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Large NEX Xeriscape Project at Pearl Harbor Completed

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS100811-04
8/11/2010

By Thomas Obungen, Naval Facilities Engineering Command Hawaii Public Affairs

PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Hawaii completed the final phase of a large-scale, drought-tolerant xeriscape project Aug. 2 for the Navy Exchange (NEX) at Pearl Harbor.

The design incorporates hearty, drought-tolerant plants, efficient irrigation, ground cover and balanced soil to produce a landscape that requires half the amount or less of water to maintain than traditional landscaping. More than 45,000 plants, ranging from crown of thorn shrubs to dwarf sugar cane, were planted.

"Phase II incorporates both the planting of a host of new, native plants, synthetic turf, and drought-resistant plants, as well as the removal and treatment of weeds and other undesirables," said Matt Flach, NAVFAC Hawaii landscape architect.

NAVFAC Hawaii awarded the $470,569 contract to Hawaii-based KN Lawn Service. The project was awarded and completed in two phases to allow the landscaping contractor enough time to gather the large quantity of plants from local nurseries and to repair and prepare areas before any work could begin. The second phase began in October 2009, and expands the approximately 96,000 square feet of work done in Phase I to nearly 200,000 square feet.

"The contractor completed prep work on the soil prior to November-December 2009 to ensure that most of the weeds would be germinated for their removal in the summer and to allow time to grow enough plants for the project" said Flach. "In addition, 12,000 sq. ft. of synthetic turf was added into the design because it requires little maintenance and virtually no water, while preserving the look of real grass, saving time and money for the customer."

Native Hawaiian plants account for eight of the 20 different species used throughout the NEX complex, totaling about 22,000 plants. Their role in xeriscaping is essential to the project, because they are naturally accustomed to Hawaii's temperate climate and unpredictable weather patterns.

After completing the installation project, the contractor entered a mandatory 120-day maintenance period to guarantee the new plants mature and weeds stay at bay. During this time they will be fertilizing, weeding, watering, and maintaining the grounds until the final inspection in January 2011.