Sustainable Landscape Management: Design, Construction, and Maintenance

Sustainable Landscape Management: Design, Construction, and Maintenance

The complete guide to the sustainable management of landscapes
A must-have guide for anyone working with landscapes, Sustainable Landscape Management eases the transition of the landscape industry into a new era of green consciousness. Filled with examples that illustrate best practices, the book provides a practical framework for the development of sustainable management strategies from design to execution and, eventually, to maintenance in an effort to construct landscapes that function more efficiently and minimize the impact on the environment. Sustainable Landscape Management includes:
• An overview of sustainable design and construction techniques as the basis for the maintenance and management of constructed landscapes
• Coverage of ecosystem development, managing landscape beds, managing trees and shrubs, and lawn care
• An entire chapter devoted to issues associated with the use of chemicals in landscape management
• Guidance on retrofitting existing landscapes for sustainability
Reshaping the landscape takes on more significance as society embraces a new value system for advancing environmentally friendly ideals. By following the management principles laid out in this book, readers will learn the key elements for building landscapes that integrate beauty and function to create a sustainable presence that extends well into the future.

Contents

Preface.
Acknowledgments.
About the Authors.
Chapter 1 Introduction to Sustainability.
Introduction.
Historical Perspective.
Emergence of the Sustainability Movement.
Sustainable Landscapes.
Summary.
Study Questions.
Suggested Reading.
Chapter 2 Sustainable Landscape Design.
Introduction.
The Process of Sustainable Landscape Design.
Selecting Plants to Increase Sustainability.
Creating Aesthetically Pleasing Landscapes.
Creating Functional Landscapes.
Creating Landscapes that Meet Basic Human Physical and Cognitive Needs.
Designing to Minimize Maintenance.
Designing to Enhance a Landscape’s Short- and Long-term Cost-Effectiveness.
Integrating Specialized Design Approaches to Maximize Short- and Long-term Sustainability.
Summary.
Study Questions.
Suggested Reading.
Chapter 3 Sustainable Landscape Construction Process, Irrigation Systems and Hardscape Materials.
Introduction.
The Conventional Landscape Construction Process.
A Sustainable Landscape Construction Process Alternative.
Sustainable Irrigation Design and Installation Strategies.
Sustainable Hardscape Materials.
Summary.
Study Questions.
Suggested Reading.
Chapter 4 Retrofitting Existing Landscapes for Sustainability.
Introduction.
Site Analysis for Retrofitting.
Identifying Opportunities to Improve Landscape Sustainability.
Summary.
Study Questions.
Chapter 5 Ecosystem Development and Management in the Context of Sustainable Landscapes.
Introduction.
Sustainable Landscapes and Ecosystem Services.
Historical Review of Ecological Design.
How Landscapes Function as Ecosystems.
Considerations in Designing a New Landscape Ecosystem.
Establishment Strategies for a New Landscape Ecosystem.
Management Strategies for a Landscape Ecosystem.
Summary.
Study Questions.
Chapter 6 Environmental Issues.
Introduction.
Nutrient Leaching and Runoff.
Pesticide Leaching and Runoff.
Health Concerns Associated With Pesticides.
Fish and Wildlife Issues Associated With Pesticides.
Air Pollution Due to Power Equipment Emissions.
Depletion of Water Resources.
Sustainability and Environmental Rhetoric.
Perspectives on Environmental Issues Regarding Pesticide Use.
Summary.
Study Questions.
Chapter 7 Sustainable Soils for Landscapes.
Introduction.
Healthy Soils.
Sustainable Options in Developing Soils for Landscapes.
Managing Soils Sustainably.
Summary.
Study Questions.
Chapter 8 Managing Trees, Shrubs and Beds Sustainably.
Introduction.
Planting.
Fertilization.
Irrigation.
Pruning.
Managing the Waste Stream.
Summary.
Study Questions.
Chapter 9 Lawns in Sustainable Landscapes.
Introduction.
Matching Grass Types to Climate in Theory and Practice.
Impact of Grass Breeding Programs.
Species for Sustainable Lawns.
Sustainable Maintenance Strategies.
Summary.
Study Questions.
Chapter 10 Sustainable Pest Management.
Introduction.
Definition of Integrated Pest Management.
Components of Integrated Pest Management.
Insect Control Strategies.
Disease Control Strategies.
Weed Control Strategies.
Summary.
Study Questions.
Suggested Reading.
References.
Index.