Landscape Materials Guide - Green Home Remodel Series
exterior{green home remodelhealthy homes for a healthy environment}glandscapematerials
greenwhyWhat is a Green Remodel?Why Consider a Green Remodel?It’s an approach to home improvementwith the goal of not only making yourhouse look better, but work better–forboth you and the environment. Want ahealthier home? Lower utility bills?Reduced maintenance? A cleaner planet?A green remodel helps you realize a rangeof far-reaching benefits from a singlesmart design. With careful planning, youcan create a landscape that combinesbeauty, efficiency, comfort and conveniencewith health and conservation.SAVE MONEYLong-lasting, low-maintenance landscapeelements prove their value over time.Salvaged and reused materials often costa fraction of the price of new, while alsoproviding a patina of history and character.MAKE A HEALTHIER HOMEWhen you take a green approach tolandscape materials selection, you realizehealth benefits as well as peace of mind.Most people don’t realize that manylandscape elements contain toxicchemicals, which then can be tracked intoyour home by people and pets. By makingsafety a priority, you can identify potentialhazards in landscaping materials and thenchoose those that minimize your family’shealth risks.REDUCE ECOLOGICAL IMPACTWhen you take a green approach with alandscape project, you choose productswith a range of far-reaching benefits:from materials that are easier on theenvironment during their manufacturingto those that help restore naturalecological functions to your landscape,and even reduce the need forsupplemental water, fertilizer, pesticides,and toxic chemicals or coatings.Cover photo and above: Jacqueline Koch.green home remodel landscape materialslandscapematerialsDecorative? Naturally. But your home’slandscape also matters for financialreasons, as well. The right landscape canincrease a home’s value by 15%, accordingto the Association of LandscapeContractors of America. Most peoplethink that “landscape” simply meansplants. But consider the many otherelements outside of your home: decks orpatios, walkways, parking areas, fences,rockeries–all contribute to the way yourhome presents itself to the world. If any ofthese elements are chosen without propercare, they can create a variety of problems,from lessening your home’s street appealto releasing toxic chemicals, increasing thelikelihood of flooding and polluting thegreater environment.Fortunately, you can enhance how yourproperty looks and functions withlandscape materials that are safe for bothyou and the environment. You’ll findecologically superior products in a rangeof styles, to complement your home andpersonal tastes. This guide will help youidentify the landscape materials that meetyour personal mix of priorities.
1contents01Rethink Remodel05The Larger Landscape06Patios, Walkways and Paths09Mulch Materials6Green remodeling uses up front planning and research to create a designwith wide-ranging benefits.Look beyond landscape materials selection to create a landscape worthy ofthe term green.Find materials for firm footing, literally and ecologically.Mulches define areas, inhibit weeds, and reduce water use.10Decks11Fences, Trellises & Arbors13Rockeries & Raised Beds15Found Objects16Sheds & Greenhouses17Irrigation Systems18Rainwater Harvest19Accessories20Resources15Encourage outdoor living with these durable, low-maintenance deck choices.Define space with these landscape elements, while protecting natural resources.Bring your landscape to a new level with these green materials choices.Salvaged, reused, discovered. flex some creative muscle in your own backyard.Thinking of adding a structure to your landscape? Consider thesegreen options.Giving a plant water when it needs it, where it needs it is the key tosmart watering.Put all that water being delivered to your roof for free to good use.19Outdoor furniture, pots and planters, lighting green options for outfittingyour landscape.Where to get more information to create your own green home and garden.green home remodel landscape materials
rethink remodelRemodeling your home aswell as your landscape?See the Green Home Remodelseries for tips. You’l find themonline at www.seattle.gov/Green landscape remodeling requires a new approach to the remodeling process, withmore initial planning to take advantage of opportunities that might be otherwise missedwith a conventional approach. This includes expanding your list of objectives as well asthe way you compare the price of products–taking wide-angle and long-term views ofdecisions. It also means being willing to invest time and energy to find solutions thatbest fit your needs. And finally, it means approaching your project with health and safetyas priorities. This advance planning will pay large dividends in terms of long-termsatisfaction and cost containment.Outdoor space expands your living area without the hassle and expense of adding squarefootage to your home. Requiring no heating or cooling, this “outdoor room” addition iseasier on the environment. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimatesthat on average, Americans spend more than 90% of their lives indoors, and that indoorair is often four times as polluted as outdoor air. So consider outdoor living aninvestment in your health, as well as in your home’s value!sustainablebuilding or call(206) 615-0731 forpaper copies.Decide What You WantPlanning a landscape remodel can elicit equal parts excitement and terror. Where do youbegin? Generally, the more you can stick with the existing landscape’s features, the lessyou’ll spend on your project. By identifying your priorities and considering optionscarefully, you can make sure that your landscape material choices meet your goals.Consider the following when determining your landscape project objectives:g1 green home remodel landscape materialsPhotos above and opposite, lower right: Jacqueline Koch.
