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About Marc Chapelle, ASLA
(Top Expert on this page)

Expertise
As a licensed Landscape Architect, I am available to answer general questions about style and design, ideas and suggestions for site amenities, larger site-planning issues, or recreational and park design. I prefer you ask somebody else why your petunias are not as perky as they should be...I'd LOVE to tell you how can use those petunias to increase your home's value!

Experience
Member, American Society of Landscape Architects(ALSA); My clients are mostly contractors, developers and local civil engineering/architecture firms, plus the occasional homeowner. I am currently located in the dry Great Basin area (Reno/Sparks), so use of landscape materials OTHER than plants is emphasized. As a licensed Landscape Architect on the East and West Coasts, I have been in practice over 18 years. My website: DesertLA.com
   

You are here:  Experts > Home/Garden > Exterior Decorating > Landscaping & Design

SubjectDate AskedExpert

Brick and mortar planter11/16/2008Jonathan Radford
  Q: Mr. Radford, I have a new brick and mortar planter, 3 ft. high and 2 ft. wide. I live in a state ...
  A: In this case there would be no need to line the planter with anything. However, clearly if you had ...
starting new business11/14/2008Sean J Murphy, LA
  Q: Hey Sean. Im in Lawrenceville, GA and am starting a new landscape business in the area. Can you ...
  A: Stephen: Wow, first off, can I ask a personal question...why are you starting a landscape business ...
Landcadd11/14/2008Marc Chapelle, ASLA
  Q: I went to school for landscape and design and was one of the first to use landcadd as an application ...
  A: Jeff – I, too, was introduced to Landcadd back in '95 (at school). Even used in a bit, back in ...
English Ivy11/12/2008mark
  Q: Can English Ivy kill a tree if the ivy grows up the tree? I live in Northwest Arkansas and was told ...
  A: opinions are divided as to whether english ivy can kill a tree,but english ivy can cause structural ...
replanting a pine tree11/12/2008Russel Ray
  Q: I have a pine tree in my yard about 20 ft high. I would like to move it to another part of my yard. ...
  A: Hey, John. I cannot answer your question definitively without knowing what kind of pine tree it is ...
patio11/10/2008mark
  Q: I just purchased a house at which the previous owner installed slate around the trees and plant ...
  A: using the slate you already have sounds like an excellent idea. slate is best layed on a mortar ...
Landscape Design11/3/2008Marc Chapelle, ASLA
  Q: we live in CT and are going to build are Italianate style home in the spring. (We were hoping to do ...
  A: Heather: Since you have the acreage for formal, terraced gardens that the “Italianate” style is ...
planting a tree close to a low retaining wall11/2/2008Sean J Murphy, LA
  Q: We live in an older home with extensive low stone wall hardscape. Recently we lost a large elm to a ...
  A: Since you did not make it clear where you live it is hard to make a species suggestion. However, I ...
landscaping11/1/2008Jonathan Radford
  Q: What can I do with the area against my house under the overhang of the second floor. The second ...
  A: Sorry that I couldn't get back sooner but I've had to visit the UK this weekend. Ok, this is a very ...
lava rock vs. mulch11/1/2008Russel Ray
  Q: I'm an inexperienced landscape chair for our community in South Florida. A few residents would like ...
  A: Mulch is far superior to lava rock. The reason is because lava rock won't deteriorate and decompose ...
certified gardener/landscape technician11/1/2008Sean J Murphy, LA
  Q: What is the difference between an certified arborist and a certified gardener? Which would be the ...
  A: There are lots of independent organizations out there and I suppose one might have been started for ...
certified gardener/landscape technician10/30/2008Sean J Murphy, LA
  Q: What is the difference between an certified arborist and a certified gardener? Which would be the ...
  A: Lori: I have never heard of a certified gardener. I think anybody can be a gardener. A certified ...
the vetch is taking over my front yard10/27/2008Marc Chapelle, ASLA
  Q: I just moved into a new house and the landscaping sucks. I'm planning on ripping out the drab ...
  A: The genus Vicia (Vetch) contains about 150 species, including 15 that are native to the US & Canada; ...
Emerald Green10/23/2008Marc Chapelle, ASLA
  Q: I planted a row of Emerald green a long the property line in early spring, but two of them close to ...
  A: I'm assuming you are talking about the "Emerald Green" Thuja. Information here: ...
rock patio over a brick paver patio10/22/2008mark
  Q: What prepartion do I need to do & how do I do it: I have a brick paver patio & want to install some ...
  A: installing the rocks over the pavers would not be recommended because you will then not have good ...
what can I plant and grow10/21/2008Marc Chapelle, ASLA
  Q: I have 3 columns on the front of my house. I want an evergreen, zone 9, facing east, dark green, ...
  A: My apologies. I was using plant-name "short hand" (J.c. = Juniperus chinensis, etc.) You have to ...
back yard10/20/2008Marc Chapelle, ASLA
  Q: the builder cut into our bank behind the house and now we are at a loss as what to do . I would like ...
  A: Actually, your yard is the kind I like to work on, as dramatic differences can be accomplished with ...
Rainfall drainage in a small planting area10/20/2008Marc Chapelle, ASLA
  Q: I have an area, triangular in shape in the front of my house. It measures about 17ft x 20ft x a 28ft ...
  A: Your solution sounds like it might work. I'd add a weed barrier/landscape fabric, so the trench & ...
