Growing with Purpose: Landscaping Resources for Fairfield Businesses
As several Fairfield-area manufacturers undertake significant expansions, including Dexter, TrafFix Devices and Spring Sunrise, construction provides an opportunity to think beyond the building itself. Native plantings and regenerative landscaping can help businesses create attractive properties while supporting water management, wildlife habitat, soil health and long-term sustainability.
Agri-Industrial Plastics, while not currently expanding, is among the local businesses exploring these landscaping possibilities.
Regenerative landscaping can include windbreaks, rain gardens, bioswales, native plantings, pollinator habitat, green roofs, water-catchment systems and strategies for managing runoff from roofs and parking lots. The right approach depends on the property, existing infrastructure and the business’s goals.
Understanding Fairfield’s Requirements
The City of Fairfield has landscaping requirements for manufacturing districts when a vacant lot is developed or a new use is established. Requirements include planting trees based on street frontage and the number of required parking spaces.
The ordinance also establishes setbacks near property lines and intersections. Trees may not be planted within three feet of the front property line, and vegetation must not obstruct visibility near intersections. A permit is required before planting or removing trees on city-owned property or within street rights-of-way.
Property owners are responsible for maintaining trees on private property, including trimming branches that could interfere with sidewalks, streets, lighting, signs or traffic-control devices.
Businesses should consult the City of Fairfield Planning Department before beginning a project to confirm which requirements apply to their property.
Local and Regional Resources
Fairfield Resilient Action Network has identified several professionals and organizations that may be able to assist businesses with planning, design, plant selection, infrastructure considerations and project implementation.
Stephen Brower
Retired landscape architect, former Iowa State University faculty member and former U.S. Forest Service and Iowa DNR employee. Brower created the Fairfield Nady Prairie master design and serves as president of the nonprofit Leopold Landscape Alliance. He may be able to advise on conservation planning, overall design and project management.
319-759-5062 | brower406@aol.com
Leland Searles, Leeward Ecology
Provides ecological restoration consultation, site assessment, design, contracting, site management and follow-up services. Searles is familiar with Fairfield’s topography and hydrology and may assist with comprehensive planning and project management.
515-979-6457 | leewardecology3@gmail.com
Visit Leeward Ecology
Steven Pedrick, French-Reneker-Associates Inc.
A Fairfield-based engineer who has contributed to the development and maintenance of the Jefferson County Trails and other conservation projects. Pedrick may be a helpful resource when underground infrastructure is part of a landscaping project.
641-919-5565 | sipedrick@gmail.com
Amy Bouska, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship
As the regional Urban Water Quality Specialist, Bouska can provide information about water-quality practices and specific types of installations. She may also be able to suggest possible funding resources.
319-330-6785 | Contact email to be confirmed
Steve Taylor
An experienced Fairfield landscaper and horticulturist with knowledge of native plants and the conditions in which they thrive. Taylor can advise on plants suited for sun, shade, drought or wet areas, as well as species that support birds or may be affected by deer.
631-800-9375 | steve.taylor54@natel.net
Cassidy Widmer, Forest Legacy
A former district forester with the Iowa DNR who contributed to regeneration projects at Pleasant Lake, Waterworks Park and Lamson Woods. Forest Legacy may be a resource for invasive-species removal, tree installation and woodland management.
765-744-2450 | forestlegacyllc@gmail.com
Andrew Nash
A Fairfield-based arborist with a conservation-minded approach and experience with native plantings. Nash may assist businesses with selecting, obtaining and installing appropriate plants.
641-919-2222 | sweetgreenarborist@gmail.com
Iowa Native Plant Society
A nonprofit organization promoting the conservation and appreciation of Iowa’s native plants and ecosystems. The organization offers educational programs, field trips, workshops and restoration grant opportunities.
Visit the Iowa Native Plant Society
City of Fairfield Arbor Committee
The Arbor Committee can also serve as a resource for local tree-planting and conservation projects. Its members include several individuals with experience in ecological restoration, forestry and native landscaping.
Start with a Plan
Before selecting plants or beginning installation, businesses may benefit from developing an overall plan that accounts for drainage, soil conditions, utilities, visibility, maintenance and long-term goals. A coordinated plan can help meet city requirements while making the best use of available space and resources.
Fairfield Resilient Action Network may also be able to help identify grant opportunities once a project plan is in place. Businesses interested in regenerative landscaping are encouraged to keep FRAN informed as their ideas develop.
For additional information, visit Fairfield Resilient Action Network.