Health & SafetyDoes the design encourage the use of low-toxic materials andproducts, for both installation and maintenance? Are materialschosen to reduce the risk of slips and other accidents?DurabilityWill the products stand up to use over time? Are they right for thejob at hand? Are they covered by sufficient warranties?Reduced MaintenanceWill the materials or products result in less work over time? Arethey easy to clean and maintain without chemicals or toxicfinishes? Do they resist decay and moss without chemicals?FunctionalityAre the materials well suited to their intended purpose? Do theyhave the necessary qualities for the job? Can they be reused foranother task? Do the materials serve multiple functions? Forexample, can those pavers serve as a walking surface and allowrainwater to safely infiltrate into the subsoil?BeautyDo the materials appeal to you? Will they stand up to the test oftime, aesthetically? Do they enhance nearby elements, includingyour home?AccessibilityDo the materials reduce or remove barriers to people with variedabilities, ages and sizes? Do they help orient the user, marktransitions and boundaries, and facilitate the safe, easy passageof wheelchairs or other mobility-assisting devices?Ecological BenefitDo the materials enhance and protect the natural environment?Do they help absorb or retain storm water and protect waterquality? Do they help conserve water? Are they free of toxins thatcan leach into the soil, water, or air? Are they manufacturedlocally? Do they contain recycled content? Are they readilyreusable or recyclable?green home remodel landscape materials 2
Expand Your Definition of CostInitial price gives only a peephole view of a product’s true cost. A higher purchase pricecan actually mean a better deal in the long run. This is especially true for landscapematerials, which are exposed to extreme conditions–from being driven over to months ofrain and even freezing temperatures. Focus on a product’s durability and ease of upkeep,not just initial price. That “bargain” now may translate into frequent replacement andcostly maintenance down the road.Consider, too, factors other than monetary savings. A product’s price tag rarely includesenvironmental and social costs. Research can uncover some of these hidden costs, andhelp you make more informed choices. By asking questions of retailers and avoidingsuspect products, you’re sending a market signal that these “big picture” costs matter,as well.Do Your HomeworkResearch helps you ask retailers, or your designer/contractor, the right questions–oravoid costly mistakes if you are doing the work yourself. Finding green products cansometimes be a challenge, but is becoming easier as more enter the marketplace. Startearly to look for businesses that carry the products you like. Keep a file of contact names3 green home remodel landscape materialsPhoto lower left: Jacqueline Koch. Photo opposite, bottom: Built Green TM Idea Home,designed by Mithun and built by Bennett Homes.
and businesses, as well as magazine and newspaper clippings. Identify all the materialsyou’d like to use for your landscape, down to product brands and specific material types.This will help you determine their cost and availability, while avoiding expensive, lastminute decisions. Find out how long it takes to special-order items, and factor in extratime to find salvaged materials, if they are going to be part of your plan. The internetcan be a great place to start when searching for information and products–but be awareof biases in information sources. The line between sales pitch and factual informationcan be quite blurry on the web (and in person, for that matter).Universal Design Benefits EveryoneBeyond basic accessibility issues, Universal Design creates flexible, adaptable spaces thatwelcome users of all ages, sizes and abilities. Universal landscape design strategiesminimize the risk of injury and help all users enjoy your garden. For general tips onhow to make your landscape useful to a wider variety of users, visit www.lowes.comand click on How-To, then Universal Design.gWant to learn more?Go to www.seattle.gov/sustainablebuilding and clickon Green Home Remodel for an extensive resourcelist related to topics in this guide.green home remodel landscape materials 4
the larger landscapeA landscape is much more than the materials it houses. Before diving into materialselection, focus on your overall landscape design and how it functions. Make a thoroughassessment by considering everything from soil preparation, plant selection, and wateringtechniques to how storm water flows through your property, landscape maintenance andcode compliance.Natural Lawn & Garden CareFew people realize that almost every landscape decision you make regarding soil conditions,the planting scheme, watering and maintenance practices bears human health, financial,and ecological implications. By choosing a landscape design with plants that thrive naturallyin your yard’s particular conditions, you’ll save time and money–as well as creating anoutdoor space that’s healthier for your family, pets, wildlife, and environment. For experttips on creating a naturally trouble-free landscape, turn to the Seattle’s Natural Lawn &Garden guides, which include:n Natural Yard Care (the overviewn Smart Wateringintroducing the five key steps)n Natural Pest, Weed, & Disease Controln Growing Healthy Soiln Composting at Home, andn Choosing the Right Plantsn