Agenda Packet 2.23.21
February 23, 2021, 5:30 PM
I. Call Meeting to Order (Chairman Cameron Moore)
II. Approval of January Minutes (currently in draft status)
January Member Attendees: Cameron Moore, Kristin Freeman, Richard Kern, Maverick Pate,
Luke Waddell
III. Regular Items of Business
Case ZBA-955 - McAdams, applicant, on behalf of City of Wilmington, property owner, is
requesting a variance from tree retention requirements per Section 5.3.4(C) and parking lot
interior landscaping requirements per Section 5.4.5(C) of the New Hanover County Unified
Development Ordinance. The property is located at 205 Sutton Steam Plant Road.
IV. Other Business
V. Adjourn
1
MEETING MINUTES
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT-DRAFT
The New Hanover County Board of Adjustment held a regular and duly advertised meeting at 5:30 P.M. at the
New Hanover County Government Center Complex, 230 Government Center Drive, in the Lucie Harrell
Conference Room, Wilmington, NC, on Tuesday, January 26, 2021.
Members Present Members Absent
Cameron Moore -Chairman Hank Adams
Kristin Freeman - Vice- Chair Pete DeVita
Luke Waddell Michael Keenan, Sr.
Maverick Pate
Richard Kern
Ex Officio Members Present
Ken Vafier - Executive Secretary
Sharon Huffman – Deputy County Attorney
Denise Brown - Administrative Zoning Technician
The meeting was called to order at 5:30 P.M. by the Chairman, Mr. Cameron Moore.
Chairman Moore explained that the board is a quasi-judicial board appointed by the Board of Commissioners to
consider ordinance variances from residents in New Hanover County where special conditions would create
unnecessary hardships. He said the board also hears appeals of the County’s interpretation and enforcement of
the Unified Development Ordinance. The appellants have thirty days in which to appeal any decision made by
the Board to Superior Court.
ELECTION OF CHAIR AND VICE-CHAIR FOR 2021
Mr. Moore opened the floor to receive nominations for Chairman of the Board of Adjustment for the 2021
calendar year.
Mr. Waddell nominated Mr. Cameron Moore as Chairman of the Board of Adjustment.
With there being no further nominations the members proceeded to vote.
Mr. Kern second the motion. The board voted unanimously to elect Mr. Cameron Moore as the Chairman of the
Board.
Mr. Moore opened the floor to receive nominations for Vice-Chair of the Board of Adjustment for the calendar
year.
Mr. Moore nominated Ms. Kristin Freeman as Vice-Chair of the Board of Adjustment. With there being no further
nominations the members proceeded to vote.
Mr. Kern second the motion. The board voted unanimously to elect Ms. Kristin Freeman as Vice-Chair to the
Board of Adjustment.
New board members Luke Waddell and Maverick Pate were introduced and welcomed to their first meeting
proceeding.
2
FIRST ORDER OF BUSINESS
The minutes from the November 10, 2020 meeting were reviewed and unanimously approved by the board as
submitted.
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT 2021 CALENDAR ADOPTION
Mr. Waddell motioned to approve the 2021 calendar. Mr. Kern second the motion. The 2021 calendar was
unanimously approved and adopted by the board members.
CASE ZBA-954
The Chairman then swore in Ken Vafier, Bradley Wivell and Matthew Nichols.
Mr. Vafier stated the applicant, is requesting a variance from three ordinance provisions governing non-
conforming situations and required front yard setbacks within the New Hanover County Unified Development
Ordinance in order to construct a single-family dwelling within the B-2 District.
Mr. Bradley Wivell, applicant and property owner, is requesting a variance from the discontinuance of a non-
conforming use duration per Sections 11.4 and 11.6; and a variance of 20.4’ from the 35’ minimum required
front yard setback in the B-2, Regional Business District per Section 3.4.5 D of the New Hanover County Unified
Development Ordinance. The property is located at 1112 Elm Street.
The parcel is located in the Seabreeze community in the southern section of New Hanover County. The parcel is
one of several lots in the area that comprise approximately 10 acres which were zoned B-2 in 1971 due to their
historic use as waterfront business and recreation destinations. Currently, the site is operating as a boat trailer
storage lot which is affiliated with the applicant’s boat storage business located across Elm Street to the
southwest of the subject site. The applicant was notified upon expansion to the lot a minor site plan would be
required. After discussing plans for the site, staff was informed by the applicant that they wanted to construct a
single family dwelling on the subject site.
Mr. Vafier stated single family dwellings are not permitted in the B-2 district, but mentioned that there are some
legal non-conforming uses in the area which pre-date the current zoning classification. Mr. Vafier stated there
are criteria that allow legal non-conformities to remain until they are removed, however the continual use is not
encouraged.
Mr. Vafier stated that once the use is discontinued, the ordinance allows a 180-day duration after which the
property may only be used for conforming uses. The applicant provided a survey of a home at the subject site in
2002, however, this home was not present when the applicant purchased the property in 2017.
Staff has not located records to confirm a structure was on site within the 180-day time limit.
Mr. Vafier stated once the use has been discontinued, the use can only be used for legal conforming uses such
as a business or commercial use. As staff is not able to approve a single family home on the subject site; the
applicant elected to pursue approval of a variance for constructing a home at the site.
Chairman Moore asked how long has the 180-day duration rule been in the county in the ordinance.
Mr. Vafier stated the variance request is for the single family structure. He stated the 180-day duration has been
on the books prior to the adoption of the Unified Development Ordinance.
3
Mr. Waddell inquired if the property had a well and if the area will pass for perk test.
Mr. Matthew Nichols, PLLC- Mr. Nichols presented representing Mr. Brad Wivell, who owns a local trailer and
boat storage facility in the Seabreeze community. The storage business is located on the opposite side of the
subject site. Mr. Nichols stated the community has a mixture of structures in the area in addition to the old home
that was previously located on Mr. Wivell’ s parcel prior to 2017.
Mr. Nichols stated that there is a mobile home across the street from the subject site that was removed and
currently a single family dwelling is being constructed at this site. Mr. Nichols stated the subject site is 9/10 of an
acre, which is extremely small due to the wide right of way of Elm Street. Mr. Nichols stated the subject site is
challenging due to its size in the B-2 district. Mr. Nichols stated the applicant is requesting a single family dwelling
to be built at the subject site.
Mr. Nichols stated the situation was not created by the applicants, a rezoning of the site would not be beneficial
to the applicant, the subject site is extremely small, and the applicant would be closer to his business across the
street on Elm Street if the request were to be approved.
Mr. Kern asked about the time from when the structure was removed to when the applicant purchased the
parcel.
Ms. Freeman inquired as to where the photos of the old house that were presented at the property came from.
Mr. Nichols stated that Mr. Clyde Dinkins owned the property from approximately in 2003 -2012, and that photos
of the old home were taken around 2012 per the date on the photos.
Mr. Waddell asked if the applicant started using the property immediately after purchasing.
Mr. Wivell stated he purchased the subject site in 2017 and starting utilizing it as a boat storage. He is requesting
approval to construct a future home close to his business.
Mr. Pate asked if tax records ever showed of a single family home on the subject site.
Mr. Vafier stated the tax records shows no data for the subject site.
PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED
BOARD DELIBERATION
Mr. Waddell asked if granting this variance would it set a precedent, and Ms. Freeman asked if the board would
need to consider a prior case.
Ms. Huffman stated the board is tasked with deciding if the request constitutes an acceptable application for
variance proceedings. Ms. Huffman stated the board cannot grant a variance for a permitted use in a zoning
district. Ms. Huffman stated that the applicant is requesting approval of a use that is not allowed at the subject
site.
Chairman Moore asked how long has B-2 zoning been in the Seabreeze community.
4
Mr. Vafier stated the B-2 zoning was applied to the area in 1971. Mr. Vafier stated this type of inquiry has been
requested in past in the Seabreeze community.
Mr. Vafier stated applicants have tried unsuccessfully to have certain areas in or near the community rezoned
over the years.
Mr. Kern asked in the past was the community a residential district.
Mr. Vafier stated the area was both residential and non- residential. In addition, there was no zoning regulations
in years’ prior when a lot of the community was constructed.
Mr. Nichols displayed photos of mixed structures in the past of the community.
Ms. Freeman asked if there are future plans for the Seabreeze area to become a more residential community,
also if the UDO has language of rezoning small communities like Seabreeze and Castle Hayne.
Mr. Vafier stated as residents purchase larger tracts and request of rezoning it’s possible these areas could be
rezoned in the future, but there is not a current initiative to proactively rezone the area at the staff level.
Chairman Moore re-opened the public hearing for applicant rebuttal.
Mr. Nichols (rebuttal) Mr. Nichols referenced a case before the City of Wilmington’s Board of Adjustment at
6320 Oleander Drive which suffered a fire and the building at the time was subject to a time limit to reconstruct.
This time limit had expired to rebuild and the applicant presented this hardship to the Wilmington Board of
Adjustment.
Mr. Nichols stated although the hearing was in the city’s jurisdiction, the request is similar to today’s case hearing
whereby the board does have the authority to approve these type of request. Mr. Nichols stated the Wilmington
Board of Adjustment request was approved and rebuilt.
Mr. Nichols stated it is in the board’s authority to grant the variance as presented today. In addition, granting the
variance would resolve a difficult situation for the applicant. No opposition to build the home has been received.
Mr. Nichols concluded that the request is not a use variance.
PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED
Mr. Vafier stated that the owner across the street and Ms. Dinkins stated they had no opposition to the
applicant’s request.
Mr. Kern stated the applicant should not be punished due to not knowing when the home old home was
removed.
Ms. Freeman reiterated that a use variance is not allowed in the B-2 district.
Chairman Moore stated that the 180-day use is a common time line within a county ordinance.
Mr. Vafier stated that the applicant could apply for a special use permit or a live work-unit permit in order to
construct a single-family dwelling, but would have to meet the respective UDO requirements for those uses.
5
Chairman Moore stated the board is tasked with upholding the ordinance. He recommended that the applicant
work with staff on other avenues for a successful outcome.
Ms. Freeman made a motion that the application is not eligible for board authority for approval.
Chairman Moore second the motion that pursuant to state statute the application is not eligible for a variance,
therefore a formal vote on the specific variance requests would not move forward.
Chairman Moore, Vice-Chair Freeman and Mr. Waddell voted Nay. Mr. Kern and Mr. Pate voted yay.
