obtain B-Permits
typically involve: multiple design disciplines; submittal of professionally prepared
plans; extensive plan reviews; multiple inspections during construction; and a
final inspection for acceptance. B-Permit fees are based upon actual plan review
and inspection costs. Costs vary and are substantially higher than A-Permits.
3. Revocable (R-) Permit
In addition to a construction permit, an R-Permit is required when the City
determines proposed R/W improvements will need to be maintained in perpetuity
by the adjacent property owner/applicant. For a sample list of improvements
included in a Revocable Permit, see
https://engpermitmanual.lacity.org/revocable-r-permits/permit-overview/1-r-permit
-purpose-definition.
Parkway landscape improvements, including but not limited to, planting,
automatic irrigation, decorative paving, non-vegetative groundcover, or active
stormwater capture systems, will require a Revocable Permit (R-Permit) in
addition to either an A- or B- construction permit.
Fees may vary depending on the complexity of the design and size of the
proposed installation. For more information regarding R-Permit fees, refer to the
BOE Development Services Procedures Manual at
https://engpermitmanual.lacity.org/revocable-r-permits/permit-overview/4-standar
d-fees-revocable-r-permits.
III. Turf and Turf-Substitute Species
For both residential and non-residential properties, turf is prohibited in parkways unless
species is specified from the Drought-Tolerant Turf and Turf-Substitute Species list provided in
Sec. VII. below. The list of parkway plant materials is not finite and subject to future revisions
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as appropriate. Drought-tolerant turf-substitute groundcovers and/or drought-tolerant turf
provide or are characterized by:
1. open and free passage between the street and sidewalk for pedestrians;
2. a commonly accepted, uniform walking surface;
3. the ability to tolerate foot traffic;
4. an open line of sight between the street and adjacent property.
IV. Parkway Landscape Improvements
This section describes the City’s required criteria for landscape improvements in the public
R/W.
A. Residential Properties
Revocable permits are not required for residential parkway areas. Planting materials are
exempt from R-Permits, provided they are drought-tolerant turf or turf substitute as
specified in Sec. III. and/or meet the criteria listed in Sec. IV. C. Revocable permits are
also not required for residential parkway areas with edible plants where the owner
meets the maintenance requirements in Sec. V. B. below.
B. Non-Residential Properties
Revocable permits are required for non-residential parkway areas with shrubs and/or
groundcover.
C. Criteria for Trees and Plant Materials in Public R/W
Regardless of whether or not a permit is required, all plant material installed within
parkway areas must meet the criteria below. The term “plant material” applies to all
shrubs, groundcover, etc. – excluding trees.
1. Plant materials must be drought-tolerant or drought-resistant. Edible plant
materials may be exempted from this requirement. Plant species/cultivars native
to the Southern California region are encouraged.
2. Plant materials must not be poisonous, noxious, or invasive. Plant materials must
not have exposed, rigid spines or thorns.
3. Plant materials at full maturity must be lower than 36” in height from the top of
the curb or roadway.
4. Plant materials must not form a continuous hedge or screen at full maturity.
5. Trellises or other plant-support structures must not exceed 36” in height, and they
shall not be constructed in a manner that forms a continuous solid screen,
hedge, or otherwise restrict visibility.
6. No hanging ropes, cords, strings, guy-wires or protruding nursery stakes or sticks
are allowed within parkways. Large stakes for trees installed in accordance with
Standard Plan S-663 (latest approved edition) are exempt from this prohibition.
See https://eng2.lacity.org/techdocs/stdplans/s-600/S-663-1.pdf.
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7. Street trees installed in the public R/W in proximity to other street elements shall
be located according to the following guidelines,
https://engpermits.lacity.org/bpermits/bdocs/bss_docs/BSS_TREE_SPACING_G
UIDELINES.pdf
8. Plant materials installed within the 45’ visibility triangle at street intersections
must not exceed 24” in height at full maturity (see Los Angeles Municipal
Code-Chapter 6, Article 2, Sec. 62.200 at
https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/los_angeles/latest/lamc/0-0-0-158888).
9. Plant materials installed within five feet (5’) of a driveways or mid-block curb
ramp must not exceed 24” in height at full maturity (for visibility purposes).
10.Plant materials must not be installed within 12” of utility vaults, meter boxes, fire
hydrants, utility/street light/traffic signal/sign poles and may not obscure the
visibility of or impede access to such infrastructure.