Natural Lawn Care.To receive guides and the companion Plant List, see Resources.Rainwise LandscapingEspecially in rainy Western Washington, it’s important to consider how landscape designaffects your downhill neighbors, as well as local creeks, lakes, bays and Puget Sound. Howdo residential landscapes influence water habitat? Hard surfaces shed water, rather thanletting it soak into the ground. This allows toxic substances in preservatives, finishes, andsome metals to leach into our water, even from landscapes miles from the nearest waterbody. Seattle storms can scour creeks of native life, cause flooding, and overwhelm parts ofour storm water management system–resulting in the release of untreated sewage into localwater bodies. Luckily, there are ways to reduce or avoid these problems altogether.Various landscaping techniques help capture, cleanse, and allow rainwater to filter into thesoil. These include rain gardens, pervious paving and pathways, downspout dispersion,proper soil preparation with compost, and mulching. Handling rainwater on site reducesthe strain on our stormwater management systems and urban creeks. To learn more aboutrainwise landscaping techniques, see Resources on page 20.Hardscape MaintenanceMake environmentally friendly maintenance a priority in your new landscape. This includessurfaces that are easy to clean with a broom or brush, and avoiding materials that requirerepainting or chemical treatment. Selecting naturally rot-resistant and durable materials inthe first place makes for easier maintenance down the road. Call (206) 615-0731 forinformation on fish-friendly landscape maintenance.Code ComplianceAddress any building or land use-related code issues your project may encounter (decks,large sheds and other outbuildings, and retaining walls commonly require permits). To helphomeowners and businesses comply with building codes, Seattle’s Department of Planningand Development has assembled a series of Client Assistance Memos (CAMs); for moreinformation, see Resources on page 20. If you have building or land-use code-related issuesor need to determine whether your project requires a permit, contact the SeattleDepartment of Planning and Development’s Applicant Services Center at (206) 684-8850.5 green home remodel landscape materials
patios, walkwaysand pathsWalkways provide home and garden access. Well-designed walkways create a safe andattractive route of travel. There are many ways to lay a path from Point A to Point B.Salvaged materials make prime candidates for patios and walkways, outlined in thetable on pages 7 and 8. Find salvaged materials sources by visiting www.seattle.gov/sustainablebuilding and clicking on Green Home Remodel, then Salvage & Reuse.In order for walkways and patios to last, you must consider much more than their surfacematerials, however. Especially when designing for rain to percolate into the soil below,the surface–and structure below the surface, including sand, crushed rock, etc.–must becarefully prepared. For some materials, such as pervious pavers, professional installation ishighly recommended to ensure a long-lasting and properly functioning system.gQuestions about natural lawn and garden practices?Call the Lawn & Garden Hotline at (206) 633-0224or email info@lawnandgardenhotline.orgPhotos, above and lower right: Jacqueline Koch.green home remodel landscape materials 6
patio, walkway & path ured Concrete withFly AshConcrete is a mix of Portland cement, sand, and aggregate (gravel).Portland cement is created in an energy-intensive process, in which clayand limestone are mixed and heated to nearly 2700 degrees Fahrenheit,releasing large amounts of carbon dioxide (a greenhouse gas) alongwith toxic substances such as mercury, lead, and arsenic. Cement,activated by water, binds the concrete mix together, creating a longlasting surface.extremely durableeven surface goodfor wheelchair andmobility-impairedaccessibilityextremely energyintensive toproduce (for everyton of cementproduced,approximately oneton of carbondioxide is released!)Reduce the negative environmental impact of this landscaping materialby using fly ash (a byproduct of coal-fired energy production) for up to50% of the cement used in the concrete mix.impervious surface;increases stormwater runoffTips: Consider poured-in-place concrete only in applications whereyou’re certain it will satisfy long-term functional and aesthetic needspavers and other moveable materials make a better bet for anadaptable landscape design. Using fly ash can increase concrete curetimes; consult with a concrete supplier. Concrete mixes can alsoincorporate recycled products, such as crushed concrete, replacing aportion of the conventional aggregate. Use reusable concrete forms.Broken ConcreteBroken concrete from demolition projects is commonly available yearround, usually free if you can haul it yourself, or delivered for a fee.Broken concrete can be laid similar to stone or other pavers, to create aflagstone-like path.Tips: Look for broken concrete from sidewalk and pathway demolitionprojects so pieces are both light enough to move with relative ease andof roughly the same depth; this helps with laying the pieces.Permeable orSalvaged ConcretePaversConcrete paving creates impervious surfaces that increase stormwaterrunoff. Look for interlocking concrete pavers in permeable designs thatallow rain to seep between the pavers. Also consider installingconventional salvaged