The vote was 3-2, and the request was not considered by the board as it was found to not be an eligible
application for a variance.
Chairman Moore motioned to adjourn. Mr. Kern second the motion. All ayes to adjourn the January 26, 2021
meeting.
________________________________ _________________________________
Executive Secretary Chairman
Date: _____________
The minutes of this meeting are not verbatim*
ZBA-955 Page 1 of 6
VARIANCE REQUEST
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
February 23, 2021
CASE: ZBA-955
PETITIONER: McAdams, applicant, on behalf of City of Wilmington, property owner.
REQUEST: Variance from tree retention requirements per Section 5.3.4(C) and interior landscaping
requirements per Section 5.4.5(C) of the New Hanover County Unified Development Ordinance
(UDO).
LOCATION: 205 Sutton Steam Plant Road
PID: R04000-001-012-000
ZONING: I-2, Heavy Industrial District
ACREAGE: 65.47 Acres
BACKGROUND AND ORDINANCE CONSIDERATIONS:
McAdams, applicant, on behalf of City of Wilmington, property owner, is requesting variances from two UDO
provisions related to tree retention and interior landscaping requirements.
The subject property consists of 65.47 acres located to the south of Sutton Steam Plant Road, north of Sampson
Street, and is zoned I-2, Heavy Industrial. Currently, there are seven existing sports fields on the northern half of the
property. The applicant intends to construct four additional sports fields for the southern portion of the property,
totaling eleven sports fields. When applying the UDO language from these sections, the proposed development
would require additional off-street parking, interior landscaping in the amount of eight percent of the parking area,
and tree retention where 15 trees would have to be retained or planted for each acre of area on the parcel
disturbed by the development.
The subject tract was once a landfill and is now part of an EPA Brownfield Revitalization Program. This means that
an environmental cleanup for the earlier use is active on the site. EPA Brownfield Revitalization Programs are common
for abandoned industrial facilities, waste disposal sites, and former gas stations. These programs can aid in returning
properties to productive future uses.
Sites involved in Brownfield Revitalization Programs may have limitations accompanied with the redevelopment.
These limitations on the subject parcel are because of a geocell cover system or soil cover system placed over the
contaminated area. In the case of the subject site, vegetative restrictions within the landfill/brownfield boundary are
placed on root depth and root runners.
ZBA-955 Page 2 of 6
Figure 1: Aerial with Applicant’s Conceptual Plan with Staff Markups
Under the provisions of the UDO, approximately 323 trees would be required to be planted within the proposed
disturbed area (approximately 21.5 acres) as part of the tree retention requirements, and one tree per 144 square
feet (approximately 49 trees) would be required to be planted to meet the interior parking standards. However, a
large percentage of the site is occupied by landfill/brownfields, subject to restrictions on root depth, and available
space outside the landfill/brownfields boundary is limited. According to the applicant, difficulties arise with providing
the required number of plantings because of the vegetative cover restrictions on root depth within the
landfill/brownfields.
ZBA-955 Page 3 of 6
Figure 2: Variance Requested from Tree Retention Requirements per Section 5.3.4(C) and Interior
Landscaping Requirements per Section 5.4.5(C) of UDO
As such, the applicant is requesting the following variances:
(A) A variance of 173 trees required from Section 5.3.4(C) of the UDO requiring that a minimum of 15 trees
at least two inches DBH or two caliper inches, as applicable, shall be retained or planted on a parcel
where development occurs.
The applicant is proposing to disturb approximately 21.5 acres, requiring about 323 trees to be retained or
planted. The applicant is proposing to plant about 150 trees outside of the Landfill/Brownfield boundary.
(B) A variance of 49 trees required from Section 5.4.5(C) of the UDO requiring one planted or existing tree
shall be required for every 144 square feet of total interior landscaped area, with a minimum of one
tree in each parking island.
The applicant is proposing for the interior parking landscaped areas to be increased from eight percent to about
sixteen percent, providing more areas for shrubs because of the inability to plant trees.
5.3.4 TREE RETENTION STANDARDS TRANSITIONAL BUFFERS
C. A minimum of 15 trees at least two inches DBH or two caliper inches, as applicable,
shall be retained or planted on a parcel where development occurs in accordance
with Section 5.4, Landscaping and Buffering.
5.4.5. PARKING LOTS
C. Landscaping for parking lot interiors shall be in accordance with the requirements
in Table 5.4.5.C: Standards for Parking Lot Interiors.
ZBA-955 Page 4 of 6
Figure 3: Applicant’s Conceptual Plan with Staff Markups Illustrating the
Landfill /Brownfield Boundary
The applicant contends that the variance is necessary in order to be compliant with site vegetative cover standards
for landfills/brownfields, as specified by North Carolina’s Department of Environmental Quality. When applying the
UDO language from Sections 5.3.4(C) and 5.4.5(C), the landfill/brownfield boundary illustrated above in green is
restricted by the Landfill Site Vegetative Cover documentation provided in your packet that states that root depth
shall be no greater than 18 inches at maturity with no root runner greater than 6 inches.
ZBA-955 Page 5 of 6
Figure 4: Applicant’s Conceptual Plan with Staff Markups Illustrating Areas Not Restricted For
Vegetative Cover of Root Depth
The applicant has submitted a landscaping plan that proposes about 150 understory trees to be placed outside the
landfill/brownfields boundary located in red above.
ZBA-955 Page 6 of 6
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT POWER AND DUTY:
The Board of Adjustment has the authority to authorize variances from the terms of the Unified Development
Ordinance where, due to special conditions, a literal enforcement of the regulations would result in unnecessary
hardship. In granting any variance, the Board may prescribe appropriate conditions and safeguards in conformity
with the Unified Development Ordinance. A concurring vote of four-fifths (4/5) of the voting members of the Board
shall be necessary to grant a variance. A variance shall not be granted by the Board unless and until the following
findings are made:
1. Unnecessary hardship would result from the strict application of the ordinance. It shall not be necessary to
demonstrate that, in the absence of the variance, no reasonable use can be made of the property.
2. The hardship results from conditions that are peculiar to the property, such as location, size, or topography.
Hardships resulting from personal circumstances, as well as hardships resulting from conditions that are
common to the neighborhood or the general public, may not be the basis for granting a variance.
3. The hardship did not result from actions taken by the applicant or the property owner. The act of purchasing
property with knowledge that circumstances exist that may justify the granting of a variance shall not be
regarded as a self-created hardship.
4. The requested variance is consistent with the spirit, purpose, and intent of the ordinance, such that public
safety is secured, and substantial justice is achieved.
ACTION NEEDED (Choose one):
1. Motion to approve the variance request based on the findings of fact (with or without conditions)
2. Motion to table the item in order to receive additional information or documentation (Specify).
3. Motion to deny the variance request based on specific negative findings in any of the 4 categories
above.
ORDER TO GRANT A VARIANCE – Case ZBA-955
The Board of Adjustment for New Hanover County, having held a public hearing on February 23, 2021 to
consider application number ZBA-955, submitted by McAdams, applicant, on behalf of City of Wilmington,
property owner, a request for a variance of 173 trees from Section 5.3.4(C) of the UDO requiring that a
minimum of 15 trees at least two inches DBH or two caliper inches, as applicable, shall be retained or
planted on a parcel where development occurs; and a variance of 49 trees required from Section 5.4.5(C)
of the UDO requiring one planted or existing tree shall be required for every 144 square feet of total
interior landscaped area, with a minimum of one tree in each parking island in a manner not permissible
under the literal terms of the ordinance and having heard all the evidence and arguments presented at
the hearing, makes the following FINDINGS OF FACT and draws the following CONCLUSIONS:
1. It is the Board’s conclusion that, if the applicant complies with the literal terms of the ordinance,
specifically a variance of 173 trees from Section 5.3.4(C) of the UDO requiring that a minimum
of 15 trees at least two inches DBH or two caliper inches, as applicable, shall be retained or
planted on a parcel where development occurs; and a variance of 49 trees required from Section
5.4.5(C) of the UDO requiring one planted or existing tree shall be required for every 144 square
feet of total interior landscaped area, with a minimum of one tree in each parking island of the
New Hanover County Unified Development Ordinance, that an unnecessary hardship
would/would not result. (It shall not be necessary to demonstrate that, in the absence of the
variance, no reasonable use can be made of the property.) This conclusion is based on the
following FINDINGS OF FACT:
_______________________________________________________________________.
_______________________________________________________________________.
_______________________________________________________________________.
_______________________________________________________________________.
2. It is the Board’s conclusion that the hardship of which the applicant complains results/does not
result from unique circumstances related to the subject property, such as location, size, or
topography. (Hardships resulting from personal circumstances, as well as hardships resulting
from conditions that are common to the neighborhood or the general public, may not be the
basis for granting a variance.) This conclusion is based on the following FINDINGS OF FACT:
_______________________________________________________________________.
_______________________________________________________________________.
_______________________________________________________________________.
_______________________________________________________________________.
3. It is the Board’s conclusion that the hardship did/did not result from actions taken by the
applicant or the property owner. (The act of purchasing property with knowledge that
circumstances exist that may justify the granting of a variance shall not be regarded as a self-
created hardship.) This conclusion is based on the following FINDINGS OF FACT:
_______________________________________________________________________.
_______________________________________________________________________.
_______________________________________________________________________.
_______________________________________________________________________.
4. It is the Board’s conclusion that, if granted, the variance will/will not be consistent with the
spirit, purpose, and intent of the ordinance, such that public safety is secured, and substantial
justice is achieved. This conclusion is based on the following FINDINGS OF FACT:
_______________________________________________________________________.
_______________________________________________________________________.
_______________________________________________________________________.
_______________________________________________________________________.
THEREFORE, on the basis of all the foregoing, IT IS ORDERED that the application for a VARIANCE from
New Hanover County Unified Development Ordinance to allow a variance of 173 trees from Section
5.3.4(C) of the UDO requiring that a minimum of 15 trees at least two inches DBH or two caliper inches,
as applicable, shall be retained or planted on a parcel where development occurs; and a variance of 49
trees required from Section 5.4.5(C) of the UDO requiring one planted or existing tree shall be required
for every 144 square feet of total interior landscaped area, with a minimum of one tree in each parking
island of the UDO be GRANTED/DENIED, subject to the following conditions, if any:
ORDERED this 23rd day of February, 2021.