ouside patio (thick slate slabs)10/20/2008Sean J Murphy, LA
  Q: I am working with my cousin on a patio for his boss/owner of the company that he works for, we ...
  A: Michael: First you have to do a 3-4" crushed aggregate base just like concrete pavers. Compact this ...
what can I plant and grow10/19/2008Marc Chapelle, ASLA
  Q: I have 3 columns on the front of my house. I want an evergreen, zone 9, facing east, dark green, ...
  A: Marlyn... I like to accent columns with vertical plants. In your case, I would recommend the Sky ...
Weeds in Rock yard?10/19/2008mark
  Q: I hope you can help. I had a hard time finding the right category to ask in. We just bought a ...
  A: there are numerous kinds of mulch materials you could use such as wood chips,pine needles,peanut ...
help with walkway design10/18/2008Sean J Murphy, LA
  Q: http://www.picturehosting.com/gallery.php?u=beacu&g=entrance-to-basement I have pictures of this in ...
  A: Bea: Since you are doing this yourself I suggest a split face interlocking masonry unit wall. (some ...
help with design for walkway10/18/2008mark
  Q: http://www.picturehosting.com/gallery.php?u=beacu&g=entrance-to-basement I have pictures of this in ...
  A: i would recommend a segmental block retaining wall. these blocks are made of solid concrete and ...
Sidewalk Slope10/16/2008mark
  Q: I have a new sidewalk & steps going down a hill. The plan called for "Steps = 4'6" rise approx. ...
  A: i could tell alot more from the plan,but this side walk looks slipppery and what is up with the ...
Sidewalk Slope10/16/2008mark
  Q: I have a new sidewalk & steps going down a hill. The plan called for "Steps = 4'6" rise approx. ...
  A: perhaps you could take out the side walk and install steps at the top of the hill. you did not say ...
Transplanting fir trees10/12/2008Russel Ray
  Q: I have a small (about 24" tall) fir tree that is potted and living in my house. It was a gift to me ...
  A: Hey, Sandy. If it's the kind of fir that I think it is—and it probably is since you got it last ...
Landscape conseltation10/12/2008Sean J Murphy, LA
  Q: Murphy, My husband and I own 7.25 acres in Live Oak, FL. We have a pond that was constructed about ...
  A: A registered Landscape Architect should charge approximately $75 to $150 hour for a pre-design ...
cellar door10/11/2008Marc Chapelle, ASLA
  Q: I am looking for someone who can custom build a metal door for a root cellar. I would like one like ...
  A: Good afternoon, Al - Michigan is a big state, with 10 million folks, and 300+ miles from Adrian ...
oak tree runners?10/11/2008Jonathan Radford
  Q: This may be out of your geographical area of expertise since I am in central Texas, but here goes. ...
  A: Quite honestly any rigid surface, like brick, cement or slabs etc will always be broken by tree ...
The price of a deck/patio10/10/2008Sean J Murphy, LA
  Q: I plan to build a deck without rails, and the height is no higher than 1 foot. The shape is L-like, ...
  A: the deck sounds like about a 2 day project for a crew of two or three. Cost about $20/sf here in the ...
rototilling on a slight hill10/9/2008Marc Chapelle, ASLA
  Q: I HAVE A SLIGHT HILL THAT RUNS ALONG A 1/2 OF A QUARTER MILE. NOT VERY LONG BUT LONG ...
  A: Proper usr of a rototiller can be found at: ...
availability of landscape stone10/8/2008Marc Chapelle, ASLA
  Q: Marc, We are looking for a landscape cover for our Outer Banks, NC home. We currently have a bed ...
  A: A shell blend for bocce ball courts is available (but expensive) from boccemon.com. I don't know ...
Patio over V-Shaped Back yard10/8/2008mark
  Q: Sir, recently i moved to new house. However the builder did not give good back yard. There slop away ...
  A: judging from the photo,this site looks relatively flat. you could use pavers or concrete. give the ...
Shading House with Trees10/8/2008Marc Chapelle, ASLA
  Q: I own a raised brick ranch 28 foot by 40 foot house with a garage in the basement. The garage in the ...
  A: Mike. I was reviewing your question, and it sounds like there are two questions imbedded in there: ...
Dry shade10/8/2008Russel Ray
  Q: I live in Connecticut in zone 6B and I am interested in finding plants that do well in dry shady ...
  A: Hey, Laura. I think if you were to post your question in the general area you'd get better ...
brick planter10/6/2008Marc Chapelle, ASLA
  Q: I'm re-using red bricks (8" x 4" x 2")to build small raised planter boxes. I'm using them flat, so ...
  A: To your questions: 1. Not really limited to size. Here in Nevada, there is a park (Sparks Marina) ...
Red Apple ground cover10/5/2008mark
  Q: I have been told that if you p0lant red apple ground cover on banks that you can expect it to only ...
  A: i am not very familiar with the ice plant species. as a group they are called ice plants but this ...
Red Apple ground cover10/4/2008mark
  Q: I have been told that if you p0lant red apple ground cover on banks that you can expect it to only ...
  A: twelve years is a long life span for ground cover and yes,if you want ground cover of this type,you ...
Red Apple ground cover10/4/2008Russel Ray
  Q: I have a HUGE bank in front of my home covered with Red Apple ground cover. Hot, dry area facing ...
  A: Hey, Bonnie. Your picture looks like the result of a gopher infestation. Red apple should ...
landscape design student10/4/2008Marc Chapelle, ASLA
  Q: Hey Mark, I was wondering what the benefits of planting sterile flowers might be? It is alittle ...
  A: Shaun; I'm not quite sure what you mean by "sterile flower" plants...I know that plants like ...

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Questions by
Active Experts:
S. D. WardmarkJonathan Radford
KathyMarc Chapelle, ASLARussel Ray
Sean J Murphy, LA  

     
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