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KRISTIN HEGGEM LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT KHLA, LLC
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Denver Green Roof Initiative: Part 1

4/17/2018

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The November election is over, and Denver’s I-300 green roof initiative passed…barely. There were several myths swirling around that can be debunked and put the opponents at ease…or at least less angry. Previous to this vote, there was already a mandate in Denver where any new property site development over 43,560 sq. ft. triggers a water quality requirement. Knowing that, doesn’t it make sense that any new building structure with a footprint over 25,000 sq. ft. would also require water quality? Especially when the EPA’s position is that any impervious surface over 10% affects water quality…Denver’s water quality, and all those downstream from Denver.

The green roof requirement would also apply to existing buildings over 25,000 sq. ft. when their roofs are replaced, and to existing buildings when additions cause their floor area to reach that threshold. Yes, I-300 is a mandate, not an incentive program. As a landscape architect, I’m aware of the weak incentives directed at developers to leave existing trees in place. Denver prides itself on it’s tree canopy, yet the city’s incentives are not enough to retain the tree canopy along the streets and front setback…surely incentives will not be enough to influence developers, real estate owners and professionals to include green roofs on structures.

If Denver seems to be too radical with this green roof policy, then think back to those radical Mesopotamians who built the Hanging Gardens of Babylon…the most famous green roof in history which dates back to 600 BC. Also consider those radical, pillaging Vikings (800-100 AD) who preferred sod roofs on their buildings. Now widely adopted in Europe, especially Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Norway (whose climates are similar to Colorado), green roofs and the supporting technology has grown 15-20% since the 1960’s when it first re-emerged on the market.

San Francisco passed a similar green roof ordinance in January 2017. Considered as one of the most expensive cities in the US to live, voters recognized the value of green infrastructure. Washington DC, Chicago, New York City, Toronto, Philadelphia, Cincinnati, Nashville, Baltimore, Hampton Road, and  Seattle (in this order) are the top 10 cities for green roof implementation. Portland and Hoboken are not too far behind. If Hoboken can do this, surely Denver can.

Mayor Michael Hancock, for example, argues that the measure is too rigid and that green roofs would be too costly. It will be too costly not to implement green roofs, with all the benefits they will bring to the city such as: Local job creation, heat island decrease (Denver has the 3rd highest in heat island effect), improve air quality (Denver has the 11th worst air pollution), hail damage reduction, intrinsic stormwater management, increased roof membrane longevity, fire retardation, increased property values, just to name a few.

According to campaign finance records, every donor to Citizens for a Responsible Denver, the political committee opposed to I-300, is either directly involved with or related to developing. Did the opponents not know that PACE (Property Assessed Clean Energy) financing is now available in 33 states including Colorado? PACE helps reduce the higher upfront capital costs associated with green roofs.  Did the opponents also not know that the ROI for green roofs is between 220-247% ? Knowing my personal investment ROI’s, I’d like to build a green roof.​

A December 2016 audit by Denver Auditor Timothy O’Brien found that the Office of Sustainability, created by Hancock in 2013, “does not have sufficient authority or resources to ensure that the City’s 2020 Sustainability Goals are achieved”. These are the goals which aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase renewable energy consumption. If Denver’s Office of Sustainability is not able to solve the problem, then maybe we should be thankful for the Denver Green Roof Initiative for taking the initiative to solve the problem.


Resources:
Green Roofs for Healthy Cities www.GreenRoofs.org
Living Architecture Monitor magazine (LivingArchtiectureMonitor.com/Denver)
PACE www.CounterpointeSRE.com
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Reducing Your Fire Hazard

4/17/2018

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Recent fires throughout Colorado attest to the destructive power of flammable brush and plant litter. The three key factors that contribute to fire danger are fuel, topography, and weather. Homeowners may not be able to do anything about the topography of their lot or the weather, but landscaping can be addressed. Although any plant and any home can burn given the right conditions, a properly designed and maintained landscape can greatly reduce the hazard. Creating a defensible space around your home will help minimize fire damage and provide space where fire fighters can defend against a fire.
Plants can best be kept from becoming tinder-dry by watering on a regular schedule. Drip irrigation is best for this since water goes directly to the plants and little is lost through evaporation. Deep watering encourages deeper roots and results in healthier plants. Healthy plants have less fuel to burn. Deep watering can also be accomplished through the “cycle and soak” method with traditional spray sprinklers. Run each zone for shorter run times, but add additional start times. Drought tolerant or xeric landscapes are still great methods to save water, and deep watering is best for these plant choices. 
Pyrophytes are plants that are extremely flammable because of their high content of oils or resins. Good examples of prophetess include Gambel Oaks, Junipers, Yews, Spruces and Pines. These plants should never be planted or be allowed to grow within 15’ of the home or accessory structures. 
Deciduous trees may be planted a minimum of 10’ from any structure with approval by CFSD. Deciduous plants are a good choice because of their higher moisture content. Trees need to be limbed up 10’ and should not overlap smaller trees or shrubs.
If your home is within the Hillside Overlay Zone within Colorado Springs, fire mitigation requirements are mandatory. Mitigation and the design of your landscape are equally important as the selection of plants and materials. ALC’s landscape architects can help with considerations such as: 
• Create a defensible space, thinning vegetation as required and raking pine needles within the 30’ safety         zone or to your property line, whichever comes first.
  • Select diverse plant species with drought and fire resistant characteristics
  • Incorporate landscape elements to break up fuel continuity 


