Landscape Maintenance Study Questions and
Answers
Form following function
aesthetics and use of landscape integrated into a design that takes maintenance into consideration
in all aspects
Design to reduce maintenance
Design based on all site specific considerations (soil type, microclimate, topography/drainage,
etc.) and right plant right place
Sustainable landscape design
Minimize water consumption, restore natural wildlife habitat, promote sense of place, reduce
input
Soil testing
Mix 15 samples collected from all over site 3-4 inch deep for lawn and 6 inch otherwise, avoid
extreme areas, remove green tissue
Components of soil
Solid fraction- minerals and OM Pore space- air and water
Soil texture
amounts of sand, silt, and clay which determines textural class PERMANENT
Macropores
, Large spaces between sand particles
Micropores
Small spaces between clay particles
Sandy soil advantages
good drainage, good aeration, allow deep root penetration, easily tilled and plowed
Sandy soil disadvantages
poor water retention, poor nutrient retention, leaching of nutrients
Clay soil advantages
good water retention, good nutrient retention, low leaching potential
Clay soil disadvantages
poor drainage, poor aeration, compacted easily
Soil structure
the arrangement of mineral particles CHANGEABLE
Aggregates
clusters soil particles form when stuck together by organic matter
Osmosis
How nutrients and water solution moves into the roots
Fertilizer burn
Answers
Form following function
aesthetics and use of landscape integrated into a design that takes maintenance into consideration
in all aspects
Design to reduce maintenance
Design based on all site specific considerations (soil type, microclimate, topography/drainage,
etc.) and right plant right place
Sustainable landscape design
Minimize water consumption, restore natural wildlife habitat, promote sense of place, reduce
input
Soil testing
Mix 15 samples collected from all over site 3-4 inch deep for lawn and 6 inch otherwise, avoid
extreme areas, remove green tissue
Components of soil
Solid fraction- minerals and OM Pore space- air and water
Soil texture
amounts of sand, silt, and clay which determines textural class PERMANENT
Macropores
, Large spaces between sand particles
Micropores
Small spaces between clay particles
Sandy soil advantages
good drainage, good aeration, allow deep root penetration, easily tilled and plowed
Sandy soil disadvantages
poor water retention, poor nutrient retention, leaching of nutrients
Clay soil advantages
good water retention, good nutrient retention, low leaching potential
Clay soil disadvantages
poor drainage, poor aeration, compacted easily
Soil structure
the arrangement of mineral particles CHANGEABLE
Aggregates
clusters soil particles form when stuck together by organic matter
Osmosis
How nutrients and water solution moves into the roots
Fertilizer burn
