IPM-Based Landscape Design Intro & Contents
Landscape Design for IPM & Low Maintenance
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IPM-Based Landscape Design 

Life-Cycle Costing

Life-cycle costing is a critical concept that should be considered in any design/construction project and that must be considered in a successful IPM program for ornamental landscapes; particularly when making comparisons between IPM-based and conventional landscape maintenance approaches.  Life-cycle costing takes into account all the costs associated over the life of a landscape, including design, construction, maintenance and repairs.  The effective implementation of life-cycle costing involves utilizing a thoughtful, comprehensive design along with quality material and construction practices.  This achieves a long lasting, healthy landscape that is less expensive to maintain than the standard approach.  Additional costs incurred in the design and construction phases are not only recovered over the life of the landscape but are actually lower when maintenance and repairs are included in the accounting (see illustration below).
 
 
This graphic shows a relative cost breakdown between a conventional landscape project and one utilizing resource-conserving and low maintenance approaches.  The example is from the Irvine Ranch Water District in Southern California and appeared in Landscape Architecture magazine.  To quote from the article, "...The Terraces, a homeowner association in Irvine where 25 acres of turf have led to spiraling water and maintenance costs.  The water district has provided the association with $100,000 in zero-interest loans to retrofit the irrigation system, replace existing turf with a more water-efficient variety and redesign for shrubs in settings where they won't require pruning.  The savings in water bills and maintenance, including landfill fees, will form the basis for paying back the loans in just five years."
 

Effective utilization of IPM design and site modification practices reduces the need for pest control treatments, helping minimize pesticide use requirements and making resources available for other maintenance priorities. In turn, these benefits promote environmental quality and facilitate improvements in the aesthetic quality of the resource system. It also reduces the life-cycle maintenance costs of specific landscape features. These savings should be calculated in determining the cost-effectiveness of instituting IPM design and site modification practices.

To this end, it is important to analyze the costs of good design and construction practices, IPM training, tools, and materials in a long-term manner. While skimping on these important components of an IPM program may appear economical in the short run, in the long run they actually add significantly to the costs of vegetation and pest management.

Please see Introduction to IPM for "Urban" Landscapes for an in-depth discussion of the IPM methodology and how the concept of life-cycle costing is an important concept in the implementation of a successful IPM program.
 
 

IPM-Based Landscape Design Intro & Contents
Landscape Design for IPM & Low Maintenance
IPM Access Key Documents | Home Page
 



Last modified: August 20, 1999

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