____________________________________
Cameron Moore, Chairman
Attest:
________________________________
Kenneth Vafier, Executive Secretary to the Board
P5P5P5P5HT
HPHP
L1.00
WLM17000-LS1
-
GLJ
SEE DRAWINGS
EXHIBIT
VARIANCE
EXISTING SITE
ENTRANCE
RESTROOM
BUILDING
EXISTING
GAZEBO
ADA
PARKING
EXISTING FENCE LINE
GRAVEL
PARKING
LOT
10' CONCRETE
SIDEWALK
MULTI-USE PATH
(ALTERNATE 1)
MAINTENANCE
BLDG. AND FENCE
MULTI-USE PATH
(ALTERNATE 1)
PLAYGROUND AND
PATH CONNECTION
(ALTERNATE 3)
20' METHANE
VENT CLEAR ZONE
PLAYING FIELD
PERIMETER FENCE
EX. FIELD TO REMAIN
(BASE BID ONLY)
LEVEL
SPREADER
LEVEL
SPREADER
SITE LEGEND
PROPERTY LINEEXISTING FIELD
EXISTING FIELD
EXISTING FIELDS
FIELD #11
SYNTHETIC
(ALTERNATE 6)
EXISTING FIELDS
FIELD #9
FIELD #6 FIELD #8PROPERTY L
INE
RENOVATED PARKING (ALTERNATE 4)
MULTI-USE PATH
(ALTERNATE 1)
10' CONCRETE
SIDEWALK
CONCRETE BENCH PAD
(ALTERNATE 1)
FIELD #7
FIELD LIGHTS FIELD LIGHTS
RENOVATED PARKING
(ALTERNATE 4)
EXISTING SEPTIC FIELD
RENOVATED PARKING
(ALTERNATE 4)
PROPERTY LINE
SEPTIC EXPANSION
AREA EXTENTS
EXISTING FIELD
PERIMETER FENCE
(ALTERNATE X)
EXISTING
RIP RAP
NC GRID (NAD83)
GRAPHIC SCALE
0 50 100 200
1 inch = 100 ft.
LANDSCAPE REQUIREMENT SUMMARY
TOTAL CANOPY TREES REQUIRED (TREE RETENTION)
15 TREES (2" MIN. DBH) PER 1 ACRE OF DISTURBED AREA
REQUIRED: = 323 CANOPY TREES [21.5 AC X 15]
PROVIDED:= MINIMUM OF 150 CANOPY TREES
BUILDING FOUNDATION PLANTING
FOUNDATION PLANTING BED: 12% OF BUILDING FACE ADJACENT TO PARKING LOT
REQUIRED: = 250 SF [12% OF 2,080 SF]
PROVIDED:= 1,410 SF
INTERIOR LANDSCAPE ISLAND PLANTING
LANDSCAPE AREA: 8% OF VEHICULAR USE AREA
REQUIRED:= 8% OF VEHICULAR USE AREA, PER CODE
PROVIDED:= 16% OF VEHICULAR USE AREA, PER VARIANCE
CANOPY TREES: 1 CANOPY TREE FOR EACH 144 SF OF INTERIOR LANDSCAPE ISLAND PLANTING
REQUIRED: = 1 CANOPY TREE FOR EACH 144 SF OF INTERIOR LANDSCAPE ISLAND PLANTING
PROVIDED:= ZERO (0): EXEMPTION TO BE GRANTED PER VARIANCE
(6 TREES WITHIN PLANTERS TO BE PROVIDED AT RESTROOM FACILITY)
NOTES
1.INTERIOR LANDSCAPE ISLAND PLANTING LOCATIONS AND SIZES DEPICTED IN THIS EXHIBIT ARE FOR
ILLUSTRATIVE PURPOSES ONLY AND MAY VARY BASED ON ALTERNATES CHOSEN. HOWEVER, THE PERCENTAGE
ABOVE CODE REQUIREMENTS TO BE PROVIDED (LISTED ABOVE AND TO BE PART OF THE VARIANCE REQUEST)
SHALL BE BINDING AND ESTABLISHED AS A REQUIREMENT FOR ALL SUBSEQUENT SITE PLAN APPROVALS.
SIMILARLY, THE EXACT LOCATION OF CANOPY TREES SHALL BE SUBSEQUENTLY APPROVED BY STAFF, IN
ACCORDANCE WITH THE MINIMUM NUMBERS TO BE PROVIDED ESTABLISHED BY THE VARIANCE APPROVAL.
2.CODE REQUIREMENTS AMENDED AS PART OF THE VARIANCE REQUEST ARE SHOWN IN BLUE TEXT.
3.UNDERSTORY TREES AND SHRUBS SHOWN ON THIS PLAN ARE FOR ILLUSTRATIVE PURPOSES ONLY. THE
APPLICANT WILL COMPLY WITH ALL APPLICABLE LANDSCAPING REGULATIONS AS IT PERTAINS TO SHRUBS AND
UNDERSTORY TREES AS PART OF SITE PLAN APPROVAL.
EXISTING
UTILITY
EXISTING
FENCE LINE
STEEP SLOPES
STEEP SLOPES
STEEP SLOPES
EXISTING SCM
6 TREES IN PLANTERS AT
RESTROOM FACILITY
CLIENT
REVISIONS
PROJECT NO.WLM-17000
FILENAME
CHECKED BY
DRAWN BY
SCALE
DATE
N0.DATE
X:\Projects\_Shared\WLM\WLM-17000\04-Production\Engineering\Construction Drawings\Current Drawings\WLM17000-LP1.dwg, 12/23/2020 2:22:55 PM, Jenkins, GarrettThe John R. McAdams Company, Inc.
2905 Meridian Parkway
Durham, NC 27713
phone 919. 361. 5000
fax 919. 361. 2269
license number: C-0293, C-187
www.mcadamsco.com
SHEET
PLAN INFORMATION
CITY OF WILMINGTON
305 CHESTNUT STREET, 5TH FLOOR
WILMINGTON, NC 28402
PHONE: 910. 341. 7830
PRELIMINARY DRAWING - NOT RELEASED FOR CONSTRUCTION REGIONAL ATHLETIC COMPLEX LANDSCAPING EXHIBIT FORVARIANCE REQUEST205 SUTTON STEAM PLANT ROADWILMINGTON, NC 2840112.23.2020
January 15, 2019
Addendum for Pre-Regulatory Landfill Site Vegetative Cover
Pre-Regulatory Landfill Unit (PRLF)
The reference documents included in this addendum were assembled by contractors for use by the PRLF Unit.
Key Considerations
•The list of preferred perennials/annuals suitable for planting on PRLF sites, may be considered for
remedial action plans that incorporate a soil cover system with a minimum of 18-inches of soil on topof waste.
•PRLF sites covered with geocell type cover systems or soil cover systems that use less than 18-inchesof soil on top of waste, must use turf grasses only.
•Box planters are permissible as alternatives if other types of vegetation are used.
•If the box planters are re-located or removed from the PRLF site, the area containing the box plantermust be vegetated immediately.
Index 1. “Plants Suitable for Revegetation of Pre-Regulatory Landfill Sites with Soil Cover Systems in theNorth Carolina Coastal Plain & Piedmont”. S&ME, Inc., 5/2017.
2. “Plant Recommendations for Pre-Regulatory Landfill Sites to Be Used as Parks”. OBS LandscapeArchitects, 20173.“Plant Species Suitable for Landfill Containment Remedies – North Carolina Coastal Plain”. MihalyLand Designs, 2017
EXHIBIT A
Plants Suitable for Revegetation of
Pre-Regulatory Landfill Sites with Soil Cover
Systems
in the
North Carolina Coastal Plain & Piedmont
May 2017
Plants Suitable for Revegetation of Pre-Regulatory Landfill Sites with Soil Cover Systems May 2017
in the North Carolina Coastal Plain & Piedmont
ii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................. 1
2.0 METHODOLOGY ................................................................................................................. 1
2.1 PLANT REQUIREMENTS .......................................................................................................... 1
2.2 AVAILABILITY SEARCH .......................................................................................................... 2
2.2 LIST DEVELOPMENT ............................................................................................................... 3
3.0 RESULTS ................................................................................................................................ 4
3.1 SHRUBS .................................................................................................................................. 4
3.2 GRASSES/RUSHES/GROUNDCOVERS ....................................................................................... 5
3.3 PERENNIALS/ANNUALS .......................................................................................................... 5
4.0 CONCLUSION ....................................................................................................................... 5
5.0 REFERENCES ........................................................................................................................ 7
APPENDIX A – PLANTS DETERMINED TO LIKELY MEET NCDEQ
REQUIREMENTS FOR PLANTING ON PRE-REGULATORY LANDFILL SITES
WITH SOIL COVER SYSTEMS IN THE NORTH CAROLINA PIEDMONT AND
COASTAL PLAIN
LIST OF TABLES
TABLE 1. NURSERIES CONTACTED THAT WERE WILLING TO SHARE PLANT AVAILABILITY. ..................................................................... 2
TABLE 2. SOD FARMS CONTACTED FOR SPECIES AVAILABILITY. ................................................................................................................... 2
TABLE 3. LIST OF PREFERRED SHRUBS FOR PLANTING ON PRE-REGULATORY LANDFILLS WITH SOIL COVER SYSTEMS IN NORTH
CAROLINA. ................................................................................................................................................................................................. 4
TABLE 4. LIST OF PREFERRED GRASSES/GROUNDCOVERS FOR PLANTING ON PRE-REGULATORY LANDFILLS WITH SOIL COVER
SYSTEMS IN NORTH CAROLINA. .............................................................................................................................................................. 5
TABLE 5. LIST OF PREFERRED PERENNIALS/ANNUALS FOR PLANTING ON PRE-REGULATORY LANDFILLS WITH SOIL COVER
SYSTEMS IN NORTH CAROLINA. .............................................................................................................................................................. 6
TABLE A1. SHRUBS DETERMINED TO LIKELY MEET NCDEQ REQUIREMENTS FOR PLANTING ON PRE-REGULATORY LANDFILLS
WITH SOIL COVER SYSTEMS IN THE NORTH CAROLINA COASTAL PLAIN AND PIEDMONT. ....................................................... A-2
TABLE A2. GRASSES/GROUNDCOVERS DETERMINED TO LIKELY MEET NCDEQ REQUIREMENTS FOR PLANTING ON PRE-
REGULATORY LANDFILLS WITH SOIL COVER SYSTEMS IN THE NORTH CAROLINA COASTAL PLAIN AND PIEDMONT. ........... A-3
TABLE A3. ANNUALS/PERENNIALS DETERMINED TO LIKELY MEET NCDEQ REQUIREMENTS FOR PLANTING ON PRE-REGULATORY
LANDFILLS WITH SOIL COVER SYSTEMS IN THE NORTH CAROLINA COASTAL PLAIN AND PIEDMONT. ................................... A-4
Plants Suitable for Revegetation of Pre-Regulatory Landfill Sites with Soil Cover Systems May 2017
in the North Carolina Coastal Plain & Piedmont
1
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Maintaining vegetation over a landfill cover system is vital to maintaining the integrity of the
landfill. Plants provide ecological diversity while preventing soil erosion. Additionally, landfills
with established vegetated soil cover systems are considered aesthetically pleasing to the public.
