| Subject | Date Asked | Expert |
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| Need some privacy | 11/26/2008 | Marc Chapelle, ASLA |
Q: My wife and I are building a home on 2 acres in Washington State. There are three lots side by side ...
A: Your state, like most in the west, straddles several USDA zones, from 5a near the Canadian boarder, ...
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| need a fast growing bush | 11/24/2008 | mark |
Q: I Have 2 windows at the end of my house facing west. Sun in the afternoon is horribly hot. I'm in ...
A: I would suggest crape myrtle ( Lagerstroemia). This is a tree like deciduous (sheds leaves in fall) ...
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| Drainage Issues | 11/23/2008 | mark |
Q: We have a big problem and are not sure where to go for help. During the fall, winter and spring ...
A: Drywells sound like they might be useful in this situation. The drywells may require pumping. The ...
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| Drainage Issues | 11/23/2008 | Marc Chapelle, ASLA |
Q: We have a big problem and are not sure where to go for help. During the fall, winter and spring ...
A: A real head-scratcher. Water flows downhill in all 50 states, but I think your problem sounds like a ...
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| securing R.R. ties used in a retaining wall | 11/23/2008 | mark |
Q: I have started to build a retaining wall and the highest part will be about 6' high. It is now only ...
A: This is why a do it yourselfer should never construct a retaining wall over 4 feet high. Any wall ...
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| flooded yard | 11/18/2008 | mark |
Q: My house sits on about an acre. Behind my house is a wheat field (not being used now) that is ...
A: you need to install drainage ditches. you should have a peculation test (test to measure at what ...
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| Brick and mortar planter | 11/16/2008 | Jonathan 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 ...
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| starting new business | 11/14/2008 | Sean 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 ...
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| Landcadd | 11/14/2008 | Marc 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 ...
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| English Ivy | 11/12/2008 | mark |
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 ...
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| replanting a pine tree | 11/12/2008 | Russel 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 ...
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| patio | 11/10/2008 | mark |
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 ...
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| Landscape Design | 11/3/2008 | Marc 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 ...
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| planting a tree close to a low retaining wall | 11/2/2008 | Sean 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 ...
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| landscaping | 11/1/2008 | Jonathan 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 ...
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| lava rock vs. mulch | 11/1/2008 | Russel 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 ...
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| certified gardener/landscape technician | 11/1/2008 | Sean 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 ...
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| certified gardener/landscape technician | 10/30/2008 | Sean 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 ...
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| the vetch is taking over my front yard | 10/27/2008 | Marc 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; ...
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| Emerald Green | 10/23/2008 | Marc 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: ...
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| rock patio over a brick paver patio | 10/22/2008 | mark |
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 ...
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| what can I plant and grow | 10/21/2008 | Marc 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 ...
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| back yard | 10/20/2008 | Marc 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 ...
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| Rainfall drainage in a small planting area | 10/20/2008 | Marc 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 & ...
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| ouside patio (thick slate slabs) | 10/20/2008 | Sean 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 ...
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| what can I plant and grow | 10/19/2008 | Marc 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 ...
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| Weeds in Rock yard? | 10/19/2008 | mark |
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 ...
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| help with walkway design | 10/18/2008 | Sean 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 ...
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| help with design for walkway | 10/18/2008 | mark |
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 ...
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| Sidewalk Slope | 10/16/2008 | mark |
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 ...
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| Sidewalk Slope | 10/16/2008 | mark |
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 ...
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| Transplanting fir trees | 10/12/2008 | Russel 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 ...
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| Landscape conseltation | 10/12/2008 | Sean 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 ...
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| cellar door | 10/11/2008 | Marc 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 ...
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| oak tree runners? | 10/11/2008 | Jonathan 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 ...
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| The price of a deck/patio | 10/10/2008 | Sean 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 ...
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| rototilling on a slight hill | 10/9/2008 | Marc 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: ...
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| availability of landscape stone | 10/8/2008 | Marc 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 ...
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| Patio over V-Shaped Back yard | 10/8/2008 | mark |
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 ...
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| Shading House with Trees | 10/8/2008 | Marc 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: ...
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