Horticulture Principles and Practices

create a more relaxed feel to a landscape. Careful attention should be paid when using
lines in landscape design and especially when installing a landscape. When a line,
intended to be straight, turns out crooked, or a curved line comes off as “bumpy,” the
effect can be negative. A row of trees planted in a straight line with one tree out of place
can ruin an otherwise careful design.
ACCESS AND MOVEMENT
People use residential landscapes on a regular basis. Homeowners move from the street to
the house, often carrying things like groceries or children. Visitors seek out the front door.
Meters must be checked, garbage picked up and mail delivered. From time to time, windows
need washing and roofs need repairs. Many beautiful landscapes ultimately fail because the
design limits or restricts access for these important functions. Fortunately, there are wellestablished
design guidelines and standards for items such as walk and driveway widths,
minimum step dimensions, planting spacing, and minimum/maximum slope requirements
safe equipment operation and handicapped access. Some practical considerations are easy
to forget, such as leaving access to the electric meter or providing access to every turf area
for a riding lawnmower. A professional designer should spend sufficient time analyzing a
site to insure that minor details are not ignored, thus preventing problems in the future.
PROPER CARE
An attractive landscape requires some level of maintenance. Even a well thought out
design can be compromised by poor maintenance. For example, many lawn grasses can
spread from the intended turf area into flower beds, at which time the grass becomes a
weed. Large weeds growing amongst shrubs look unsightly and decrease the value of a
good landscape design. Lack of water can slow growth or kill drought-intolerant plants.
Before finalizing a landscape plan, realistic maintenance needs and a budget should be
evaluated. Can the homeowner afford to properly maintain the proposed landscape?
Often, changes in plant selection, plant density, mulching materials, edging treatments,
and patio material can reduce maintenance needs without affecting the overall design.
BUDGET
Estimates vary on the amount that should be spent on landscaping a home. Generally, the
cost for landscaping ranges from 5%–20% the cost of the home. With a good master plan,
this cost can be spread out over several years if necessary, and completed in phases as
time and money permit. In some situations, costs can be reduced by planting smaller
plants. The cost to install a tree or shrub goes up exponentially as the size of plant
increases, though the initial effect is not as dramatic with smaller plants. As an added
benefit, research suggests that smaller plants adapt and establish quicker in the landscape
than larger plants. Contractors, in an effort to save money, often narrow the width of
concrete driveways and walks. This is not the place to save money. Irrigation systems can
be expensive and must be installed prior to planting, however, a well-designed system
provides reduces the risk of losing valuable plants.
482 Chapter 15 Principles of Landscaping
THE WHOLE LANDSCAPE
Landscapes designed as one entire space look the best. However, this does not mean that
everything must match across the entire yard, or that one style must be continued through