An unmaintained property creates an unpleasant appearance for surrounding areas and potential buyers. When time and resources are invested in a property, it is essential that the landscaping contributes positively to its overall value.
Similar to home renovations, landscape installations can enhance property worth. High-quality landscape work has been shown to increase a property’s curb appeal by approximately 20 percent.
In addition to improving property value, proper landscape installations promote long-term lawn health. The inclusion of trees, shrubs, or other vegetation can serve as natural drainage systems.
These plants absorb excess groundwater, which is particularly useful in regions like Ohio that experience significant moisture throughout the year.
Removing excess water from the lawn supports healthier grass growth. Furthermore, trees and large plant installations provide shade that can help reduce energy consumption.
Common examples of landscape installations include new trees, planting beds, hedges, fences, mixed landscaping beds with various shrubs and plants, patios, outdoor furnaces, gravel walkways, mulch application, and turf establishment.
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Hardscape Installation in Landscape Development
Many residential and commercial landscapes feature a combination of hardscape structures and ornamental plants. Hardscape refers to constructed elements integrated into the landscape.
These features can shape the character and utility of outdoor spaces by enabling recreational activities, establishing focal points, minimizing soil erosion, solving privacy issues, and improving maintenance accessibility.
Hardscape structures may include retaining walls, patios, fences, arbors, gazebos, fountains, gazing pools, sidewalks, and pathways.
A wide range of hardscape materials is available, including gravel, pebbles, sand, bricks, wood, rocks, stones, pavers, and cement. Additional hardscape elements may include birdbaths, swing sets, gazing balls, pools, spas, and sculptures.
Hardscaping design adheres to core principles such as color coordination, textural contrast, form, line, and spatial balance. These principles are applied through the repetition of elements and emphasis on unity and proportion within the landscape.
Hardscape installations typically occur before planting trees or shrubs. Most installations focus on the construction of walkways, patios, retaining walls, and water features. Other hardscape types are also incorporated based on landscape needs.
Brick Patios and Pathways in Agricultural Settings
Bricks are commonly used as a traditional hardscape material for patios, paths, and garden borders. They provide a natural complement to planted areas. Patios and walkways may also be constructed using pavers, poured concrete, or crushed gravel and stone, depending on functional and aesthetic preferences.
Use and Construction of Retaining Walls in Landscapes
Retaining walls serve both functional and decorative purposes in commercial and residential landscapes. These structures are used to retain soil on slopes or to visually enhance garden spaces and patios.
In sloped environments, retaining walls can level the terrain, holding back remaining soil while increasing usable space. They also help manage stormwater and reduce soil erosion.
Retaining walls may act as freestanding structures that offer additional seating in outdoor entertainment areas. They can also divide landscape sections into functional zones. Various materials are used for construction, such as:
1. Cement blocks: Durable and versatile, these blocks often fit together using clips or pins and are available in rough or smooth finishes. Smooth blocks may be faced with stone or brick for enhanced appearance.
2. Rocks and stones: Historically used on farms, stone walls are a staple in rural landscapes. Though typically more expensive, they offer wide stylistic variety. Skilled labor is often required for construction.
3. Wood: Timber walls are easy to assemble and can include steps or angles. They rest on gravel bases to ensure proper drainage and are secured with long spikes or screws. Treated and sealed wood should be used to reduce rot.
Professional construction is recommended for most retaining walls to ensure structural stability, especially when managing heavy soil loads and steep inclines.
However, smaller projects around homes or schools may be handled independently. The process involves marking the wall area with stakes and string to define the layout.
Soil must be excavated to create a stable foundation for the wall. As with brick patios and pathways, a solid base is essential.
Trench depth varies with wall height; generally, for every 8″ (20 cm) of wall height, 1″ (2.5 cm) of soil should be removed. For example, a 4′ (1.2 m) high wall requires a 6″ (15.2 cm) deep base. The trench should be level and compacted with a tamping tool before construction begins.
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Water Features and Installation of Plants in Landscaping
1. The Role of Water Features in the Landscape
Water features create a peaceful atmosphere and invite a sense of reflection. They also help reduce unwanted noise and serve as a source of water for wildlife or a habitat for aquatic organisms.
Ponds, fountains, small streams, and swimming pools or spas are examples of water features that enhance the landscape.
While swimming pools may be inappropriate for commercial properties like office complexes, small ponds or fountains offer ideal alternatives by providing a relaxing and attractive focal point for informal gatherings or break periods.
