AboutMark Expertise Design of landscape structures and design of planting arrangements in the landscape. I usually do not answer questions of a horticultural nature or about growing plants or gardening unless they are related to design. I will answer these questions at my discretion. I will answer maintenance questions at my discretion,usually when they are related to design. I am a landscape designer. I am not a contractor or a gardener.
Here are example categories of problems I can help you with: Design of residential walks,low walls,low retaining walls,fences,drainage systems,arbors,plant selection,xeriscapes (low water use landscapes),rain garden design,rain water harvesting,permeable paving,sustainable drainage. No advise on an architectural or engineering level.
I do not perform actual design work through this site. I only provide suggestions and advice.
I am a skilled draftsman and can advise you about the kind of drawings,permits and construction documents you may need for your landscape project. Any landscape project should be layed out on a drawing but larger projects in particular,that may be contracted out,should have drawings and specifications for cost and quantity estimates and for competitive bids. A drawing and specifications will also become part of any contract made with a contractor and enhances the clients protection.
Experience Landscape concept plan for a 30,000 square feet housing site. Involved site recon by pace measurements and photographs and a site analysis and a site analysis report and recommendations and a preliminary cost estimate. Design elements included canopy trees,shrub cover,accent flowers,trash receptacles,benches and planters.
Landscape concept plan for a 7,000 square feet site for a community center. Involved site recon by tape measurements and photographs,a site analysis and the creation of 3 conceptual designs for the site.
Work was done through a local professional design center. Design elements included
tree garden,playground,sitting area,lawn,cooking area,lighting and concrete and brick paving.
Landscape concept plan for a 3,000 square feet housing site. Involved site recon by tape measurements and photographs and a site analysis.
Concluded in 3 concept designs for the site,shown at a formal presentation,a site analysis and recommendations. Work was done through a community volunteer program. Design elements included decks,a playground and fencing.
Briefly as draftsman for landscape designer/gardener.
Conceptual landscape design for residence. Involved site recon by tape and pace measurements and site analysis. Design included covered patio area,ground cover and flower beds.
Two years experience as draftsman for transportation department in engineering firm and for engineering consultants to phone company. Duties consisted of plotting topography.
Survey crew member. General assistant to surveyor. Work was done for U.S. Army and County Highway Department. No instrument work. Duties included tape measurement,holding graduated survey rod and plumb bob for sighting and clearing brush.
Marketed Landscape Design Services. Brochure writing,promotional material and marketing graphics.
Education/Credentials Course in Computer Aided Drafting. 700 hours in AutoCad 2000. 700 hours to date on AutoCad Light 2000.
Certificate in Manual Drafting. 1200 hours drafting time.
Course in Civil Engineering Technology. (One Semester)
Awards and Honors From Civil Engineer:
I am very impressed with your work and with the obvious thought you have put into the marketing of your venture. It was especially good to see a print of that job we discussed on the phone. I wish you much luck with the venture as I do with your plans for school. Im darn proud of you buddy. And by the way,when I get my license,maybe you will consider me for a consulting job down the road. I hope to get together with Rick sometime soon and I would really like to show him your stuff if its ok with you. From all these questions you ask I get the feeling that you are genuinely interested and have put alot of thought into the idea and process of landscape architecture and if you could possibly afford the cost I would urge you to take some classes in the areas you are most interested in. The subject is not so simple as it appears,mixing science and engineering with art and a certain amount of religion to create a comfortable and pleasing balance between man and nature. A thoughtful soul like yours can do this but it can be a lifes work getting it right.
Question We recently started a project replacing our landscape bark with limestone and was told this will cause problems with our plants, flowers and trees. Is this correct and if so would it work to remove the rock 6-10 inches from the root area? We liked the color with our brick and have a large project that is now 1/2 done. Thanks for your help, Sheryl
Answer Hello,
Stone mulch absorbs heat and the surrounding soil will get somewhat warmer,but there does not seem to be any reported instances of serious damage occuring from this. Of course,a darker colored stone will absorb more heat than a lighter colored stone mulch. The lighter colors reflect heat. Reflected heat can be a problem on surfaces such as parking lots or roofs but once again I do not know of any problems with stone mulch.
Limestone is sometimes added to soil to increase alkalinity but I would not think that enough of it would leach out from your mulch to greatly effect your soil pH.
As long as you do not exceed a depth of a few inches,the mulch will not harm your plants around the root zone. An interlocking (a stone mulch that has narrow spaces between the individual pieces) would not be a good idea around the root zone. This will impede water and air penetration to the roots. Angular cut pieces are more interlocking than round cut pieces. Good luck. Let me know if I can be of further help.