11. Plant materials must not be installed within 24” of street trees (measured from
the base of the tree trunk in all directions).
12.When used in combination with mulch or other non-vegetative groundcover, plant
materials must cover at least 80% of the parkway area after the plants have
reached full maturity.
D. Non-Vegetative Groundcover or Paving Materials
Non-vegetative groundcovers or paving materials may be installed in the parkway with
the issuance of an A- or B-Permit. A Revocable Permit (R-Permit) may be required in
addition to either an A- or B-Permit. Non-vegetative groundcover or paving materials
include items, such as bark chips, mulch, gravel, decorative rock or stone, decomposed
granite, synthetic (artificial) turf, pavers, or cement concrete (both standard, colored, or
stamped concrete). The sole R-Permit exemption for non-vegetative groundcovers is for
projects where the only landscape improvements proposed are standard tree wells with
mulch or decomposed granite (per Standard Plan S-450 at
https://eng2.lacity.org/techdocs/stdplans/s-400/S-450-4.pdf). Non-vegetative
groundcover or paving materials installed within parkway areas must meet the following
criteria:
1. Nonstandard paving materials must comply with all of the requirements and
criteria as shown in the Department of Public Works, (per Standard Plan S-601at
https://eng2.lacity.org/techdocs/stdplans/s-600/S-601-3.pdf) and Brown Book, as
applicable. Where a conflict exists, the more stringent shall apply.
2. Both standard and nonstandard paving materials must be placed so that the
finished surface is level with adjoining sidewalk and curb surfaces.
3. Non-vegetative groundcovers such as gravel, crushed rock, decorative rock or
stone, bark, mulch, or decomposed granite that are typically loosely placed shall
not be used in parkway areas unless they are a landscape component/mulching
of plant materials in the proportions identified above (see Sec. IV. C. 12.) or part
of a stormwater treatment/capture system. They are not permitted in parkway
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areas with a slope greater than 5% in any direction (~5/8” of fall per each foot
horizontally).
4. Installations of synthetic turf must adhere to the guidelines set forth in BOE
Special Order 07-0515,
https://eng2.lacity.org/docs/sporders/2015/SO07-0515.pdf. Pre-approved
Synthetic (artificial) Turf Products for City-wide residential use do not require a
revocable permit except for commercial which requires R-Permit. Products are
listed on the City of Los Angeles, Bureau of Engineering “Approved Products
Tracking System” at http://boe.lacity.org/apm/. Although synthetic turf is an
approved material for the public R/W, Bureau of Street Services (StreetsLA) does
not recommend synthetic turf for installation in parkways.
E. Convenience Strip
A convenience strip is a minimum 18” wide (excluding curb dimension) walkable surface
measured from the back of curb, along the entire length of a planted parkway, shall be
provided to allow passengers for ingress and egress from vehicles. Convenience strips
are not required for landscaped parkways adjacent to a “no parking” zone.
1. Residential Properties
The convenience strip may consist of a uniform planting of drought-tolerant turf
substitute or drought-tolerant turf species selected from Sec. VII., a secured
in-place or stabilized non-vegetated groundcover, or paving materials. Installation
of a longitudinal header is required to physically separate a vegetated
convenience strip from the adjoining landscaping. The finish grade/surface of the
convenience strip must be installed flush with the top of the adjacent curb. See
Sec. IV. D. Non-Vegetative Groundcover or Paving Materials for permit
requirements. Convenience strips are not required for residential parkways
uniformly landscaped with a drought-tolerant turf substitute groundcover or
drought-tolerant turf (grass) that provides a reasonably walkable surface selected
from Sec. VII. Drought-Tolerant Turf and Turf-Substitute Species.
2. Non-Residential Properties
Convenience strips must be paved to form a commonly accepted walking surface
with a finish surface that is flush with the top of the adjacent curb. See Sec. IV. D.
Non-Vegetative Groundcover or Paving Materials, for permit requirements.
F. House Walk
A house walk is the lateral paved walkway with a minimum width of 48” across an
improved parkway from the street to the sidewalk, and must be level with both the
adjoining top of curb and sidewalk. A house walk is required every twenty-five feet (25’)
in between continuously landscaped parkways where street parking is allowed.
For both residential and non-residential properties, house walks across landscaped
parkways require the issuance of a construction permit (A- or B-permit). House walks
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constructed of decorative or enhanced paving additionally require the issuance of a
Revocable Permit.
