1) Whether the barrier is an aesthetic feature, a practical boundary or both;

2) Whether the barrier provides a strong sense of privacy or security;

3) Whether the barrier is solid or allows some degree of visual accessibility;

4) Whether the barrier is in harmony or in contrast with other features;

5) Whether areas near the barrier are planted; and

6) Whether planting is heavy or only for accent. Gates are available in an array of materials such as PVC vinyl, iron, steel, concrete, wood grain and aluminum.

Fences and walls not only act aesthetically in a landscape design but also work as a safety mechanism to deter trespassers, keep children and/or animals in safe areas, and to protect people from potentially dangerous items like swimming pools and electric transformers. A gated fence or wall provides circulation control and boundary definition to a site. Gate openings varieties include: double swing barriers, which require a flat swing space and have two gates that swing out adjacent from each other; single swing barriers swing out from one side on a larger flat swing space; roll barriers pull into the side of a column and need retraction space equal to the length of the barrier; and lift and fold systems go almost straight up.

According to Time-Saver Standards for Landscape by Charles W. Harris and Nicholas T. Dines, the type, size and material selection of the gate is determined by the purpose of the fence. The nature of the barrier will be influenced by the following design considerations: 1) Whether the barrier is an aesthetic feature, a practical boundary or both; 2) Whether the barrier provides a strong sense of privacy or security; 3) Whether the barrier is solid or allows some degree of visual accessibility; 4) Whether the barrier is in harmony or in contrast with other features; 5) Whether areas near the barrier are planted; and 6) Whether planting is heavy or only for accent. Gates are available in an array of materials such as PVC vinyl, iron, steel, concrete, wood grain and aluminum.

Gates also have several options of being operated manually, electronically by a telephone entry system, or with a battery-powered operator. Michael Lindsey, Marketing Manager of Master-Halco, manufacturers of fence systems and Monumental Iron Works explains, "Large swing gates can be difficult to open due to their size and weight. On the other hand, a properly engineered cantilever gate requires little effort to open and they are more efficient in terms of space."

As for gate specification in the landscape industry, Lindsey believes that, "One of the more popular trends is the use of more internal rollers as opposed to external rollers on cantilever slide gates because of maintenance and liability issues." He recommends strongly, "Landscape Architects and specifiers need to understand the wide range of products available so they can make a well-informed decision. A well-written specification is the best protection for the owner's investment."

In regards to battery powered gate operators, General Manager Tom Hebda of Prestige Gate Operators believes that, "More and more battery powered versus battery backup is going to be the norm of the industry because: 1) it offers an egress to the property by emergency vehicles during power outages; 2) provides uninterrupted security during power outages; and 3) economics in electrical wiring by eliminating the need for dedicated electrical service. He also advises Landscape Architects "to take as much consideration in the gate hardware for the gate mounting and mounting posts as you do for the gate operator. You will dramatically increase the longevity of the gate and gate operator by specifying quality hardware for slide and swing gates." For other gate accessories like automatic entry systems, Larry Petersen, Sales Manager of Elite Access Systems states, "Be aware of the functions that are needed before specing a telephone entry system."

There are also some companies which manufacturer both the gate and the operator all in one. The Fontana, CA-based company VertiGate is a prime example. Principal Thomas D. Seifert recommends to "first, determine the terrain, application and frequency of opening and closing" when specing gates for a project.

With the help of a Landscape Architect, a gate is not just an "open and shut" case anymore, but rather signifies security, the boundaries of ownership, and can illustrate the character of the area it surrounds. lasn