Chapter 29 Landscaping

Objectives After reading the chapter and reviewing the materials presented the students will be able to: Describe a landscape plan List materials used for walkways and driveways Identify various features found in a landscape Distinguish between lawn planting methods Discuss the importance of landscape maintenance

What is Landscaping? Landscaping is the process of designing, modifying, and maintaining an outdoor area. Landscaping makes a property more attractive. Softscape are the living materials (trees, plants, and lawns) in a landscape. Hardscape are the non living materials (concrete, bricks, and wood) in a landscape.

Landscape Plan The architect will consider factors such as weather, soil, sunlight, and water access when designing the plan. The landscape plan shows the finished contour of the land, the type and placement of all plants, and hardscape features. When the plan is approved the landscape architect makes a list of the needed materials. Finally the workers implement the plan by errecting hardscaping, cultivating the soil, planting softscaping, and maintaining the site.

Contouring the Site Contouring the site involves shaping the site, mainly for appearance. During the building process soil is compacted. Compacted soil makes a good base for walkways and driveways. Topsoil is the best soil for growing plants. Bulldozers and graders are used to shape sites by moving, leveling, and mixing soil. Small jobs can be done using shovels, rakes, and wheelbarrows.

Erecting Hardscape Driveways are extensions of a street onto a site. Low traffic driveways that service passenger cars usually can be made of gravel, brick, concrete, or asphalt. Concrete walkways are durable and easy to build. Pressure treated wood, stone, and brick can also be used to make walkways. Features are items such as lights, ponds, shelters, fountains and other items added to an outdoor site that are not part of the main structure.

Planting Trees, Shrubs, and Other Plants Cultivation is the preparation of the soil for planting. Plants make a site and structure more attractive. Trees, shrubs, and colorful flowers can transform an uninteresting plot of land into a beautiful living space. Mulch is a protective layer of material used to retain moisture, decrease erosion, and suppress weed growth. Ground Cover: Low growing plants used to prevent soil erosion. The most common ground cover is grass. Grass is started by planting seed or installing sod.

Maintaining the Landscape Familiar maintenance chores include mowing lawns, weeding, and removing debris. Walkways are swept to keep them clear for walking. Pond water is tested for proper chemical balance. Gazebos are cleaned and painted as needed. Developing a maintenance schedule can ensure that routine tasks are completed and small repairs are made as needed.

Summary Landscaping is the process of designing, modifying, and maintaining an outdoor area. Softscape are the living materials (trees, plants, and lawns) in a landscape. Hardscape are the non living materials (concrete, bricks, and wood) in a landscape. Contouring the site involves shaping the site, mainly for appearance. Features are items such as lights, ponds, shelters, fountains and other items added to an outdoor site that are not part of the main structure. Cultivation is the preparation of the soil for planting. Mulch is a protective layer of material used to retain moisture, decrease erosion, and suppress weed growth. Ground Cover: Low growing plants used to prevent soil erosion. Grass is started by planting seed or installing sod. Familiar maintenance chores include mowing lawns, weeding, and removing debris. Developing a maintenance schedule can ensure that routine tasks are completed and small repairs are made as needed.

Home Work 1. What is landscaping? 2. Compare softscape and hardscape.