Sustainable Landscape Design

Landscape designs differ depending on how the landscape will be used. Although the principles are the same, a

homeowner who wants an aesthetically pleasing, low-maintenance landscape would create a design very different

than that of an avid gardener whose main purpose in life is to spend time in the garden.

This chapter is not meant to define the art of landscape design, but rather to help you take a realistic approach to

landscape planning. Your end design should meet your needs and incorporate principles of sustainability into an e-

volving landscape.

Before beginning, consider what type of landscape fits your life style, the surrounding environment and the style

of your home. Landscapes can be formal, informal, naturalistic, low-maintenance, water-wise or designed to attract wildlife. Urban gardeners with small spaces may decide to incorporate containers for flowers, vegetables and her-

bs. Sun and shade, as well as other growing factors such as rainfall, temperature and season length, will dictate wh-

ich plants can be utilized. Avid gardeners are often plant collectors who consider where to put new plants as their

garden develops.

Merely planting trees and shrubs is not landscaping. Designing a landscape gives you an opportunity to create

habitats for people, plants and wildlife.

As you try to preserve clean air, clean water and landfill space, your challenge is to create a landscape that is

both aesthetically pleasing and environmentally sound. A sustainable landscape can thrive with minimal inputs of

labor, water, fertilizer and pesticides. Creating a sustainable landscape means working toward a thoughtful balance between resources used and results gained. By factoring in environmental considerations, you can create a pleasant place that is part of an environmental solution rather than an environmental problem.

Planning

The smaller your house, grounds or budget, the greater the need for correct and complete planning. Every square

foot of space and every dollar must produce maximum results. Plan for the best use of the site, the least environm-

ental impact and minimum upkeep.

A master plan is essential to ensure that all work done on the property will blend into the desired final outcome.

Keep in mind that landscape development can be a long-term process within the framework of your plan. There is no need to develop your entire lot at once. Completing the landscape over a 5-year period is a feasible approach.

This time frame allows you to evaluate plants as they grow and mature and generally is more manageable financia-

lly than doing everything at once.

Earthwork, such as grading, may be  necessary for a new home site. If you must have grading work done, consid-

er ways to save topsoil and protect existing trees and vegetation from construction damage and soil compaction.

Site analysis

For a new landscape, a thorough site analysis can help you develop a plan to enhance and maintain your property’s sustainability. It’s also a useful first step in renovating and changing an existing landscape. See the “Landscape Design Planning Questionnaire” at the end of this chapter for ideas.

A site analysis will tell you what you have to work with. A thorough understanding of your site is important, because in a sustainable landscape, native and introduced plants must be well suited to existing light, moisture and soil conditions.

Your site analysis also will help you make the best use of available space in the most attractive way possible, while at the same time considering the environmental impact of your landscape plan. Make the most of the site’s natural features and advantages. Be sure to include structures such as fences, walls, patios or decks to enhance the human environment and make the landscape more enjoyable.

Finally, the site analysis will help you select plants that best fit your landscape’s design and purpose.

Factors influencing landscape design

Property characteristics

In laying out a design, preserve all of your site’s best natural features, such as mature trees, streams, ponds, rock outcroppings, good soil, turf and interesting variations in terrain. These natural elements affect the ease of construction and enhance landscape possibilities.

Carefully survey the area to determine whether site conditions are a problem or can be incorporated into your design. Examples of problems are thin, overcrowded trees or unstable slopes that may interfere with landscape construction. You also may have to contend with microclimates such as windy areas, low places with cold air pockets, or areas with poor soil and inadequate water drainage.

Changes in elevation can add interest and variety to home landscapes. The character of the land — its hills, slopes and trees — should determine the basic landscape pattern. A hilly, wooded lot lends itself to an informal or natural design, with large areas left in their natural state. In such a setting, large trees can be retained. Protect native plantings whenever possible.

Although natural slope variations are an asset, avoid creating too many artificially. Avoid excessive use of terraces or retaining walls. If these features are necessary to facilitate construction or control water drainage, design them to blend into the natural terrain.

Neighborhood sights and sounds

Keep good views open and screen out those that are undesirable. Often, a wellplaced shrub or two provides necessary screening. Reducing sound from a busy road may require creating a large berm or dense plantings to separate traffic noise from your living space.

Climate

Climate includes sunlight, all forms of  precipitation, wind and temperature. In the case of a new home, these factors affect how the house is placed on the lot, how the land is used and what is planted. Don’t fight the climate; capitalize on its advantages. When positioning a deck, think of wind patterns, where the sun will be when you’re most likely to use the deck and whether you’d like a tree to provide shade on warm days. Plant so that the winter scene is enjoyed from the inside. For example, evergreens and hedges are picturesque when covered with snow, ice or rain droplets.

Sun and shade patterns change depending on the time of day and season. The sun is higher and shadows are shorter in summer than in winter. Northern exposures receive the least light and therefore are coolest. But in Alaska, even the north side of the house receives some direct sunlight during the summer. East and west exposures receive more light; western exposures are warmer than eastern ones because they receive afternoon light. Southern

exposures receive the most light and tend to be warmest.

The main rooms of a house should benefit from winter sun and summer breezes.  You can control the amount of sunlight and shade by the location of buildings, fences and plants. You also can take advantage of shade created by structures or plants on your neighbors’ property.

Trees have an especially strong effect on sunlight. When locating trees in your landscape design, consider keeping a sunny area for a vegetable garden, and think about  how much light you’d like coming into the house. Deciduous trees (those that shed their leaves) shade the house in summer and admit sun in winter.