2. Basic Components and Construction of Water Features
Most water features require professional installation by a landscape contractor. Despite varying in design, most of them share similar construction elements:
i. site preparation: The area must be cleared and prepared to support the water feature.
ii. lining material: For ponds and pools, use flexible waterproof liners or pre-formed inserts. Pools can also be made from fiberglass or concrete-lined structures.
iii. circulating pump: A pump is installed to ensure water movement and oxygenation, essential for aquatic life.
iv. electric supply: The pump requires electricity for continuous operation.
v. stable base: For fountains, a solid base similar to that used for patios or walkways is necessary for support.
a. Functionality and Maintenance
Once installation is complete, the circulating pump ensures water movement, which maintains oxygen levels. Filters are recommended for ponds and pools to remove large and small contaminants and should be cleaned regularly.
Ponds and streams may also be enhanced with aquatic plants and fish. Plant species suitable for pond environments include:
i. Rooted in Containers: Cannas, sedges, taro plants, cattails, calla lilies, Siberian and Japanese irises, horsetails, and umbrella grass.
ii. Floating Plants: American lotuses, water lettuces, water ferns, water hyacinths, and water lilies.
b. Drainage Considerations
Proper drainage is crucial. Poor drainage may cause structural damage, rotting of wood, drowning of plants, or damage to building foundations.
Effective drainage systems redirect water away from structures into catch basins or stormwater systems. Roof water is also commonly directed into these systems.
Not all locations require drainage, so this decision is made based on site conditions and professional assessment.
Installation of Plants
1. Soil Preparation Before Planting
After completing the hardscape, soil preparation is essential. The process includes adding organic materials such as compost or manure and tilling them into the soil.
This creates a suitable environment for root development. If irrigation is part of the design, it should be completed before planting begins. Drip lines or sprinkler heads should be installed according to the layout in the landscape plan.
2. Ordering and Planting Material
The landscape plan dictates the number and size of plants needed. Woody ornamental trees and shrubs are usually available in three forms: container-grown, balled and burlapped (B&B), or bare-rooted.
3. Ideal Time for Planting
i. Plant in the Rainy Season: Most woody and herbaceous plants should be planted during the rainy season when moderate temperatures reduce stress and increase the chance of successful root establishment.
ii. Establishment Advantage: Plants establish stronger root systems during this period, benefiting them in the subsequent dry season.
iii. Specific Timing: Cold-sensitive or frost-sensitive plants should be planted according to regional recommendations.
4. Proper Planting Techniques
Here is your list converted to use Roman numerals in lowercase and spaced properly:
i. deep tilling: Tilling the soil to a depth of 8–12 inches improves drainage and promotes healthy root growth.
ii. planting holes: Dig holes twice the diameter of the root ball, keeping the root system level with or slightly above the soil surface.
iii. root ball preparation:
a. For B&B plants: Remove wire or cords and pull back the top third of the burlap.
b. For container-grown plants: Make shallow vertical cuts to free bound roots and spread them in the hole.
Using Soil Amendments
i. organic amendments: These include compost, peat moss, and manure. They improve water retention, aeration, and nutrient availability.
ii. inorganic amendments: These include vermiculite, perlite, and sand, which enhance soil structure and drainage but offer limited nutritional value.
iii. application: Mix 4 inches of organic amendment into the top 12 inches of soil. Avoid placing granular fertilizers directly into planting holes, as they can damage roots due to salt content.
Seasonal Color Beds and Maintenance
1. Creating Raised Seasonal Beds
i. preparation: Add 4 inches of organic matter and till to 12 inches deep.
ii. raised structure: Elevate beds 10–15 inches above grade for better drainage and visual appeal.
iii. fertilization: Use slow-release fertilizers in planting holes for annuals and perennials to ensure consistent growth throughout the season.
2. Watering and Mulching
i. water needs: Seasonal beds need uniform watering due to their shallow roots and high nutrient demands.
ii. mulch application: Apply 3–5 inches of mulch to reduce evaporation, maintain soil temperature, and suppress weed growth. Fine-textured mulch is especially effective at retaining moisture.
Benefits of Mulching
Mulch improves moisture retention, inhibits weed growth, and reduces the risk of soil-borne diseases reaching foliage. It contributes to the overall health and appearance of the landscape by stabilizing soil conditions and conserving resources.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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