pavers to allow for rain infiltration.Tips: Salvaged concrete pavers are sometimes available at usedbuilding materials retailers or the Household Online MaterialsExchange (see Resources on page 20). Manufacturers of permeableconcrete paving systems recommend professional installation forproper functioning.Recycled Glass PaversRecycled glass is re-melted into forms, creating hefty, translucentpavers; can be laid similar to concrete pavers, or interspersed as accentpieces with traditional stone or concrete products. Due to their recycledcontent, glass pavers require roughly half the energy necessary tocreate new, similarly performing concrete pavers.Tips: Look for locally produced glass pavers to support the market forrecycled glass products.impossible toreconfigure oncepouredextremely durablereusable; can bereconfiguredrainwater can beabsorbed betweenpieces of concrete,reducing runoffreusable; can bereconfiguredextremely durablecan allow water tofilter into soil,reducing runoffdurableup to 100% y availablereusable; can bereconfigured7 green home remodel landscape materialsuneven surface canbe difficult forwheelchair travelpermeable paversmake a difficult doit-yourself lationuneven surface canbe difficult forwheelchair travel
MATERIALDESCRIPTION/TIPSBENEFITSDRAWBACKSSalvaged Clay BrickMade by forming and drying clay, bricks are then fired in kilns attemperatures up to 2000 degrees Fahrenheit. Brick production is amajor source of air pollution in some developing countries, because ofwood-fired kilns. Most domestic manufacturers use much cleanerburning natural gas.reusable; can bereconfiguredcleaning mortarfrom salvaged brickis time-consumingreusable; can bereconfiguredcan be difficult tofind amounts of asingle stone tofinish a largerprojectweed barriernot recycledTips: Salvaged brick is available from used building materials suppliers,salvage yards, online exchanges and newspaper classifieds-or right athome. If not enough salvaged brick is available for your project, look forlocal, or at least domestic, brick sources.Salvaged StoneQuarried and fabricated around the world; quarrying practices andtransport means create environmental impacts. Salvaged stoneeliminates these impacts by reusing materials already produced.Tips: Look for sources of salvaged stone for least environmentalimpact. Alternatively, find local sources of stone, and ask aboutquarrying practices.Crushed Quarry RockCrushed quarry rock extracted from inland quarries is generally lessdamaging to the environment than gravel operations, which oftendisrupt more sensitive land near streams and lakes. Also, nearly 100%of stone from a quarry is used, whereas substantial waste occurs withgravel operations.Tips: Look for local sources quarried away from lakes and streams.Take care to lay crushed rock properly for stormwater infiltration:See Anne Lovejoy’s Organic Garden Design School (see Resources)for information.Wood ChipsChipped on site or available from tree s
Bring your landscape to a new level with these green materials choices. Found Objects Salvaged, reused, discovered. flex some creative muscle in your own backyard. Sheds & Greenhouses Thinking of adding a structure to your landscape? Consider these green options. Irrigation Systems Giving a plant water when it needs it, where it needs it is .
campus locations' Conceptual Landscape Master Plan (CLMP) . The framework consists of the Bases of Design: Landscape Concepts and Landscape Elements. The TP/SS-CLMP, the RV-CLMP and the GT-CLMP define the landscape concepts and elements which must be followed when site and building landscape projects are designed for each campus.
LANDMAP is a complete All-Wales GIS based landscape resource where landscape characteristics, qualities and influences on the landscape are recorded and evaluated into a nationally consistent data set. LANDMAP comprises five spatially related datasets known as the Geological Landscape, Landscape Habitats, Landscape Habitats, the Historic
What Is "Landscape Design"? Landscape design is a process, rather than just plunking down plants. For existing landscapes, let the process guide the evolution of the design to become more water wise. Landscape design creates practical and pleasing outdoor living space. Landscape design develops a series of outdoor rooms. Landscape design
Landscape LevelsLandscape Levels Landscape -metrics are computed for the entire landscape. Class - metrics are computed by landscape classmetrics are computed by landscape class (e.g. cover types or habitat types) Patch - metrics are computed for each patch. A limited n mber of metrics are a ailablelimited number of metrics are available.
landscape should also have a positive environmental impact. Figures 1 and 2depict the front and back yards of a Southern home. Throughout this publica - tion, each step of landscape design is illustrated using this sample landscape. If you want to jump ahead, the completed landscape plan is Figure 33. This publication is designed for avid gardeners
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accounting standards (for domestic filing purposes) and IFRS as issued by the IASB (or other permitted equivalent standards) for the subsidiary, the parent company or the whole group (for the purposes of the EEA listing). We would urge any companies that may be affected by this change to check with the relevant EEA competent authority as soon as possible so that they are clear what .