G. Parkway Irrigation Systems
Automatic irrigation is required for parkway landscaping that include shrubs and
groundcover. Automatic irrigation in parkways consists of pressurized mainlines,
non-pressurized lateral lines, associated valves/boxes, and water distribution systems
(i.e. spray head, dripline, bubbler, etc.).
Where new irrigation systems are installed or existing irrigation systems are refurbished,
the City highly encourages the use of sub-surface/drip irrigation or other low-flow water
distribution systems. When and where spray head systems are used within the parkway,
all spray heads shall be of the pop-up type, fully retractable, flush with the adjacent
surface when not in use, and placed no closer than 24” to any hard-paved, adjacent
surface.
Revocable permits are required for all irrigation systems if continuously pressurized
mainlines, irrigation boxes, and/or valves are located in the public R/W -- this applies to
both residential and non-residential properties.
1. Residential Properties
Revocable permits are not required for residential parkway areas, provided there
are no continuously pressurized mainlines or associated valves installed in the
public R/W.
2. Non-Residential Properties
Revocable permits are required for non-residential parkway areas, even if there
are no pressurized mainlines or associated valves installed in the public R/W.
H. Parkway Stormwater Treatment/Capture Systems
Parkway areas can be designed and installed to treat and/or capture stormwater run-off
from the sidewalk and adjoining roadways where appropriate. Treatment systems utilize
biological/vegetative elements installed in the parkway to clean the water prior to its
continuance into the storm drain system. Capture systems retain stormwater so it may
infiltrate into the subgrade, thereby reducing or minimizing stormwater run-off.
All landscape and irrigation shall comply with relevant requirements as set forth in this
document. Such systems or a combination thereof will require permits issued by the
Department of Public Works, and each installation will be reviewed and approved on a
case-by-case basis. There are no permit exemptions or different requirements for
residential and non-residential properties. See Standard Plan S-480 series for additional
requirements and options at https://eng2.lacity.org/techdocs/stdplans/s-400/s-480-0.pdf.
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V. Maintenance of Parkway Installations
All parkway installations must be maintained in good repair and on grade by the adjacent
owner and shall be subject to Chapter VI, Article 2, Sec. 62.104 and Chapter V, Article 6, Sec.
56.08 of the Los Angeles Municipal Code at
https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/los_angeles/latest/lamc/0-0-0-158010 and
https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/los_angeles/latest/lamc/0-0-0-138325, respectively.
A. Parkway Materials
Plants in parkways must be kept in a neat, trimmed manner away from adjacent paved
surfaces at all times and shall not obstruct or infringe upon sidewalk areas, driveways,
walkways, or curb areas. Parkway plant materials must be replaced or replenished as
required; planted parkways shall be kept free of unwanted weeds and debris.
Parkway groundcover materials and nonstandard pavers must be flush with the
adjacent sidewalk and/or curb to minimize slipping and tripping hazards. Materials such
as mulch or decomposed granite shall be maintained so that materials are kept off of
the adjoining sidewalks, walkways, house walks, driveways, convenience strips, curbs
or the roadway. Mulch, decomposed granite, or other permitted groundcover materials
shall be replenished as required to maintain a finished grade that is in plane with the
adjoining top of curb or sidewalk.
B. Edible Plant Materials
The following criteria are required when edible plant materials are installed in the public
R/W:
1. Shall be trimmed back to be kept clear of adjoining sidewalks, walkways, house
walks, driveways, convenience strips, curbs or the roadway.
2. Shall not cause the sidewalk, walkways, housewalks, driveways, convenience
strips, curbs or the roadway to be closed during planting or harvesting
operations.
3. Shall be promptly harvested and removed from the parkway when mature or ripe.
4. Fallen fruit or produce shall be promptly removed from all adjoining paved
surfaces or walkways, and all residual matter shall be cleaned from adjoining
paved surfaces to avoid slip and fall or trip and fall accidents and prevent the
adjoining pavement from becoming irreparably stained.
5. Stems, greens, or other parts of seasonal or annual edible plants not harvested
for consumption shall be promptly removed and replaced, or tilled into the
parkway top-soil.
6. Parkway areas that are temporarily fallowed between crops or growing seasons
must be leveled so that the top-soil is in plane with the adjoining top of curb and
sidewalk, covered with mulch or similar material to minimize soil erosion, or
otherwise maintained in a neat and clean condition until the area is to be
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replanted. Weeds, undesirable vegetation, or other debris shall be promptly
removed from fallowed parkway areas.
