LandscapeAdvisor

We are losing trees everyday to construction damage.  For the most part, people are simply not aware of the different ways construction impacts trees.

If we think of damage at all, it usually means the obvious such as hitting the trunk or breaking a branch.  However, many construction activities that happen near and around a tree can have an adverse affect as well. [...]

You’ve probably heard me say it before when talking design, “It just looks and feels right”.  We know there’s more to it than that.  But just by implementing a few key principles of good design you can produce better landscapes.

Where Does Good Design Begin?

For me good design begins with considering function.  It has to work.

What is the purpose of the space – its intended use?  Can you make that work?

How does each space (and its intended use) relate to the others?  Can you make that work?

Don’t disregard the artistry in the beginning, but take a a good, long, analytical look at the space.  The elements and features will follow.

The residential property is divided into “spaces” or rooms as you often hear them called.  Typical spaces might be: arrival & parking, entrances, living & entertaining, etc. You’ll undoubtedly have wishes and requirements for these spaces; they’ll be both functional and aesthetic.

How these spaces visually (and functionally) connect with one another is key.  Think of how the rooms of a house are designed.  It must make sense. [...]

Nothing communicates more universally than images.  If I could not speak someone’s language and needed to communicate with them, I’d grab a pencil and paper and start drawing.  So why don’t more contractors use simple sketches to plan and present work?

I’m Talking Simple

We all know there should be detailed plans for major projects, but I’m talking about those times when a plan may not be absolutely necessary….but it sure would help.

Look, you don’t have to wear a beret & smock to get a plan on paper.  And don’t worry about drawing “to scale” – it’s not necessary.  An 8.5 X 11″ unlined piece of paper and you’re good to go.

Click to enlarge

To the right is a simple plan I did to illustrate a solution for roof water soaking the foundation area of this house.

Why even draw a plan?  Why not just take a few notes and measurements?

A Plan Helps Contractors and Homeowners Alike

When you sketch out your planned solution, you naturally think things through more thoroughly.  You instinctively go through the anticipated job phases and show them on the drawing as they would occur.  It’s like a “dry-run,” verifying (to yourself) that your proposed solution will fit together and work. [...]

Plant Groupings Resemble Nature

If you think about it, most natural settings you see typically show groupings of similar plants. These plants are indigenous to the area (i.e. living and occurring naturally).  This natural phenomenon gives us an excellent example and point of reference for our designed landscapes.  If you’ve ever seen a mass of Native Rhododendron or Mountain Laurel growing in the woods, you know how beautiful “plant groupings” can be.

You’ve probably heard me say it before: “plantings should complement not distract”.  Of course there are exceptions to this point, but in general this should be your goal.

In this picture there are 3 Alberta Spruce grouped together to complement and soften a granite sign at a corporate center.  One spruce would not have been enough.  The 3 carry more weight to balance with the massive sign and the grouping looks more natural, especially with the woodland behind.

Less Is More

A plant grouping exemplifies simplicity and makes it easy on the eye and mind.  The result is a pleasant and comfortable setting where “it just feels right”. [...]