Portrait

Teaming Up to Transform Landscaping at LADWP Facilities

By Albert Rodriguez

Computer-generated landscape photo with shrubbery, rocks and dividers for brown, gray, and tan soil.

During the height of the California drought spanning 2012 to 2016, LADWP initiated a program to swap out traditional grass lawns and hardscapes at our many facilities in exchange for California Friendly® drought tolerant landscaping. These efforts saved maintenance hours, saved water, and helped LADWP facilities blend in with the aesthetics of the surrounding communities. It also signaled to L.A. residents that the Department was leading by example regarding water conservation and reevaluating our traditional relationship with lawns and landscaping with a more sustainable outlook. Among some of the completed projects were Distribution Station (DS) 28 in West L.A., DS 89 in San Pedro, the Sunshine House at Silver Lake Reservoir, and the now iconic demonstration gardens at the John Ferraro Building.

Leading this effort was a collaboration between the Power Construction and Maintenance (PCM) General Construction Team and the Landscaping Capitol Project Group. Unfortunately, work on these projects went on hiatus for a couple of years due to retirements, transfers, promotions, and the unforeseen impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. But much like the renewal of spring, the program has been relaunched with a renewed sense of energy and enthusiasm.

“The program is now being revitalized with new personnel, new management, and the addition of a design architect to better adapt our designs to local neighborhood input. With our new momentum, we’re also looking into the beautification aspect of painting the buildings and retrofitting sidewalks and driveways to be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.”

Edward McCormick, Construction and Maintenance Supervisor

Hands with a string in one of them guiding a green plant with white flowers through a trellis.

The two most recently completed projects are Distributing Station (DS) 29 located in Pacific Palisades, and the areas outside the wall perimeter of the Temple Yard near Little Tokyo. Work on these two facilities took place from October of 2023 to July of this year and garnered a great deal of positive feedback.

“We learned a lot about the effectiveness of different types of landscaping during the first phase of this effort back in 2015. Today, I think we are more experienced, and the work is getting great feedback from employees, who consider their workplace to be their second home.”

Eusebio Serna, Senior Gardener

Person in protective gear yellow vest and white construction hard hat caring for a tree.

The revived Drought Tolerant Landscaping program has the added focus of also cultivating successful pollinator environments that can reap community benefits such as biodiversity, ecological and environmental health, and climate resiliency. Designs include the use of smart irrigation and permeable hardscape, with the main goal of developing a functional landscape that can become a community asset. These projects also have the added benefit of contributing to climate restoration goals. Restoration projects on LADWP properties help decarbonize, reduce air pollution and attract pollinators, which create ecosystems that add beauty, vibrant colors and community engagement.

“Our design approach for all these beautification projects starts with understanding the site and identifying its strong and weak points, such as climate, location, and the inventory of elements already present. We also have to understand the community surrounding the facility. For example, what type of plants characterize the neighborhood, site concerns, and also what type of design will benefit the community in the long run.”

Meliana Tanzil, Architectural Associate

Individuals wearing protective gear and white construction hard hats, one on hands and knees the other standing nearby with landscaping equipment, tend to plants.

After these two preliminary steps, the plant and hardscape material selection process can begin, with an emphasis on pollinator-friendly and drought-tolerant plant palettes. Hardscape materials such as rocks, gravel, wood, or bark mulch are chosen based on how they can elevate and complement the visuals of the landscape as well as avoid stormwater runoff. After this meticulous design process, the assigned PCM General Construction crew works with LADWP’s Community Relations group and with community representatives to present the design to the neighborhood. Community questions and concerns are addressed, and feedback is noted. All stakeholders stay in communication in case any issues arise during construction.

Person in protective gear yellow vest and white construction hard hat standing while taking caring for a tree.

The designer’s vision can then be implemented into reality thanks to the different talents and coordination provided by employees on the PCM General Construction and the Landscaping Capitol Project groups. The PCM construction crew works with the facility manager to coordinate the storage of construction and landscape materials and the access procedure to the facility. Crews always begin with a tailgate meeting to discuss any issues related to the job and workplace safety. The project starts with the demolition of the existing ground using a mini excavator and skid steer to unload the debris off the site safely. This is followed with installation of a drainage line, irrigation equipment, and an irrigation pipeline. The last phase of the construction includes planting, landscape edges (to define the planter area), and adding boulders. If there is a need for design changes, the carpenter supervisor and senior gardener will brief and verify with the landscape designer. At the end of the project, the team will go over their punch list task to make sure the project is completed with no loose ends.

Plant with a yellow flower in bloom standing out among green shrubbery.

The next projects are slated to begin work in early October, but the sites are still under the approval process. If you’re interested in joining the team and working on these important projects that will have a lasting impact for many years to come, you might consider applying for one of the positions listed below. Visit JoinLADWP.com for more information.