However, if plant roots puncture the liner, the soil cover system is then vulnerable to damage due
to uprooting in extreme weather events. A list of plants that are suitable for these sites as
alternatives to standard lawns has been developed. These plants will serve to retain soil placed
over the waste and prevent erosion.
2.0 METHODOLOGY
The purpose of this report was to create a plant list of species suitable for planting on pre-
regulatory landfills with soil cover systems in the coastal plain and Piedmont of North Carolina
(NC). These plant lists are an alternative vegetative cover to standard grasses and may be
provided to property owners. Plants of interest are small shrubs and herbaceous plants, including
grasses, grass alternatives, rushes, perennials, annuals, and groundcovers.
2.1 Plant Requirements
The NCDEQ provided S&ME, Inc. and Carolina Silvics, Inc. with a list of specifications for
plants. These requirements are intended to ensure that the cap lining is not damaged, plants used
are suitable for the geographic province in which the landfill is located, and that plant growth
and survival is not dependent on costly, routine maintenance. Plants included on the list must
meet the following requirements:
•Root depth no greater than 18 inches at maturity with no root runner greater than 6
inches,
•Prevents soil erosion,
•Not an exotic intrusive species,
•Drought and pest resistant,
•Can withstand extreme weather events, and
•If woody, height not greater than 24 inches at maturity.
Other characteristics that may be vital to sustain a healthy flora include but are not limited to:
•Salt tolerance,
•Freezing points,
•Flood tolerance, and
•Low maintenance requirements.
Plants Suitable for Revegetation of Pre-Regulatory Landfill Sites with Soil Cover Systems May 2017
in the North Carolina Coastal Plain & Piedmont
2
2.2 Availability Search
As plant lists not cognizant of current commercial availability often frustrate land management
objectives, we began by contacting the North Carolina Nursery & Landscape Association for a
list of large wholesale nurseries in the North Carolina coastal plain and Piedmont. Twelve (12)
nurseries were contacted. Ten (10) were willing to share their current availabilities via email or
online access. These 10 nurseries are listed in Table 1 below.
Table 1. Nurseries contacted that were willing to share plant availability.
Nursery Name Phone Number Region Located
Baucoms Nursery (800) 438-0444 Piedmont
Cure Nursery (919) 542-6186 Piedmont
Mellow Marsh Farm (919) 752-1200 Piedmont
Southeastern Native Plants (828) 670-8330 Piedmont/Mountains
Grants Creek Nursery (910) 353-0326 Coastal Plain
Johnson Nursery
Cooperation
(800) 624-8174 Coastal Plain
Native Roots (910) 385-8385 Coastal Plain
Southern Branch Nursery (757) 373-7763 Coastal Plain (Virginia)
Taylor’s Nursery (919) 231-6161 Piedmont
Tinga Nursery (910) 762-1975 Coastal Plain
To determine species available as sod, we visited the North Carolina Sod Producers Association
website to obtain a list of providers. We then attempted to contact each provider to determine
size of operation. The following six farms included in Table 2 were determined to be the largest
in North Carolina and their availability was included in our lists.
Table 2. Sod farms contacted for species availability.
Nursery Name Phone Number Region Located
American Turf Grass Coop (800) 315-9574 Coastal Plain
Cape Fear Turf Farm (910) 669-2295 Coastal Plain
DMG Farms (919) 639-4027 Coastal Plain/Piedmont
Jackson Turf (910) 669-2991 Coastal Plain
Piedmont Turf Farm (828) 428-8359 Piedmont
Vandemark (252) 437-1501 Coastal Plain
Plants Suitable for Revegetation of Pre-Regulatory Landfill Sites with Soil Cover Systems May 2017
in the North Carolina Coastal Plain & Piedmont
3
2.2 List Development
All available plants were divided into three categories: shrubs, grasses/groundcovers, and
perennials/annuals. We then attempted to obtain the following information for each
species/cultivar:
• Scientific name,
• Common name,
• Invasive status,
• Invasive potential/status,
• Root Depth (in) at maturity,
• Height (in) at maturity,
• Drought tolerance (high, moderate, low),
• United States Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) Wetland Indicator Status
• Flood tolerance (high, moderate, low),
• Salt tolerance (high, moderate, low),
• Disease/insect resistance (high, moderate, low),
• Animal resistance (high, moderate, low),
• Annual/Perennial,
• Maintenance requirements (high, moderate, low),
• Recommended United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) hardiness zone,
• Cold hardiness (high, moderate, low and/or minimum temp for survival (F))
• Suitability for NC Piedmont (USDA hardiness zones 8a, 7b & 7a),
• Suitability for NC Coastal Plain (USDA hardiness zones 8b, 8a & 7b), and
• other pertinent information readily available.
Species determined to be invasive or to exceed maximum root depths or maximum height at
maturity were removed from the lists. Those that remained were then researched for USFWS
indicator status and drought tolerance. Species found to be drought intolerant or obligate wetland
species (indicator status of OBL) were also removed from the lists. The lists were then revised to
remove any species that additional research indicated would not be suitable.
The main sources relied upon to gather this information were the USDA Plants Database and the
Missouri Botanical Garden’s online site. Other online sources, such as personal blogs and
antidotes, were used when these two sources lacked sufficient data. If information could not be
found for a certain species/cultivar, that field was left blank.
Plants Suitable for Revegetation of Pre-Regulatory Landfill Sites with Soil Cover Systems May 2017
in the North Carolina Coastal Plain & Piedmont
4
3.0 RESULTS
Review of the availability lists from the nurseries yielded a total of 503 plant species/cultivars of
shrubs, grasses/groundcovers, and perennials/annuals to be included on our initial list. Of these,
143 were determined to likely meet NCDEQ requirements and are included in Appendix A.
Root depth information is scarce, and when available, typically is provided as minimum root
depth versus maximum. As such, maximum root depth often had to be estimated based on other
factors, and we cannot guarantee that all 143 species have root depths of less than 18 inches with
no runners exceeding six inches. To ameliorate this concern, species that we are confident
typically meet the 18-inch maximum rooting depth requirement were further separated and then
ranked based on drought tolerance and maintenance. Species with moderate to high drought
tolerance, low to moderate maintenance requirements, and strongly believed to have root systems
less than 18 inches deep were included in our list of 53 preferred species. Each of the three
preferred lists (species/cultivars of shrubs, grasses/groundcovers, and perennials/annuals) are
discussed in more detail below.
3.1 Shrubs
Shrubs provide habitat for birds and small animals and have varied bloom and fruit periods that
can provide year-long aesthetic interest. Unfortunately, most shrubs grow greater than twenty-
four inches tall and many require regular maintenance to maintain a pleasing shape. Two
hundred and thirty-five (235) species of shrubs were obtained for our initial list. Nineteen (19) of
these were determined to likely meet NCDEQ criteria; ten (10) made the preferred list and are
shown in Table 3.
Table 3. List of preferred shrubs for planting on pre-regulatory landfills with soil cover
systems in North Carolina.
Suitable for
Scientific Name Common Name CP* P*
Buleja davidii 'Blue Chip PP#19,991' butterfly bush X X
Cotoneaster procumbens. 'Little Dipper' Queen of Carpets X X
Cotoneaster salicifilius. 'Scarlet Leader' willow-leaved cotoneaster X X
Cotoneaster salicifolius willow-leaved cotoneaster X X
Juniperus conferta 'Blue Pacific' juniper X X
Juniperus horizontalis 'Blue Rug' juniper X X
Juniperus horizontalis 'Youngstown' Andorra juniper X X
Juniperus procumbens 'Nana' juniper X X
Spirea tomentosa steeplebush X X
Vaccinium angustifolium lowbush blueberry X X
*CP = coastal plain, P = Piedmont
Plants Suitable for Revegetation of Pre-Regulatory Landfill Sites with Soil Cover Systems May 2017
in the North Carolina Coastal Plain & Piedmont
5
3.2 Grasses/Rushes/Groundcovers
Grasses offer great ground coverage for soil erosion and can act as buffer for when leaks occur.
They are often low maintenance and some species provide habitat for birds and small animals.
Unfortunately, most of the grass species have root depths greater than 18 inches. One hundred
and five (105) species of grasses, rushes, and groundcovers were obtained from all of the
nurseries contacted. Forty-four (44) were determined to likely meet NCDEQ criteria; eight (8)
made the preferred list and are presented in Table 4.
Table 4. List of preferred grasses/groundcovers for planting on pre-regulatory landfills
with soil cover systems in North Carolina.
Suitable for
Scientific Name Common Name CP* P*
Elymus hystrix bottlebrush grass X X
Lomandra longifolia 'Breeze Pat #15,420' dwarf mat rush X X
• Lomandra longifolia 'Katrinus Deluxe #19,262' dwarf mat rush X X
Ophiopogon japonicus 'Dwarf Mondo' monkey Grass X X
• Ophiopogon japonicus 'Mondo' monkey Grass X X
Panicum anceps beaked panicgrass X X
Pennisetum orientale 'Karly Rose' Karly Rose oriental fountain
grass X X
Eremochloa ophiuroides common centipedegrass X X
*CP = coastal plain, P = Piedmont
3.3 Perennials/Annuals
Perennials’ and annuals’ bright flowers are visually appealing and diverse. Most species have
shallow root systems, are deer resistant, and require low maintenance. One hundred and sixty-
three (163) different perennials and annuals were obtained from the nurseries contacted. Eighty
(80) were determined to likely meet NCDEQ criteria; thirty-five (35) made the preferred list and
are presented in Table 5.
