Landscape Architect Articles

LASN Letters April 200805-01-08 | News

In the Feb. letters LASN mentioned the disparaging printed comments of Vincent Carroll, editor of the editorial pages for the Rocky Mountain News (Denver), about Colorado?EUR??,,????'?????<

A landscape architect in Wisconsin alerts us to similar thinking by some segments in his state. Wisconsin is pursuing upgrading its Landscape Architecture Title Act to a Practice Act. The bill (1697/6) is authored by Rep. Tom Lothian (R-32 District).

Our sources in Wisconsin tell LASN that the biggest opposition to the practice act is coming from the landscape contractors and a special interest lobbyist whose goal is to kill the bill.

On Feb. 22, 2008, the Daily Reporter (Milwaukee) printed an article by Paul Snyder?EUR??,,????'?????<

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The article also quotes Gerald Miraldi, president of the Midwest Chapter of the Association of Professional Landscape Designers. He said the proposed practice act ?EUR??,,????'?????<

Timothy Malooly, president of Irrigation Consultants & Control Inc., who believes the bill, as writing, fences out almost the entire irrigation industry. ?EUR??,,????'?????<

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Edward Janelli, Principal Designer of Edward Janelli Design, Oakland, Calif., writes re ?EUR??,,????'?????<

After over 40 years practice as a landscape architect I have a strong feeling that the influence behind the tree removal comes from the merchants along the street who have the mid-20th century belief their business comes from people driving by, spotting the sign above the shop windows and deciding to stop. I have experienced this incredible perspective first-hand when a merchant complained about the trees in a four-aisle parking lot extending across the front of his space. He insisted I walk out to the curb, stand there and read his sign and envision how the trees would block it. The reality is that the center is on a heavily-traveled thoroughfare with no stopping or parking and a posted speed limit of 45 mph, and he really believed that people driving that speed would read his sign, which was a full 300 feet away from the side of the road. This was one of many similar experiences.

Check out any parking lot or street. If the tree coverage is spotty the first places chosen are invariably those under the trees.

Brett Kacalek, president of Earthworks Landscape Service in Aurora, Oregon, writes re landscapearchitect?EUR??,,????'?????<

I enjoy your quick weekly emails and the fact I can direct click on the links and go right to the information, not having to log in as some require!

I also am blessed to read the bit of scripture that is attached to each email. With all the junk email, your mail is tastefully done and appreciated. God Bless

The next two letters respond to the debate over revamping the Palm Springs Airport landscaping, including the grass areas?EUR??,,????'?????<

Byron Sampson, Landscape Design Manager, DMB, Inc., Buckeye, Ariz. writes:

This is a classic issue within landscape architecture in the past 20 years. It is important to look at the context of the project. The airport is being renovated and updated to meet the current and, to some measure, the future needs of the community. In that vain, is the historic application of plant material appropriate? Can it be fashioned to become acknowledgment of the great history of the area and place into a modern time? This would be the challenge of the project and to the design team.

Should Palm Springs Airport keep the grass?

Mr. Buccino should be applauded for his conviction and passion. It is refreshing to see his willingness to put his career and position at stack over his beliefs. He also tasked by his very profession to be a steward of the environment and the earth. The area is experiencing a heightened sensitivity to water use. The population and demands on water in the Coachella Valley is vastly different than in the 1960s. The costs to the citizens of the valley for maintenance need to be considered in his thinking as well the aesthetic feel and look of the design.

Several native and adapted plants can provide the fragrance and color that is desired for the site. The golf course reference is perfectly applicable in the context of a desert. The courses with limited turf are unique and beautiful because of the contrast between the two extremes. I think that this can be accomplished in the solution.

Mr. Buccino stated that in good conscience he would change the design. When the area is being asked to consider water savings in all other aspects of daily life and future water costs rising, how in good conscience can he not compromise?

Wayne Smith, program director of the Landscape Technology Certificate program at Cal Poly University, Pomona writes:

It is possible to have a xeriscape, as long as you reduce the amount of turfgrass to a reasonable amount. It is also possible to have flowers all year long without excessive annuals.

Take a deep breath, step back, and rethink the project. It can be a win-win for all parties involved.

Sustainable landscapes are the future.

Dana Esau of Fairfax, Calif. writes re ?EUR??,,????'?????<

What happens when your neighbor?EUR??,,????'?????<

I’m not sure I understand Mr. Vargas’s assertion that he is an environmentalist. Trees release oxygen, reduce temperature, and provide wildlife habitat. Even partially cutting back the trees would affect the environment. Plus, the trees were already there when Mr. Vargas moved in.

Who told him to build panels that would be in shade? I think this particular case of coating one’s house with solar panels, as one would slather frosting on a cake, is based more in greed than environmentalism.