We have been asked to prepare a site design plan for a local developer, including grading S& E, and stormwater. The site is a small commercial development. The client has also asked us to prepare the landscape plan. The landscape plan does not have to be sealed. Would we be stepping into a possible trouble spot if we were to preapre the landscape plan even though we do not seal it. The requirement and most of the info is in the local code. Thanks for you input.
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Can a Civil PE ethicall prepare a landscape plan? 1
- Thread starter TimmyH76
- Start date
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1
- #6
RLM2000
Civil/Environmental
- May 22, 2006
- 22
I agree with everyone else. The municipalities ususally spell out landscaping planting requirements. If you don't feel comfortable doing that, draw up the areas that need landscaped and hire a sub-consultant. We use a local nursery (they have a guy) and it is cheaper for our clients (even after mark-up) than having an engineer try and figure it out.
Another way is to simply hatch the areas and callout "landscaping to meet municipal code ____" and then have the landscaping contractor submit a shop drawing that is approved by the owner (you don't care what the plants look like) and you add this to your binding site plan drawings.
Lots of ways around it, it is probably easiest to involve your client and the jurisdiction and pick the one that makes you look the smartest.
Another way is to simply hatch the areas and callout "landscaping to meet municipal code ____" and then have the landscaping contractor submit a shop drawing that is approved by the owner (you don't care what the plants look like) and you add this to your binding site plan drawings.
Lots of ways around it, it is probably easiest to involve your client and the jurisdiction and pick the one that makes you look the smartest.
- Thread starter
- #7
I do seasonal landscape designs for residential properties ever since I bought my first house. It was originally aimed at learning how to avoid errors in this field, but it turned into an interesting sideline.
The last few years brought many contracts for correction of drainage problems. It has become obvious that builders have been giving scant attention to drainage in residential areas.
One particular house should not have been built in one area that qualified for a neighborhood swail and storm drain. The street becomes a skating rink in late winter. The municipality will build the storm drain if the owners will pay for it.
The last few years brought many contracts for correction of drainage problems. It has become obvious that builders have been giving scant attention to drainage in residential areas.
One particular house should not have been built in one area that qualified for a neighborhood swail and storm drain. The street becomes a skating rink in late winter. The municipality will build the storm drain if the owners will pay for it.
To answer the original question:
- It takes training in landscape design to make meaningful selections of plants and trees for the locale in question (dry, wet, windy, hot, cold, sun, shade, etc.)
- The basic opener for landscape design is considerations of vistas both from the outside and the inside of the property. In this connection decisions are made for providing a favorable long view of the property. In addition, what views do you want to screen from inside? What favorable views do you want to support with open lawn? Landscape design will help the property dominate the neighborhood with judicious screening.
- Provision for useful pavements, walks, small lunch shelters, pleasant views formed from pond, gazebo, remote shaded bench groups, fenced utility zones, etc. Some will differ on this point, but a surrounding fence is a good starting point for landscaping. One plant I worked at was in a no-fence zone. The locals used it for a park afterhours. It was even used for amorous encounters to put it mildly.
- Drainage is sorely neglected in the landscape, but in the industrial setting provisions are made for rain retention ponds. This cannot be done with residential property unless the owner is willing to manage a retention zone. I have come across many homeowners with unwanted rain retention on their properties.
- Sprinklers should be planned for immediate installation or future completion. Separate water meters are an economic necessity to avoid paying sewer costs on water that is not sent to sewer drain facilities.
- Construction costs connected with landscape design can exceed the cost of trees and plants. Budgeting for this is necessary.
- It takes training in landscape design to make meaningful selections of plants and trees for the locale in question (dry, wet, windy, hot, cold, sun, shade, etc.)
- The basic opener for landscape design is considerations of vistas both from the outside and the inside of the property. In this connection decisions are made for providing a favorable long view of the property. In addition, what views do you want to screen from inside? What favorable views do you want to support with open lawn? Landscape design will help the property dominate the neighborhood with judicious screening.
- Provision for useful pavements, walks, small lunch shelters, pleasant views formed from pond, gazebo, remote shaded bench groups, fenced utility zones, etc. Some will differ on this point, but a surrounding fence is a good starting point for landscaping. One plant I worked at was in a no-fence zone. The locals used it for a park afterhours. It was even used for amorous encounters to put it mildly.
- Drainage is sorely neglected in the landscape, but in the industrial setting provisions are made for rain retention ponds. This cannot be done with residential property unless the owner is willing to manage a retention zone. I have come across many homeowners with unwanted rain retention on their properties.
- Sprinklers should be planned for immediate installation or future completion. Separate water meters are an economic necessity to avoid paying sewer costs on water that is not sent to sewer drain facilities.
- Construction costs connected with landscape design can exceed the cost of trees and plants. Budgeting for this is necessary.
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