Topics related to the profession and design principles of landscape architecture.
When you arrive at a home, ask yourself, does this arrival and entry provide a welcoming experience? Or is the space more of an afterthought and simply to be ignored until you are inside? Landscape architects should employ design techniques to use the front yard, outdoor arrival, and entry space as a way to deliver …
Within a residential back yard site, some typical conditions are seen throughout neighborhoods in the United States. We will present some of these conditions for you to examine your own back yard for challenges and opportunities. For a Landscape Architect, these are the challenges to solve when hired for a back yard design. Three primary …
It’s easy to think the job is done once your new landscape trees are planted in the ground. However, a few more things still need to happen to provide the best chance of a long-lived healthy tree. The best thing you can do is provide some structural pruning or “training” of the young tree to …
As you drive around Jacksonville, or anywhere in the Southeast, you’ve probably seen a pruning tactic known as “crape murder.” This pruning technique cuts a crape myrtle tree down to a height of about 4-5 feet tall. Essentially, you take a chainsaw, cut the tree down, and leave about 4 feet of bare trunk. The …
There are many variables that professional landscape architects consider when developing and drawing site plans. Every project has unique needs and requirements which enable the facility users to successfully use and enjoy the facility. These variables are dependent upon how the facility or project will be used. A residential site plan will consider beauty, comfort, …
Don’t get caught cutting down trees without a permit! The City of Jacksonville can enforce penalties for unapproved tree removals. To preserve and enhance the quality of life for Duval County residents, the City has requirements for protecting trees. You may be wondering if you need City of Jacksonville tree removal permits for your project. …
We’ve all seen it. A beautiful oak tree surrounded by a sea of new asphalt parking spaces. A developer has decided to put a new parking lot around the 100-year-old tree. The majestic oak hangs on for a couple more years, until branches finally die and limbs fall. Sadly, the once thriving tree must be …
So, what is site planning and design anyways? What’s the point of it? And now that you mention it, who makes site plans? After reading this article, you will know the answers to these questions, understand the value of a site plan, and be able to determine if you need one. We will review the …
You’re looking out over your backyard. It’s a mess. The weeds have taken over your flower beds. The lawn needs to be mowed. Again! There are dead plants, frozen to death in last year’s record breaking cold snap. There’s no place to relax and unwind. Your yard has become a burden. As you begin to …