4.0 CONCLUSION
From a list of 513 potential plants currently commercially available at large wholesale nurseries
in the coastal plain and Piedmont, 152 plants were determined to likely meet NCDEQ
requirements for planting on pre-regulatory landfills with soil cover systems. Root depth is one
of the most important requirements, but is also the statistic least readily available. The final list
of 53 preferred plants that are expected to meet the height and root depth requirements, have
moderate to high drought tolerance and low to moderate maintenance needs.
Plants Suitable for Revegetation of Pre-Regulatory Landfill Sites with Soil Cover Systems May 2017
in the North Carolina Coastal Plain & Piedmont
6
Table 5. List of preferred perennials/annuals for planting on pre-regulatory landfills with
soil cover systems in North Carolina.
Suitable for
Scientific Name Common Name CP* P*
Aster carolinianus climbing aster X X
Baptisia australis 'Twilite Prairie Blues' wild indigo X X
Baptisia lactea white baptista X X
Chrysopsis mariana Maryland golden aster X X
Coreopsis auriculata mouse-ear tickseed X X
Coreopsis lanceolata lanceleaf coreopsis X X
Echinacea paradoxa Ozark coneflower X X
Geranium maculatum wild geranium X X
Helenium flexuosum purple sneezeweed X X
Helianthus angustifolius swamp sunflower X X
Iris cristata dwarf crested iris X X
Liriope muscari 'Evergreen Giant' lily turf X X
Liriope muscari 'Royal Purple' royal purple liriope X X
Liriope muscari 'Super Blue' big blue lily turf X X
Liriope muscari 'Variegata' variegated liriope X X
Lirope muscari 'Big Blue' lily-turf-blue X X
Lirope muscari 'Emarld Goddess' lily turf Grass X X
Marshallia obovata var. 'Obovata' Piedmont Barbra's buttons X X
Monarda fistulosa wild bergamot X X
Monarda punctata spotted beebalm X X
Parthenium integrifolium wild quinine X X
Penstemon digitalis foxglove beardtongue X X
Penstemon laevigatus smooth beardtongue X X
Physostegia virginiana obedient plant X X
Rudbeckia fulgida orange coneflower X X
Rudbeckia laciniata cutleaf coneflower X X
Rudbeckia nitida shiny coneflower X X
Rudbeckia subtomentosa 'Little Henry Eilers' sweet coneflower X X
• Rudbeckia triloba three-lobed coneflower X X
Ruellia caroliniensis Carolina wild petunia X X
• Silene virginica firepink X X
Solidago tenuifolia/Euthamia graminifolia slender goldenrod X X
Stokesia laevis stokes aster X X
Symphyotrichum cordifolium heartleaf aster X X
Vernonia noveboracensis New York ironweed X X
Plants Suitable for Revegetation of Pre-Regulatory Landfill Sites with Soil Cover Systems May 2017
in the North Carolina Coastal Plain & Piedmont
7
5.0 REFERENCES
(all websites were accessed between February 21, 2017 and March 13, 2017)
"Arctostaphylos uva-ursi." UConn. N.p., n.d. Web. <http://hort.uconn.edu/detail.php?pid=53>.
"Bottlebrush Grass." Illinois Wildflowers. N.p., n.d. Web.
<http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/grasses/plants/bottlebrush.htm>.
"Buddleja Davidii (Butterfly Bush)." Invasive Species Compendium. N.p., n.d. Web.
<http://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/10314>.
"Cotoneaster Salicifolius." North Carolina Cooperative Extension. N.p., n.d. Web.
<https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/all/cotoneaster-salicifolius/>.
"Cotoneaster Tree." Balkep Balkan Ecology Project. N.p., n.d. Web.
<http://www.balkep.org/cotoneaster-x-watereri.html>.
"Drift Rose." South Florida Plant Guide. N.p., n.d. Web. <http://www.south-florida-plant-
guide.com/drift-rose.html>.
"Ferns, Grasses, & Perennials." Smart Water Ways. N.p., n.d. Web.
<http://www.smartwaterways.org/resource/VTRainGardenManualPlantList1.pdf>.
Greenwalt, Megan. "Consultants Break Down Effective Strategies for Landfill Covers." Waste
360. N.p., 09 May 2016. Web. <http://www.waste360.com/operations/consultants-break-down-
effective-strategies-landfill-covers>.
"Horsemint, Spotted Beebalm, Bee Balm." Dave's Garden. N.p., n.d. Web.
<http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/799/#b>.
"How Deep Are Creeping Juniper Roots." SF Gate. N.p., n.d. Web.
<http://homeguides.sfgate.com/deep-creeping-juniper-roots-87120.html>.
"Hypericum Hypericoides." Florida Native Plant Society. N.p., n.d. Web.
<http://www.fnps.org/plants/plant/hypericum-hypericoides>.
"Lomandra Longifolia." Florabank. N.p., n.d. Web.
<http://www.florabank.org.au/lucid/key/species%20navigator/media/html/Lomandra_longifolia.
htm>.
Plants Suitable for Revegetation of Pre-Regulatory Landfill Sites with Soil Cover Systems May 2017
in the North Carolina Coastal Plain & Piedmont
8
"Mexican Hat Coneflower." Horticulture. N.p., n.d. Web.
<http://www.hortmag.com/plants/plants-we-love/mexican-hat-coneflower>.
"Native Plant Owners Manual ." Florida . N.p., n.d. Web.
<http://www.fnps.org/assets/pdf/pubs/ruellia_caroliniensis_carolinawildpetunia.pdf>.
"Online Plant Guide." The Growing Place. N.p., n.d. Web.
<http://plants.thegrowingplace.com/12120014/Plant/8309/Fine_Wine_Weigela>.
"Penstemon Laevigatus." Chesapeake Bay Native Plant Center. N.p., n.d. Web.
<http://www.nativeplantcenter.net/plants/penstemon-laevigatus/>.
"Plant Database." College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources. UConn, n.d. Web.
<http://hort.uconn.edu/list.php>.
"Plants Database." USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. N.p., n.d. Web.
<https://plants.usda.gov/java/>.
"Plant Records." Missouri Botanical Garden. N.p., n.d. Web.
<http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org>.
"Plant Galleries." North Carolina Native Plant Society. Misty Franklin Buchanan, n.d. Web.
<http://www.ncwildflower.org/plant_galleries/invasives_list>.
"Salt Tolerant Ornamental Grasses." Garden Guides. N.p., n.d. Web.
<http://www.gardenguides.com/92029-salt-tolerant-ornamental-grasses.html>.
"Salt Tolerant Plants." Just Fruits and Exotics. N.p., n.d. Web.
<http://www.justfruitsandexotics.com/JFE/JF%20SaltTolerant.pdf>.
"Salt Tolerant Plants." Milican Nursuries. N.p., n.d. Web.
<http://www.millicannurseriesinc.com/uploads/pdfs/salt-tolerant-plants.pdf>.
"Salt Tolerant Plants." North Carolina Cooperative Extension. NC State University, n.d. Web.
<https://www.ces.ncsu.edu/files/library/71/Salt%20Tolerant%20Plants.pdf>.
"USDA Plant Hardness Zone Map." USDA . PRISM Climate Group, n.d. Web.
<http://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/PHZMWeb/#>.
Wu, Shasha. "Morphological and Physiological Responses of Nine Ornamental Species to Saline
Irrigation Water." HortScience. N.p., n.d. Web.
<http://hortsci.ashspublications.org/content/51/3/285.abstract>.
A-1
APPENDIX A – PLANTS DETERMINED TO LIKELY MEET NCDEQ
REQUIREMENTS FOR PLANTING ON PRE-REGULATORY LANDFILL SITES
WITH SOIL COVER SYSTEMS IN THE NORTH CAROLINA PIEDMONT AND
COASTAL PLAIN
Table A1. Shrubs determined to likely meet NCDEQ requirements for planting on pre-regulatory landfills with soil cover systems in the North Carolina coastal plain and Piedmont.
1 D = drought, F = flood, S = salt, Dis/Ins = disease/insect, A = animal 2 H = high, M = moderate, L = low 3 CP = coastal plain, P = Piedmont
Scientific Name Common Name
Height (in)
at maturity
Root Depth
(in)
at maturity
Tolerance/
Resistance1, 2 Maint.
Req2
Life
Expectancy
USDA
Zone Suitabilty3
Annual (A)
or
Perennial (P)
Freezing
Point Notes D F S Dis/Ins A
Buleja davidii 'Blue Chip PP#19,991' butterfly bush 6 to 12 16 H L M H H L Long 5 to 9 CP, P P
Caryopteris x clandonensis Sapphire Surf Blauer
Splatz sapphire surf bluebeard 24 H M L H 5 to 9 CP, P
Cotoneaster procumbens. 'Little Dipper' Queen of Carpets 6 to 12 <18 H L H M L Long 5 to 9 CP, P P
Cotoneaster salicifilius. 'Scarlet Leader' willow-leaved cotoneaster 0-12 <18 H L H M L Long 6 to 8 CP, P P
Cotoneaster salicifolius willow-leaved cotoneaster 12 <18 H L H M L Long 6 to 8 CP, P P
Deutzia Yuki 'Cherry Blossom' deutzia 12 to 24 14 L L M H L Long 5 to 8 CP, P P
Deutzia Yuki 'Snowflake' deutzia 12 to 24 14 L L M H L Long 5 to 8 CP, P P
Gardenia jasminoides 'Radicans' trailing gardenia 6 to 12 <18 M L M L H 9 to 11 CP, P P
Juniperus conferta 'Blue Pacific' juniper 6 to 12 5 to 14 H L H H H L 6 to 11 CP, P P
Juniperus horizontalis 'Blue Rug' juniper 0-6 14 H L M H H L 3 to 9 CP, P P
Juniperus horizontalis 'Youngstown' Andorra juniper 6 to 12 14 H L M H H L 3 to 9 CP, P P
Juniperus procumbens 'Nana' juniper 6 to 12 14 H L M H H L 4 to 9 CP, P P
Lorapetalum chinense var. rubrum 'Purple Pixie' lorapetalum 12 to 24 M M M H L 7 to 10 CP, P P
Pittosporum crassifolium 'Compacta' compact pittosporum 24-36 H
Rosa hybrida 'Drift' drift rose 12 to 24 <18 H L H H H 4 to 11 CP, P P
Spirea tomentosa steeplebush 24-48 <18 M L L M L 3 to 8 CP, P P
Symphoricarpos orbiculatus coralberry 24-60
Symphoricarpus spp. pink snow berry 12 to 48
Vaccinium angustifolium lowbush blueberry 24 10 M M H H M 3 to 8 CP, P P
Plants Suitable for Revegetation of Pre-Regulatory Landfill Sites with Soil Cover Systems May 2017
in the North Carolina Coastal Plain & Piedmont
A-3
Table A2. Grasses/groundcovers determined to likely meet NCDEQ requirements for planting on pre-regulatory landfills with soil cover systems in the North Carolina coastal plain and Piedmont.