7. Proper preventative measures must be taken to prevent vector (pest) infestations
that might occur as a result of installing edible plant materials. When noticed,
vectors shall be promptly removed from the parkway and/or exterminated.
8. Parkway areas no longer planted with edible plant materials for a period
exceeding 6 months shall be restored and replanted with any of the species
listed in Sec. VII. Drought-Tolerant Turf-Substitute and Turf Species or any other
plant species that meets the requirements in Sec. IV Parkway Landscape
Improvements.
C. Synthetic (Artificial) Turf
Synthetic turf must be maintained, cleaned, re-brushed, and replenished with new
approved infill per the manufacturer’s recommendations. Any damaged, loose, or raised
synthetic turf, anchoring pin, and/or landscaping nail shall be promptly repaired.
Synthetic turf shall be regularly inspected, disinfected, and remain free of litter, animal
droppings or urine, foul odors, bacterial stain, weeds, debris, and standing water.
D. Parkway Irrigation Systems
Irrigation systems in parkways, including spray heads, drip lines, risers, and lateral
lines, shall be maintained in good repair and kept free of leaks or other anomalies that
prevent the system from operating at peak efficiency.
E. Parkway Stormwater Capture Systems
Stormwater capture systems in parkways shall be maintained to ensure the systems
work properly and effectively. This includes the removal of debris and sediment that
might collect within the system, as well as the periodic replacement or refurbishment of
soils, filter media, moisture barriers, pipes, plant materials and other elements that
collectively make-up the stormwater capture system.
VI. Enforcement
When parkway areas are found to be out of compliance with the various codes and
ordinances, and/or the parkway improvements are not properly permitted, the City will employ
a progressive enforcement process to ensure the improvements are either properly permitted
or returned to a condition that complies with said codes and ordinances. The enforcement
process initially begins with verbal and/or written notifications to the adjacent property owner or
occupant in an attempt to voluntarily achieve proper compliance. Further enforcement activities
may include citations, fines, and public hearings before the Board of Public Works;
enforcement actions may also include mechanical liens against the title of the property. In
cases where the parkway improvements are deemed a nuisance or safety hazard to the public,
the City reserves the right to remove the offending improvements and restore the parkway
area using City forces. The adjacent property owner is responsible for the reimbursement of all
costs incurred by the City to properly restore parkway areas fronting the owner’s property.
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VII. Drought-Tolerant Turf and Turf-Substitute Species
The tables below display plant species that the City will approve as turf or turf-substitute in the
public R/W.
A. Drought-Tolerant Turf-Substitute Species
Scientific Name
Common Name
Water Needs
Height x Spread
Notes
Achillea millefolium
Common Yarrow
Mod-low
Flowers to 3’,
leaves to 3”
Mow every 2-6 weeks to
maintain uniform height
similar to lawn. There are
many cultivars
Achillea tomentosa
Wooly Yarrow
Mod-low
2” x 1 ½”
Gray-green wooly leaves,
yellow flat topped flower
heads 6” -10” tall. Must be
mowed to remove flower
stalks and maintain
uniform height similar to
lawn
Chamaemelum nobile
Roman
Chamomile
Moderate
3” – 12” x 12”+
Mow or shear to maintain
uniform height similar to
lawn. Plant 1’ apart for
good coverage
Duchesnea indica
Indian Mock
Strawberry
Moderate
3” – 4” x 12”
Can take more sun near
the coast; must have
partial shade in warm
inland valleys. Needs
regular moisture and well
drained soils. Tasteless
fruit. Plant 1’ apart. Mow
in early spring to maintain
uniform height
Dymondia margaretae
Dymondia
Moderate;
drought
tolerant once
established
1”-3” x 12”-24”
Spreading perennial.
Green leaves edged in
silver, yellow flowers in
summer, slow growing.
Needs well drained soils,
does better near coast;
okay for inland areas
Fragaria chiloensis
Beach Strawberry
Moderate
3”-8” x 12”-18”
Produces small edible fruit.
Mow or cut back in late
winter just before new
growth to maintain uniform
height. Best near coast;
not recommended for
inland/valley areas
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Scientific Name
Common Name
Water Needs
Height x Spread
Notes
Herniaria glabra
Green Carpet,
Rupture Wort
Moderate
1”-3” x 12”+
Spreads by rooting stems.
