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Lesson 4.7: Landscape Design

Landscape Design

• The art of developing property for its greatest use and enjoyment– Involves understanding the environment around

the structure and selecting plants that perform well in that environment.

• Good design results in adding value to property and enhancing quality of life.

• Good design requires careful thought about how plant material and construction materials can be used to develop long-range plan.

Landscape Value Determinants• Aesthetic appeal• Economic value• Functional Value• Environmental concerns

Aesthetics• Does the design add visual

beauty to the surroundings?• Are undesirable features

downplayed and desirable features showcased?

• Does it appeal to all five senses?– Sight, – Hearing, – Touch, – Taste, and – Smell

Economic Value• Property value can be increased 6 to 15 percent with good

landscaping design.• The function of landscaping is to enhance the structure, not overpower

it.• Landscaping can

– reduce energy costs by buffering seasonal temperatures.– reduce wind speed to make outdoor life more comfortable.

Functional Value• Good design increases

the total usage of site: i.e., screens, shade, open spaces, decks, pools, patios.

• Choice of plant material can cut down on maintenance, such as ground cover on a steep slope.

• Can help prevent erosion from wind or water.

Environmental ConcernsLandscaping can• Reduce glare and

wind. • Use water more

efficiently.• Help clean the air

of dust and pollutants.

• Provide wildlife habitat.

Step 1: Analyze the site and develop a base plan:

– Determine what already exists on the site, draw and dimension them on base plan (see below).

– Check the area’s arbor laws.– Developing a base plan:

• Locate property boundaries and existing structures.• Note the North arrow.• Locate position of existing utilities such as above ground

power, underground gas, water, and sewer pipes.• Indicate significant existing plants.• Note specific use areas, such as play or delivery areas.• Note environmental factors, such as sun path, wind

direction, soil characteristics, and topography. • Locate views (good and bad) and determine if they need

to be screened or framed.

Landscape Design Process

Landscaping Design Process Continued:

• Step 2: Determine landscape needs and sketch out a plan to meet those needs.

• There are three major areas to consider:1. Service

• Garbage collection• Structure’s utilities• A/C and heating• Power drop• Water hookup

2. Public• Access to structure• Parking

3. Private• Entertainment• Sports Area

Landscaping Design Process Continued:

• Step 2 Continued: • Bubble diagrams are used to lay out the

general location and spatial relationships of specific areas.

• Walkways should be wide enough for two adults to walk comfortably side by side; direct straight pathways are generally preferred.

Landscaping Design Process Continued:

Step 3: Choose the plant and construction materials that will be used.

• Basic principles used to choose materials:– 1. Unity- tying the landscape and structure

together:• Gives a sense of visual flow. • Achieved with use of different materials having the same

colors, forms, or textures. – 2. Simplicity

• Employs a limited number of plant species– 3. Variety

• Focuses attention on the desirable aspects of site and structure

• Step 3 continued:– 4. Balance

• Balances the visual appearance of landscape• Two types of balance

– Symmetric - mirror image, more formal, static– Asymmetric - different on each side, creates more movement,

more dynamic

– 5. Sequence• Directs the eye to the focal point

– Entrance, specimen plant

– 6. Proportion or scale• Relates objects, plant and construction material to one another • Evokes emotion

Landscaping Design Process Continued:

Plant MaterialsLarge plant material humbles the observer while small creates dominance or power.

Principles of DesignPlant material is the building block of landscape design. The principles of design (form, texture, and color) play a significant role in choosing plant material

1. Form• Plant’s outline or silhouette

2. Texture• Visual appearance

3. Color• For strongest effect, 80% to 90% should be

foliage not flowers

Plant Choice Factors– Cold hardiness factors– Light requirement– Moisture content– Soil drainage needs– Soil pH requirement– Pest susceptibility– Rate of growth and mature size

http://www.usna.usda.gov/Hardzone/ushzmap.html

Step 4:Create your design on paper.Using standard symbols, depict the plant material: the outside circles are drawn to the scale of the canopy. Symbols and plant material are identified in a key on the drawing.

Broadleaf deciduoustree or shrub

Broadleafevergreentree or shrub

Needle evergreen

Shrubs in a grouping

Landscaping Design Process Continued:

Installation Sequence1. Watering system with built details, such as

light wiring, walls, or walks

2. Lawn or groundcover

3. Trees

4. Foundation, corner, and entrance plantings

5. Borders and screens

6. Refinements, such as beds, ponds, and lighting fixtures