1 D = drought, F = flood, S = salt, Dis/Ins = disease/insect, A = animal 2 H = high, M = moderate, L = low 3 CP = coastal plain, P = Piedmont
Scientific Name Common Name
Height (in)
at maturity
Root Depth
(in)
at maturity
Tolerance/
Resistance1, 2 Maint.
Req2
Life
Expectancy
USDA
Zone Suitabilty3
Annual (A)
or
Perennial (P)
Freezing
Point Notes D F S Dis/Ins A
Andropogon glomeratus bushy beard grass 75 12 L M L M H L Avg 5 to 9 CP, P P -23 Andropogon glomeratus bush bluestem 75 >12 L M L L H L Avg 5 to 9 CP, P P -23 Andropogon virginicus broomsedge bluestem 36 >14 H L L M H L Avg 5 to 8 CP, P P -18 Borrichia frutescens bushy seaside tansy 32 >14 L M H H H M Avg 8 to 11 CP P 17
Bouteloua curtipendula sideoats gramma 36 >12 M L L H M L Avg 4 to 9 CP, P P -43
Carex cherokeensis Cherokee sedge 6 to 12 4 to 12 L M L H H L Avg 6 to 9 CP, P P -33
Carex glaucescens southern waxy sedge 58 >16 L M None H M M Long 5 to 8 CP, P P -13
Carex intumescens greater bladder sedge 36 >8 None H None M H L Avg 5 to 8 CP, P P -33
Carex scoparia broom sedge 30 >8 None M L M H L Long 4 to 8 CP, P P -38
Carex stipata awlfruit sedge 42 >8 L M L M H L Avg 3 to 9 CP, P P -38
Carex vulpinoidea fox sedge 39 >16 L M None H H L Long 3 to 7 CP, P P -38 Weedy and spreads fast
Chasmanthium latifolium river oaks 55 >10 M M None H H L Avg 3 to 8 CP, P P -33
Cortaderia selloana 'Blue Bayou' dwarf Pampas grass 120 >14 H H M H M Avg 6 to 10 CP, P P
Cymbopogon citratus lemongrass 24-48 <18 M M M H H H Short 9 to 11 CP P A hard freeze will kill it
Cynodon dactylon bermudagrass 18 9 H M H L M M Long P 38
Needs 1 to 2 inches of water a
week to be established. Roots can
reach over 24 inches
Elymus hystrix bottlebrush grass 36 <18 H M L H L L 5 to 9 CP, P P
Elymus virginicus Virginia wild rye 30 <18 M L L H H L Short 3 to 8 CP, P P
Eragrostis spectabilis purple love grass 24 >4 H L L H M L Avg 5 to 9 CP, P P -43
Eremochloa ophiuroides common centapedegrass 5 6 to 8 M H L L L L Long P Can be aggressive once
established
Juncus tenuis path rush 6 to 24 >6 L H L H H L Long 2 to 9 CP, P P
Lomandra longifolia 'Breeze Pat #15,420' dwarf mat rush 36 <18 M M L H H M Long 7 to 11 CP, P P 24
Lomandra longifolia 'Katrinus Deluxe #19,262' dwarf mat rush 36 <18 M M L H H M Long 7 to 11 CP, P P 24
Muhlenbergia capillaris muhly grass 36 <18 L M H H H L Short 5 to 9 CP, P P 7
Muhlenbergia capillaris 'White Cloud' white muhly grass 48 L M H H H L Short 5 to 9 CP, P P 7
Muhlenbergia dumosa bamboo muhly 36 <18 H L H H H M Short 7 to 10 CP, P P
Ophiopogon japonicus 'Dwarf Mondo' monkey grass 3 <18 H M H H H M 7 to 10 CP, P P Intolerant of full sun
Ophiopogon japonicus 'Mondo' Monkey Grass 15 <18 H M H H H M 6 to 10 CP, P P Tolerates shade
Panicum amarum bitter panicum 60 >10 H M L H H L Long 2 to 9 CP, P P -18
Panicum anceps beaked panicgrass 48 >6 M M L L H L Long 4 to 11 CP, P P
Panicum rigidulum redtop panicgrass 40 >6 L M L H H L Long 4 to 9 CP, P P -33
Panicum virgatum switchgrass 60 >12 M M M M M L Long 5 to 9 CP, P P -43
Panicum virgatum 'Cloud Nine' tall switch grass 72 >12 H H M M M L Long 5 to 9 CP, P P -43
Panicum virgatum 'Dallas Blues' blue switch grass 72 >12 H H M M M L Long 5 to 9 CP, P P -43
Panicum virgatum 'Northwind' upright switch grass 72 >12 H H M M M L Long 5 to 9 CP, P P -43
Panicum virgatum 'Prairie Fire' red switch grass 60 >12 H H M M M L Long 5 to 9 CP, P P -43
Panicum virgatum 'Shenandoah' Shenadoad switch grass 48 >12 H H M M M L Long 5 to 9 CP, P P -43
Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Black Moundry' fountain grass 30 >8 L H M M H L Long 5 to 9 CP, P P -15
Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Cassian' dwarf fountain grass 30 >8 L H M M H L Long 5 to 9 CP, P P -15
Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Hamlen' fountain grass 30 >8 L H M M H L Long 5 to 9 CP, P P -15
Pennisetum orientale 'Karly Rose' Karly Rose Oriental
fountain grass 18 >8 M M L M H L Long 5 to 8 CP, P P -15 Grows great in open areas
Schizachyrium scoparum little blue stem 36 >14 H M None H H L Long 5 to 9 CP, P P -38 Tolerates clay soils, poor soils,
and H heat
Sisyrinchium angustifolium blue-eyed grass 24 >4 L H None M H M Long 4 to 9 CP, P P -8 Grows best in well drained soils
Spartina patens saltmeadow cordgrass 24 >10 L H H H H M Long 7 to 11 CP, P P -3 Tridens flavus purpletop 30 >10 H L None L Short 3 to 7 P P -23
Plants Suitable for Revegetation of Pre-Regulatory Landfill Sites with Soil Cover Systems May 2017
in the North Carolina Coastal Plain & Piedmont
A-4
Table A3. Annuals/perennials determined to likely meet NCDEQ requirements for planting on pre-regulatory landfills with soil cover systems in the North Carolina coastal plain and Piedmont.
Scientific Name Common Name
Height (in)
at maturity
Root
Depth (in)
at
maturity
Tolerance/
Resistance1, 2
Maint.
Req2
Life
Expectancy
USDA
Zone Suitabilty3
Annual (A)
or
Perennial
(P)
Freezing
Point Notes D F S Dis/Ins A
Amsonia hubrichi Threadleaf Bluestar 36 M M M H L 5 to 8 CP, P P Amsonia tabernaimontana Eastern Bluestar 36 H M L H L 3 to 9 CP, P P Anemone virginiana Thimbleweed 24 M L H H M 2 to 8 CP, P P Aquilegia canadense Wild Columbine 36 H M H H M 3 to 8 CP, P P
Asclepias tuberosa Orange Butterflyweed 30 H L M H L 3 to 9 CP, P P
Asclepias verticillata Whorled Milkweed 30 H L M H L 4 to 9 CP, P P
Aster carolinianus Climbing Aster 120 <18 M M L H M 7 to 9 CP, P P
Aster novae-angeliae New England Aster 72 <6 L M H M M M 4 to 8 CP, P P
Baptisia alba White Wild indigo 48 H M H M L 5 to 8 CP, P P
Baptisia australis Blue False Indigo 48 <8 H L M H H L Avg 3 to 9 CP, P P
Baptisia australis 'Twilite Prairie Blues' Wild Indigo 'Twilite
Prairie Blues' 60 <8 H M M H M L Avg 4 to 8 CP, P P
Baptisia lactea White Baptista 60 <8 M M M H M L Avg 4 to 9 CP, P P
Callirhoe involucrata Winecup 12 >12 M L L M L L Avg 4 to 8 CP, P P -38
Chrysopsis mariana Maryland Golden Aster 30 <18 M M None H L M Avg 4 to 9 CP, P P Sandy, well drained soils with
full sunlight
Conoclinum coelestinum Blue MistfLer 40 >14 M M None L M M Avg 4 to 9 CP, P P -13
Coreopsis auriculata Mouse-ear Tickseed 9 >10 M M None H M L Avg 4 to 9 CP, P P
Coreopsis lanceolata Lanceleaf Coreopsis 24 >6 M M None L H M Avg 4 to 9 CP, P P -8 Well drained soils
Coreopsis palmata Prairie Coreopsis 30 >10 M L None M H L Avg 3 to 8 CP, P P Rocky, Sandy, Well Drained
soils
Coreopsis verticillata Threadleaf Tickseed 36 <18 H L None L H L Avg 3 to 9 CP, P P Well drained soils in full sun
Dianthus gratianopolitanus Carnations 24 M L None M H L Avg 4 to 8 CP, P P Needs well drained soils/non-
