At the University of California, Davis, the SmartLandscape and SmartLawn initiatives are pioneering examples of sustainable landscape design powered by advanced irrigation technology. Led by the California Center for Urban Horticulture (CCUH), these projects demonstrate how landscape water efficiency and cutting-edge solutions can coexist to address California’s evolving environmental standards, such as the Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO).
SmartLandscape: Urban Tree Success with RZWS
The SmartLandscape project serves as a real-world testing site for sustainable landscape techniques, especially those aimed at improving urban tree health. One challenge it addresses is how to deliver water more effectively to trees, often limited by compacted soil and shallow irrigation.
Hunter Industries contributed to this challenge by providing its Root Zone Watering System (RZWS), a technology that delivers water, oxygen, and nutrients directly to a tree’s root zone. Initial results showed that trees watered using RZWS for just five minutes every other day exhibited significantly better root growth and canopy health than trees watered with traditional bubblers.
“Our collaboration with Hunter Industries allows us to implement and evaluate real-world irrigation solutions with scientific rigor, while demonstrating to the industry what is truly possible in sustainable urban landscapes,” said Dr. Dave Fujino, Executive Director of CCUH and co-facilitator of the program. “These innovations will influence future best practices across California and beyond.”
SmartLawn: Comparing Turf and Irrigation Efficiency
The SmartLawn project examines various turf species and irrigation systems to determine the most efficient combinations for aesthetics and sustainability. It includes cool-season grasses, warm-season types like UC Verde Buffalograss, and alternatives such as Kurapia.
Hunter provided both MP Rotator® Nozzles for overhead irrigation and subsurface Eco-Mat® Systems, helping maximize water use efficiency. Each plot is closely monitored with soil moisture sensors and flow meters to ensure precise water management and compliance with MWELO.
Education and Innovation in Practice
These projects also serve as active learning environments for UC Davis students, who engage in everything from layout design to performance analysis. Hunter supports the educational mission by sharing industry expertise and promoting data-driven decision-making in landscape irrigation.
Together, UC Davis and Hunter are shaping the future of smart landscape design, offering scalable solutions for both municipalities and private developments committed to sustainable practices.