Sustainable Landscape Management: Design, Construction, and Maintenance

Preface 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