native
Dicentra cucullaria Duchman's Breeches 24 M M None M M 3 to 7 P P Needs moist well drained soils
Echinacea pallida Pale Purple ConefLer 14 >14 M L L M H L Long 3 to 10 CP, P P -33 Full sun to part shade, well
drained soils
Echinacea paradoxa Ozark conefLer 36 <5 M M None M H L Long 5 to 8 CP, P P
Eupatorium perfoliatum Boneset 72 >10 L H None H H L Avg 3 to 8 CP, P P Does well both sandy and clay
soils. Average moisture
Eutrochium dubium Dwarf Joe Pye Weed 48 >12 L H None H H L Long 3 to 9 CP, P P Moist soil
Gaillardia pulchella Indian Blanket 24 >12 H L None M M L Short 2 to 11 CP, P P 32
Geranium maculatum Wild Geranium 24 3 to 4 M M L M H M Avg 3 to 8 CP, P P
Helenium autumnale Common Sneezeweed 58 <6 L H L M M M Avg 3 to 8 CP, P P -43
Helenium flexuosum Purple Sneezeweed 36 <6 M H None M M M Short 5 to 9 CP, P P -28 Moist soils
Helianthus angustifolius Swamp SunfLer 67.2 <6 M H None M H Moderare Avg 6 to 9 CP, P P
Heuchera americana Alumroot 24 H M M H L L Avg 4 to 9 CP, P P
Iris cristata Dwarf Crested Iris 9 <7 M M None L H M Avg 3 to 9 CP, P P
Lilium superbum Turk's Cap Lily 9 <12 L M M H L M Avg 5 to 8 CP, P P
Liriope muscari 'Evergreen Giant' Lily Turf 24 <18 M M L H H L Avg 5 to 10 CP, P P -23
Liriope muscari 'Royal Purple' Royal Purple Liriope 18 <18 M M L H H L Avg 5 to 10 CP, P P -23
Liriope muscari 'Super Blue' Big Blue Lily Turf 30 <18 M M L H H L Avg 5 to 10 CP, P P -23
Liriope muscari 'Variegata' Variegated Liriope 18 <18 M M L H H L Avg 5 to 10 CP, P P -23
Lirope muscari 'Big Blue' Lily-Turf-Blue 24 <18 M M L H H L Avg 5 to 10 CP, P P -23
Lirope muscari 'Emarld Goddess' Lily Turf Grass 20 <18 M M L H H L Avg 5 to 10 CP, P P -23
Marshallia obovata var. 'Obovata' Piedmont Barbra's
Buttons 24 <18 H M H L L 7 to 8 CP, P P
Monarda didyma Beebalm 48 10 L M M L H L 4 to 9 CP, P P
Plants Suitable for Revegetation of Pre-Regulatory Landfill Sites with Soil Cover Systems May 2017
in the North Carolina Coastal Plain & Piedmont
A-5
1 D = drought, F = flood, S = salt, Dis/Ins = disease/insect, A = animal 2 H = high, M = moderate, L = low 3 CP = coastal plain, P = Piedmont
Monarda fistulosa Wild Bergamot 48 16 H M M M H Medium Avg 3 to 9 CP, P P -32
Monarda punctata Spotted Beebalm 24 6 H M M M H Medium 3 to 8 CP, P P
Oenothera fruticosa Southern Sundrop 18 <18 H L H H H L Avg 4 to 8 CP, P P -33
Parthenium integrifolium Wild Quinine 48 9 H M M H H L 4 to 8 CP, P P
Penstemon digitalis Foxglove Beardtongue 60 8 H M M H H Medium Avg 3 to 8 CP, P P -38
Penstemon laevigatus Smooth Beardtongue 42 9 H M M M H L 7 to 10 CP, P P
Phlox maculata Summer Phlox 36 8 L M M L M Medium 3 to 8 CP, P P
Phlox paniculata Garden Phlox 36 7 L M L L M Medium 4 to 8 CP, P P
Phlox stolonifera 'Sherwood Purple' Creeping Phlox 6 <18 H L M L L L 2 to 8 CP, P P
Physostegia virginiana Obedient Plant 48 8 M M M M H Medium 3 to 9 CP, P P
Pycnanthemum virginianum Virginia Mountain Mint 36 8 L H H H H L 5 to 7 P P
Ratibida columnifera Prairie ConefLer 36 7 H L L H H Medium Avg 4 to 9 CP, P P -43
Ratibida pinnata YelL ConefLer 60 12 H L L H H Medium Avg 4 to 8 CP, P P -38
Rudbeckia fulgida Orange ConefLer 36 8 H M H H H L 3 to 9 CP, P
Rudbeckia hirta Blak-eyed Susan 36 <18 H L H H H L Short 5 to 7 P A -23
Rudbeckia laciniata Cutleaf ConefLer 6
Rudbeckia maxima Giant Black-eyed Susan 84 >12 M M H H H L Short 4 to 9 CP, P P -23
Rudbeckia nitida Shiny ConefLer 60 >6 M M L H H L Short 4 to 8 CP, P P 22
Rudbeckia subtomentosa 'Little Henry Eilers' Sweet ConefLer 'Little
Henry Eilers' 60 <18 M M L H H L 4 to 8 CP, P P
Rudbeckia triloba Three-lobed conefLer 36 7 M M H H H L Short 4 to 8 CP, P P
Ruellia caroliniensis Carolina Wild Petunia 24 10 H M M H H L 6 to 10 CP, P P -10
Salvia nemorosa Woodland Sage 24 <18 H L H H H L 4 to 8 CP, P P May struggle in NC heat
Scabiosa columbaria Pincushion FLer 18 7 H L L H H L 5 to 9 CP, P P
Scutellaria incana var. punctata Downy skullcap 36 <18 H L L H H L 5 to 8 CP, P P
Sedum kamtschaticum Stonecrop 6 <18 H L H H H L 3 to 8 CP, P P
Sedum rupestre/reflexum Reflex Stonecrop 6 <18 H L H H H L 5 to 9 CP, P P
Sedum tetractinum Chinese Sedum 4 <18 H L ? H H L 5 to 8 CP, P P
Sedum/Hylotelephium spectabile 'Autumn
Joy' Autumn Joy Sedum 24 15 H L H H H L 4 to 9 CP, P P
Silene virginica Firepink 20 <18 H M L H L Medium Short 4 to 8 CP, P P
Sisyrinchium angustifolium Blue-eyed Grass 24 9 L M L H M Medium Short 4 to 9 CP, P P -3
Solidago caesia Blue-stemmed
Goldenrod 36 <18 H L L H H L Short 4 to 8 CP, P P -28
Solidago tenuifolia/Euthamia graminifolia Slender Goldenrod 42 <18 M H M M L L 3 to 9 CP, P P
Stokesia laevis Stokes Aster 24 <18 M M L H H L 5 to 9 CP, P P
Symphyotrichum cordifolium Heartleaf Aster 60 10 M M M M M L Short 3 to 8 CP, P P -38
Symphyotrichum ericoides Heath Aster 36 <18 H L M H L L 3 to 10 CP, P P
Symphyotrichum novae-angliae New England Aster 60 <18 L H H M H Medium 4 to 8 CP, P P
Symphyotrichum oblongifolium Aromatic Aster 36 15 H L H H H Medium 3 to 8 CP, P P Vernonia noveboracensis New York Ironweed 79 >6 M M None H H L Short 5 to 9 CP, P P -33 Wide rane of soils
Plant Recommendations for Landfills 1
INTRODUCTION
The intent of this report is to provide a list of plant materials that can be used as alternatives to manicured grasses for
pre-regulatory landfill sites to be used as parks. Plants exhibit the following characteristics:
• Suitable for landfill containment / provides stabilization
• Locally hardy to the Piedmont Region of North Carolina and/or native
• Non-invasive / non exotic or intrusive
• Root depth no greater than 18”
• Drought and pest tolerant
• Can withstand extreme weather events
• No height greater than 24” at maturity for woody vegetation
• No root runner to extend greater than 6” in depth
SOIL PREPARATION
The minimum soil depth for areas that will be seeded, planted with grasses, or groundcovers should be 18”.
Adequate drainage is important. The soil specifications should include a drainage layer of gravelly sand, a substrate
of loamy coarse sand followed by a layer of topsoil. Care should be taken to ensure soil is not compacted.
Compacted soil will inhibit root growth and negatively impact the health of plant material. To avoid compaction, final
grading should not be completed unless soil is dry. A 6” minimum drainage layer should be used. The minimum soil
depth does not include this drainage layer.
Plant material should be chosen based on the maintenance plans and budget for specific projects. Remediation
projects typically require more maintenance to get plant material established.