Plant 12” apart for good
coverage. Needs well
drained soil. Takes light
foot traffic
Lotus corniculatus
‘Plenus’
Bird’s Foot Trefoil
Moderate
4” x 12”
Carpet of dark green
leaflets. Yellow flowers in
summary and fall. May be
mowed. Good in clay soil.
Phyla nodiflora (Lippia
repens or Lippia
nodiflora)
Lippia
Mod-low
2” x 12”-24”
Ground hugging perennial.
Small pink flowers from
spring to fall attract bees.
Mow periodically to
maintain uniform height
and to remove flowers if
bees are an issue.
Thymus praecox
articus (T. polytrichus
britannicus)
Creeping Thyme
Moderate
2”-4’ x 18”-24”
Spreading perennial herb.
Pink flowers and scented
leaves. Flowers attractive
to bees
Thymus praecox ‘Elfin’
Elfin Creeping
Thyme
Moderate
2” x 6”
Non-blooming flowers.
Good for areas where bees
are an issue.
Thymus praecox
‘Minus’
Minus Creeping
Thyme
Moderate
½” x 12”
Very fine textured leaves
forms a dense carpet
Thymus
pseudolanuginosus
(T. serpyllum)
Wooly Thyme
Moderate
2”-3” x 36”
Spreading perennial herb.
Wooly gray leaves with
pink flowers. ‘Hall’s
Woolly’ is a better bloomer
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B. Drought-Tolerant Turf Species
Scientific Name
Common Name
Water Needs
Notes
Bouteloua gracilis
‘Hachita’
Hachita Blue
Grama
Low-very low
More vigorous than other
Bouteloua species. Good
in sandy or clay soil. Sold
as plugs. Mow once a
month to maintain uniform,
consistent height.
Buchloe dactyloides
‘UC Verde’
UC Verde
Buffalo Grass
Low-very low
Warm season grass. Best
along the coast or LA
Basin where it stays green
all year; goes dormant
inland for as long as
October to March. Sold as
plugs. Not good in sandy
soil. Mow every 2 to 3
weeks to maintain uniform,
consistent height
Carex pansa
California
Meadow Sedge
Moderate
Cool season sedge; can
go dormant in summer
without regular water. Sold
as plugs. Mow to maintain
uniform, consistent height
Carex praegracilis
Dune Sedge
Moderate
Cool season sedge; can
go dormant in summer
without regular water. Sold
as plugs. Mow to maintain
uniform, consistent height
Cynodon dactylon
‘GN-1’
‘GN-1’ Hybrid
Bermuda
Low- Mod
Warm season grass; goes
dormant during winter
months. Tolerates high
foot traffic. Drought
tolerant; full sun. Grow
from stolons, plugs, or sod.
‘GN-1’ requires less
maintenance than ‘Santa
Ana’ or ‘Tifway’ cultivars
Cynodon dactylon
‘Santa Ana’
‘Santa Ana’
Hybrid Bermuda
Low-Mod
Same as above (see
‘GN-1’ notes). More smog
resistant and shorter
dormancy period. Holds
color longer
Cynodon dactylon
‘Tifdwarf’
‘Tifdwarf’ Hybrid
Bermuda
Low-Mod
Same as above (see
‘GN-1’ notes). Slower to
establish and spread than
other Bermuda hybrids.
AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY - AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER RECYCLABLE AND MADE FROM RECYCLED WASTE
14
Scientific Name
Common Name
Water Needs
Notes
Cynodon dactylon
‘Tifgreen’
‘Tifgreen’ Hybrid
Bermuda
Low-Mod
Same as above (see
‘GN-1’ notes). Good
tolerance to saline soils
Cynodon dactylon
‘Tifway 419’
‘Tifway 419’
Hybrid Bermuda
Low-Mod
Same as above (see
‘GN-1’ notes). Good
tolerance to saline soils.
Shorter dormancy period;
holds color longer
Paspalum vaginatum
‘Sea Spray’
Sea Spray
Paspalum
Moderate
Warm season grass.
Prefers soils that have
moderate to high salinity.
Great near coast and
perfect for reclaimed water.
Available from seed.
Water every 1 to 2 weeks
with 1” of water. Mow to
maintain uniform,
consistent height
AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY - AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER RECYCLABLE AND MADE FROM RECYCLED WASTE