Description
Book SynopsisThe landscape industry is in the midst of major changes as the demand for environmentally responsible landscapes increases. This book offers a practical framework for the development of sustainable management strategies.
Trade Review"The authors come out of the gates swinging with this book. In the preface, they indicate that the book was "organized to provide context for sustainability and the impact it has on landscape design, installation, and management practices", and they hit a home run with this book. They also prove they can "walk the talk" by printing the book on 100% Postconsumer paper. Kudos!!" (
The Designer, Spring 2012)
Table of ContentsPreface ix
Acknowledgments xi
About the Authors xiii
Chapter 1 Introduction to Sustainability 1
Introduction 1
Historical Perspective 1
Emergence of the Sustainability Movement 2
Sustainable Landscapes 9
Summary 13
Study Questions 14
Suggested Reading 14
Chapter 2 Sustainable Landscape Design 15
Introduction 15
The Process of Sustainable Landscape Design 15
Selecting Plants to Increase Sustainability 19
Creating Aesthetically Pleasing Landscapes 20
Creating Functional Landscapes 21
Creating Landscapes That Meet Basic Human Physical and Cognitive Needs 25
Designing to Minimize Maintenance 28
Designing to Enhance a Landscape’s Short- and Long-Term Cost Effectiveness 31
Integrating Specialized Design Approaches to Maximize Short- and Long-Term Sustainability 33
Summary 37
Study Questions 38
Suggested Reading 38
Chapter 3 Sustainable Landscape Construction: Process, Irrigation Systems, and Hardscape Materials 39
Introduction 39
The Conventional Landscape Construction Process 39
A Sustainable Landscape Construction Process Alternative 44
Sustainable Irrigation Design and Installation Strategies 49
Sustainable Hardscape Materials 53
Summary 59
Study Questions 60
Suggested Reading 60
Chapter 4 Retrofitting Existing Landscapes for Sustainability 61
Introduction 61
Site Analysis for Retrofitting 61
Identifying Opportunities to Improve Landscape Sustainability 72
Summary 79
Study Questions 79
Chapter 5 Ecosystem Development and Management in the Context of Sustainable Landscapes 81
Introduction 81
Sustainable Landscapes and Ecosystem Services 82
Historical Review of Ecological Design 82
How Landscapes Function as Ecosystems 84
Considerations in Designing a New Landscape Ecosystem 85
Establishment Strategies for a New Landscape Ecosystem 88
Management Strategies for a Landscape Ecosystem 90
Summary 99
Study Questions 99
Chapter 6 Environmental Issues 101
Introduction 101
Nutrient Leaching and Runoff 102
Pesticide Leaching and Runoff 105
Health Concerns Associated with Pesticides 106
Fish and Wildlife Issues Associated with Pesticides 108
Air Pollution Due to Power Equipment Emissions 109
Depletion of Water Resources 110
Sustainability and Environmental Rhetoric 110
Perspectives on Environmental Issues Regarding Pesticide Use 113
Summary 116
Study Questions 116
Chapter 7 Sustainable Soils for Landscapes 119
Introduction 119
Healthy Soils 119
Sustainable Options in Developing Soils for Landscapes 123
Managing Soils Sustainably 127
Summary 130
Study Questions 130
Chapter 8 Managing Trees, Shrubs, and Beds Sustainably 133
Introduction 133
Planting 133
Fertilization 140
Irrigation 144
Pruning 147
Managing the Waste Stream 157
Summary 157
Study Questions 158
Chapter 9 Lawns in Sustainable Landscapes 161
Introduction 161
Matching Grass Types to Climate in Theory and Practice 162
Impact of Grass Breeding Programs 163
Species for Sustainable Lawns 165
Sustainable Maintenance Strategies 176
Summary 190
Study Questions 190
Chapter 10 Sustainable Pest Management 193
Introduction 193
Definition of Integrated Pest Management 193
Components of Integrated Pest Management 194
Insect Control Strategies 197
Disease Control Strategies 202
Weed Control Strategies 203
Summary 213
Study Questions 213
Suggested Reading 214
References 215
Index 223