PLANTS
The following list includes plant materials that exhibit the characteristics identified above:
Plant Recommendations for Landfills 2
Grasses
Botanical Name Common Name Mature Height Light Req.Notes
Agrostis perennans Autumn Bentgrass 3.5’Sun / Part Shade
Bouteloua curtipendula Side Oats Grama 2’ - 3’ with bloom Sun
Bouteloua gracilis Blue Grama Grass 1’Sun
Carex bicknellii Bicknell’s Sedge 3’Sun / Part shade
Chasmanthium latifolium Inland River Oats 4’-5’Sun / Shade
Deschampsia cepitosa ‘Goldtau’Golden Dew Tufted Hair Grass 1’-2’ with bloom Sun
Deschampsia flexuosa Crinkled Hair Grass 1.5’-2’ with bloom Shade / Part Sun
Elymus virginicus Virginia Wild Rye 3-4’ with bloom Sun / Part shade
Festuca brevipila ‘Chariot’Hard Fescue 12”Sun
Festuca ovina ‘Whisper’Sheeps Fescue 12”Sun
Festuca rubra Creeping Red Fescue 8”-12”Sun / Part shade
Koeleria macrantha June Grass 1.5’-2’ with bloom Sun
Muhlenbergia capillaris Pink Muhly Grass 3’ - 4’ with bloom Sun
Nassella tenuissima Mexican Feather Grass 2’Sun non-native
Poa pratensis Kentucky Bluegrass 3’Sun non-native
Trifolium pratense Red Clover 2’-3’Sun non-native
Plant Recommendations for Landfills 3
Perennials
Botanical Name Common Name Mature Height Light Req.Notes
Achillea millefolium Yarrow 24”Sun
Coreopsis verticillata Tickseed 12”Sun
Echinacea purpurea after midnight Emily Saul Coneflower 12”Sun
Echinacea purpurea Big Sky Sunset Big Sky Sunset Coneflower 24”Sun
Echinacea purpurea Harvest Moon Harvest Moon Coneflower 24”Sun
Echinacea purpurea ‘Kims Knee High’Dwarf Purple Coneflower 24”Sun
Echinacea x ‘Mango Meadowbrite’Mango Meadowbrite Coneflower 2’Sun
Eupatorium dubium’Baby Joe’Dwarf Joe Pye Weed 2.5’Sun
Monarda didyma Balmy Pink Balmy Pink Bee Balm 12”Sun
Monarda x ‘Mahogany’Bee Balm 36”Sun
Rudbeckia fulgida v. sullivantii Black-eyed Susan 24”Sun
Sedum reflexum ‘Blue Spruce’Sedum 4”-6”Sun
Sedum rupestre ‘Angelina’Stone Crop 4”-6”Sun
Sedum tectractinum Stone Crop 4”-6”Sun
Sedum x ‘Autumn Joy’ Autumn Joy Sedum 2’Sun
Plant Recommendations for Landfills 4
Seed Mixes
Seed Mix name Where seedm mix can be found Seeding Rate
ERNMX-186 Ernst Seed 6lbs per 1,000 sf
ERNMX-186-1 Ernst Seed 6lbs per 1,000 sf
Customn Seed Mix 2 lbs per 1,000 sf
20% Crinnkled Hair Grass (Deschampsia flexuosa)
8% Red Clover (Trifolium pretense)
10% Creeping Red Fescue (Festuca rubra)
20% Virginia Wildrye, (Elymus virginicus)
20% Sideoats Grama, ‘Butte’ (Bouteloua curtipendula, ‘Butte’)
5% Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea ‘Kims Knee High’)
5% Blackeyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
3% Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
2% Ohio Spiderwort (Tradescantia ohiensis)
2% Tickseed (Coreopsis verticillata)
2% Smooth Blue Aster (Aster laevis)
2% Bee Balm (Monarda x ‘Mahogany’)
1% Dwarf Joe Pye Weed (Eupatorium dubium ‘Baby Joe’)
INVASIVE PLANTS TO AVOID
The following list includes plant materials that exhibit the characteristics identified above:
• Lespedeza
• Bermuda grass
• Canada thistle
• Mimosa
• Privet
• Wild Sugarcane
• Serrated tussock
• Mission grass
• Microstegium (Bamboo Grass)
• Cattails
RESOURCE LINKS
The following list includes websites that can be used as resources:
• http://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/woody/groundcover-selection.shtml
• http://www.ncwildflower.org/
• http://www.waste360.com/%5Bprimary-term%5D/landfill-revegetation-hidden-assets
• https://www.invasive.org/species/list.cfm?id=21
Plant Recommendations for Landfills 5
GRASSES
Bouteloua curtipendula - Side Oats
Grama1
Bouteloua gracilis - Blue Grama
Grass1
Chasmanthium latifolium - Inland
River Oats1
Deschampsia cepitosa ‘Goldtau’ -
Golden Dew Tufted Hair Grass1
Deschampsia flexuosa - Crinkled Hair
Grass1
Eragrostis elliotii ‘Wind Dancer’ -
Wind Dancer Love Grass1
Elymus virginicus - Virginia Wild Rye1
Carex bicknelli - Bicknell Sedge1
Agrostis perennans - Autumn
Bentgrass5
Plant Recommendations for Landfills 6
GRASSES - continued
Festuca ovina ‘Whisper’ -
Sheeps Fescue2
Festuca rubra - Creeping
Red Fescue2
Koeleria macrantha - June Grass1 Muhlenbergia capillaris - Pink Muhly
Grass1
Nassella tenuissima - Mexican
Feather Grass1
Poa pratensis - Kentucky
Bluegrass2
Festuca brevipila ‘Chariot’ -
Hard Fescue2
Trifolium pratense - Red
Clover2
Plant Recommendations for Landfills 7
PERENNIALS
Achillea millefolium - Yarrow3 Coreopsis verticillata - Tickseed3
Echinacea purpurea after midnight
‘Emily Saul’ - Emily Saul Coneflower3
Echinacea purpurea Big Sky Sunset -
Big Sky Sunset Coneflower3
Echinacea purpurea Harvest Moon -
Harvest Moon Coneflower3
Echinacea purpurea ‘Kims Knee High’
- Dwarf Purple Coneflower3
Echinacea x ‘Mango Meadowbrite’ -
Mango Meadowbrite Coneflower3
Eupatorium dubium ’Baby Joe’ -
Dwarf Joe Pye Weed3
Coreopsis verticillata - Tickseed3
Plant Recommendations for Landfills 8
PERENNIALS - continued
Monarda didyma Balmy Pink - Balmy
Pink Bee Balm4
Monarda x ‘Mahogany’ - Bee Balm3
Sedum reflexum ‘Blue Spruce’ -
Sedum3
Sedum rupestre ‘Angelina’ - Stone
Crop3
Sedum tectractinum - Stone Crop3
Sedum x ‘Autumn Joy’ - Autumn Joy
Sedum3
Rudbeckia fulgida v. sullivantii
‘Goldstrum’- Black-eyed Susan3
Plant Recommendations for Landfills 9
Image Credits:
1 Image by Hoffman Nursery via http://hoffmannursery.com/
2 Image by USDA via https://plants.usda.gov/java/
3 Image by Pender Nursery via http://www.pendernursery.com/
4 Image by Emerald Coast Growers via http://www.ecgrowers.com/Monarda-p/1411.htm
5 Image by Agriculture Victoria via http://agriculture.vic.gov.au/agriculture/farm-management/pastures/what-is-bent-
grass
2 | T A S K O R D E R 6 7 9 M I S - P L A N T L I S T
The following report outlines suitable vegetation options for landscaping closed landfills
developed as parks. Plants included in the report are non-invasive, hardy substitutes for the
standard lawn. Suitable plants for the site must thrive in a coastal plain ecosystem and meet the
following requirements:
Root depth no greater than 18” at maturity
Prevents soil erosion
Not an exotic intrusive species
Drought and pest resistant
Can withstand extreme weather events
No height greater than 24” at maturity for any woody vegetation
No root runner that extends to a depth greater than 6”
Stabilizing the landfill surface and prevent runoff are the important concerns when revegetating
a landfill site. Typically, trees and shrubs’ root systems cause concern with damaging the
surface of the containment system, therefore, vegetation with shallower root systems like
grasses and perennials are better options. By utilizing native plants, a hardy, low maintenance,
drought resistant landscape is established and simultaneously beautifies the landfill. The native
plants over time develop into a self-sustaining ecosystem and eliminate the need for fertilizers,
pesticides and irrigation.
The following list of plants meet the criteria described above and are suitable for a coastal
environment. All plants included in the list are North Carolina natives.
3 | T A S K O R D E R 6 7 9 M I S - P L A N T L I S T
Proper soil preparation will influence the success of planting. Optimum soil depth for planting is
18-24”. Prior to planting, the soil should be prepared to have a healthy layer of topsoil. Soil
should be tested for pH, nitrogen, phosphorus and other nutrients. Soil should be amended
accordingly up to a 6” depth and within a few weeks of planting. Soil amendments should be
performed no closer than one week from planting.
It is important to avoid soil compaction, as it will hinder plant development. Upon planting, initial
plantings of rapid growth annual or perennial grasses should be used to prevent soil erosion.
The following plants exhibit the characteristics listed above but should be avoided due to their
classification as exotic invasives:
Alternanthera philoxeroides (Alligatorweed)
Hedera helix (English Ivy)
Microstegium vimineum (Trin.) A. Camus (Japanese stilt-grass)
Arthraxon hispidus (Thunb.) Makino (Hairy jointgrass)
Miscanthus sinensis Andersson (Chinese silver grass)
Vinca minor L. (Common periwinkle)
Ajuga reptans L. (Bugleweed)
Chrysanthemum leucanthemum L. (Ox-eye Daisy)
4 | T A S K O R D E R 6 7 9 M I S - P L A N T L I S T
Clethra alnifolia
‘Hummingbird’*
Sweet
Pepperbush
2-3’ Sun-Partial
Shade
Itea virginica
‘Little Henry’**
Virginia
Sweetspire
3’ Sun-Partial
Shade
Yucca
filamentosa***
Adam’s Needle 2’ Sun
All pictures obtained from Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, http://www.wildflower.org/
unless otherwise noted.
*http://www.clemson.edu/extension/hgic/plants/landscape/shrubs/hgic1090.html
** https://www.ces.ncsu.edu/files/library/71/Natives%20NCMGVA%20Conf.pdf
*** http://www.thedangergarden.com/2013/02/another-yucca-filamentosa-is-my.html
5 | T A S K O R D E R 6 7 9 M I S - P L A N T L I S T
Andropogon
virginicus
Broomsedge
bluestem
2-4’ Partial Shade
Elymus
virginicus
Virginia
Wildrye
3’ Shade tolerant
Muhlenbergia
capillaris
Pink Muhly
Grass
3-4’ Full Sun
Panicum
anceps*
Beaked
Panicgrass
2-4’ 30-35% shade/
Very adaptable
6 | T A S K O R D E R 6 7 9 M I S - P L A N T L I S T
Panicum
virgatum
Switchgrass 3-6’ Sun/Partial
Shade
Sorghastrum
nutans
Indiangrass 3-5’ Full sun-Full
shade
Schizachyrium
scoparium
Little
Bluestem
18” Full sun
All pictures obtained from Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, http://www.wildflower.org/
unless otherwise noted.
*https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panicum_anceps#/media/File:Panicum_anceps.jpg
7 | T A S K O R D E R 6 7 9 M I S - P L A N T L I S T
Ampelaster
carolinianus
Climbing
Aster
3-4’ Sun
Achillea
millefolium
Common
yarrow
3’ Sun/Partial
Shade
Coreopsis
verticillata
Tickseed 1-2’ Sun/Partial
Shade
Gaillardia
aestivalis var.
aestivalis
Lanceleaf
blanketflower
2’ Partial Shade
8 | T A S K O R D E R 6 7 9 M I S - P L A N T L I S T
Monarda
didyma
Scarlet
Beebalm
2-4’ Sun/Partial
Shade
Penstemon
australis
Eustis Lake
Beardtongue
1-2’ Partial Shade
Rudbeckia hirta Blackeyed
Susan
3.5’ Sun
Silene virginica
Fire Pink 1’ Partial Shade
Vernonia
noveboracensis
New York
Ironweed
5-8’ Sun
All pictures obtained from Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, http://www.wildflower.org/
unless otherwise noted.
9 | T A S K O R D E R 6 7 9 M I S - P L A N T L I S T
EOL Encyclopedia of Life
http://eol.org/
Incorporating NC Native Plants into your Landscape. NC Cooperative Extension
https://www.ces.ncsu.edu/files/library/71/Natives%20NCMGVA%20Conf.pdf
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
https://www.wildflower.org/plants-main
North Carolina Native Plant Society
http://ncwildflower.org/native_plants/recommendations
North Carolina Regional Vegetation
http://www.ncpedia.org/vegetation#coastalplain
Revegetating Landfills and Waste Containment Areas Fact Sheet. National Service Center for
Environmental Publications (NSCEP). 2006.
https://nepis.epa.gov/Exe/ZyPURL.cgi?Dockey=600003T6.txt
USDA Coastal & Shoreline
https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_PLANTMATERIALS/publications/mdpmcsr11767.pdf
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Plants Database
https://plants.usda.gov/java/