Plant trees at a 45° angle away from the corners of the house ; when mature they will accent the building. Trees should not block views from windows. Remember that having too many trees shuts out sunlight and reduces air circulation. When renovating an old landscape, consider how light will change when plants or trees

are removed.

Maintenance requirements

During the early design phase, decide how much time and energy you want to spend on maintenance. Some people enjoy puttering about the yard and may desire a high-maintenance design. Others, however, want a landscape that requires minimal maintenance. Generally, the simpler the landscape, the less there is to maintain.

A low-maintenance landscape is the goal of most homeowners. The following strategies will help you reduce maintenance requirements:

• Limit the size of the lawn.

• Use groundcovers, shredded bark, bark chips and other mulches for weed control.

• Use paving or gravel in heavily traveled areas. Provide mowing strips of brick or concrete for flower beds and shrub borders.

• Use fences, walls or informal plantings (instead of clipped formal hedges) for screening.

• Design raised flower beds for easy access and to help control weeds.

• Use native plant materials.

• Install an underground irrigation system if your area receives little summer rainfall.

• Use small flower beds. Use flowering trees and shrubs for additional color.

• Be selective when choosing plant materials. Compact varieties require less pruning; insect- and disease-resistant varieties require less spraying; and drought-tolerant plants require less water.

• Keep the design simple.

Notice that low-maintenance practices often are sustainable landscape practices.

Family activities, growth and change

How your landscape will be used should be a determining factor in its design. Analyze your family activities and design a landscape that will mature with the family. Don’t plan a static landscape; it will no longer work as your family’s needs change.

Parts of a landscape

A landscape is made up of several parts. A few of these — private use areas, children’s play areas, front yards, public areas and service and work areas — are discussed in this section.

Private use area

The private use area of a landscape is an important part of the American home. Few yards are too small not to have a private sitting area where family and guests can gather. Where possible, there should be easy access from the house to the outdoor area.

When designing private areas, consider home security. Motion sensor lights can protect these areas at night, and pruning shrubs for openness and visibility can prevent them from being used for concealment during the day. Choose defensive plants that are thorny or difficult to  walk through for vulnerable entry points to your property or home.

Consider the following guidelines when planning outdoor private living areas.

Privacy

Enclose the area from public view and nearby neighbors. Properly grouped shrubs and trees work well. For a small area, use a trellis, containers with vines or a fence. Screen the area from work areas such as clotheslines,  woodpiles and garden sheds.

Year-round interest

Plants in the private use area should be varied and provide interest throughout the year, especially if the area is visible from the house. For winter interest, select shrubs and trees with colorful bark, evergreen foliage or colorful fruit. The rest of the year, use annuals, perennials, shrubs and trees to create interest. Take a seasonal inventory of your proposed plant list to make sure it includes year-round interest. Pools, stone steps, paving, walls, bird feeders and baths, and other architectural features do not change with the seasons, and they give interest and meaning throughout the year.

Climate control

Evergreen trees provide year-round screening and shade, while deciduous trees screen the area from hot summer sun but allow maximum winter sun for solar heat. Windbreaks reduce wind. An awning or trellis-type roof can protect against inclement weather. If space allows, a water feature can add the relaxing sound of running water during summer and has the added benefit of attracting wildlife.

Deck or patio

The center of activity in the yard is often is a space with garden or patio furniture and sometimes a grill or outdoor cooking area. It may be a porch, deck or patio next to the house. It may be decked, paved or in turf. Flagstone, brick, concrete blocks and concrete with redwood dividers are common surfaces.

The size of this area depends on its expected use and the type and amount of furniture desired. A area that is 10 feet by 10 feet holds four chairs and is about the minimum size for comfortably accommodating four people. Increase the size if you want space for more chairs or a picnic table.

Children’s play area

Consider your children’s ages and activities to determine the size and surface of the play area. For very young children, a small area enclosed by a fence near the kitchen or living area is desirable. As children grow up, you’ll need to adjust the design to meet changing recreational needs.

Front yard

The area in front of homes traditionally has been left more or less open so passersby can view the home. On small lots, it has become increasingly popular to screen the front yard with fencing, shrubs or vertical plantings. Privacy may be desirable when a picture window faces the street or when the front yard is used for outdoor sitting. Where space is limited, a tall, attractive fence can provide privacy and a background for shrubs and smaller plants. Make sure to check subdivision covenants and city or-dinances before erecting fences, sheds and home greenhouses.

Again, consider home security when designing your landscape. It may be appro-priate to use fencing that provides a sense of privacy but can be seen through. Remember, a solid fence will cast shade. Plant materials that can be pruned for visibility are another option.

Public area

This is the area the public sees from the street. The landscape in this area should create a sense of spaciousness. If you want the front yard to be part of the public area, keep the lawn open and place shrubs to the sides of the house and in foundation plantings. When selecting shrubs to frame the front door, consider their texture, color, size and shape so they enhance the total effect but do not block doors or windows. Placing tall trees in the backyard and medium-size ones on the sides and in front is effective. Consider the mature size of trees before making your selection. Large trees can easily overpower a small house. The house should be the focal point of the view.

Service and work areas

An area screened from major views is needed for service and work areas. Examples include space for garbage cans and access to utility meters, tool storage, wood storage, compost piles, propagating structures, small greenhouses, kennels or clotheslines.