For complete information, please download a copy of the Ignition Resistant Construction Design Manual (https://csfd.coloradosprings.gov/sites/default/files/fire/images/hillside_design_manual_kms_061714.pdf), or call the CSFD Wildfire Mitigation Office (719) 385-7342 for on site consultations.
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Selecting a Landscape Architect

4/17/2018

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With spring approaching, many homeowners start to think about improvements to the landscape surrounding their homes. Landscape additions and renovations made under the direction of a landscape architect (LA) can not only improve the look of your home and increase the curb appeal, but increase the property value too.
Landscape architects are licensed to practice in 47 states, including Colorado, and must pass a rigorous exam. License information can be found at www.colorado.gov/DORA. Members of the American Society of Landscape Architect (ASLA) have met the membership requirements and keep up with the latest technology and trends through ASLA publications and continuing education programs. Altitude Land Consultants has three licensed LA’s and two intern LA’s who are ready and able to help you with your landscape design.
Here are some tips to help you through the landscape design process:
  • Think about what you want and how you will use your landscape. Don’t limit yourself to plants and trees…maybe you’d like a fence, fountain, deck, patio, fire pit, outdoor kitchen or pool. LA’s design with all of these elements in their palette. We can provide you with our residential checklist to make sure you’ve thought of everything!
  • Look at books and magazines for ideas and start a file or Pinterest board to share with us. This will help you communicate what you want to achieve.
  • Ask about maintenance. Be honest in how much time you want to spend up keeping your yard. This helps guide our choices and our design.
  • Once you’ve completed our checklist, we will arrange a time for a site visit, where we will walk around your home, talk about your needs, budget, take photographs and ask questions. 
  • Finally, we will provide you with a written proposal that outlines our scope of work and our fees. Once our design and plans are completed, we can suggest capable landscape contractors to bid the plans and complete your project.
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Landscaping Return on Investment

4/17/2018

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Yes, it does grow on trees! One of the secrets to successful real estate may be “location, location, landscape.” Recent research found that people are willing to pay up to 15% more for homes with professional landscaping, and real estate appraisers nationwide agree that homeowners can substantially increase the value of their property by planting trees and enhancing the landscape. And these investments appreciate in value and increase “curb appeal’ if done correctly. Make planting a priority early on to allow for at least several years of growth. Smaller container sized plants will cost less, but will require more time to fill in. Larger container sized plants will cost more, but will have immediate effect. Either way, landscaping can be expensive, so it is important to have a landscape architect help guide your decisions.
According to the American Association of Nurserymen and RealEstate.com, the ROI (return on investment when the property is sold) on landscaping ranges from 100-200%. Don’t forget that the ROI increases when savings on energy bills are factored in. Properly placed shade trees and shrubs can help cool the air and your home’s temperatures. Landscape Architects can help select the proper tree species and placement to maximize this effect.
The American Society of Landscape Architects recommends investing a minimum of 10% of your home’s value into landscaping, which includes not only plants but also decks, patios, arbors, walls, lighting, etc. With this budget, the quality and quantity of landscaping will match your home. The more elements you want to incorporate into the outdoor environment, the investment percentage will rise above the 10% mark. The most popular items requested by homeowners include outdoor fireplaces and fire pits, covered outdoor kitchens, seat walls, and decorative paving.
Perhaps the biggest mistake homeowners make is a piecemeal approach to landscaping. Homeowners begin projects without necessary plant, soil, grading or drainage knowledge, and proceed without a plan. The result is a hodgepodge of plantings and gardens that don’t enhance the home’s architecture. Following a professionally prepared plan will create a cohesive landscape while remaining within a pre-established budget. And, remember that everything doesn’t have to happen at once. Consider a phased plan that adds plantings and other features each year. This way you can remain within your budget while still progressing toward a complete landscape design.
Plant a little green around your home now, to get alot of green back later on.
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Why Hire a Landscape Architect?

4/17/2018

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​https://www.asla.org/reasonstohire.aspx
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    Kristin Heggem is passionate about landscape design, architecture, and travel.

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