LC/DBM's Annual People's Choice Awards: Top Viewed Non-Project Features of 2011

The category for Non-Project Features consists of any feature article that was not an individual project, such as residential, park or commercial project. Examples of this include: Stories about business (see our #1 entry), as well as buyer's guides and market overviews. Here we assembled the top four 2011 articles.

Number One Most Viewed Non-project Feature - Seven Big Mistakes To Avoid When Growing A Landscape Company

It is little surprise that business issues were big this year. The number one (non-project) feature in 2011 was, ''Seven Big Mistakes To Avoid When Growing A Landscape Company'' by Mark Bradley, president of TBG Landscape. Among the wisdom Bradley imparted was that business owners recognize the super stars early, and to set up their business in a way that attracts and keeps such people. ''By leveraging these people and providing a more entrepreneurial environment and pay structure, we have expanded the company beyond my expectations while reducing my personal workload,'' wrote Bradley.

Online article: www.landscapearchitect.com/research/article/15442

Number two Most Viewed Non-project Feature - Outdoor Living: Industry Overview

The second most viewed feature was, ''Outdoor Living: Industry Overview.'' The article looked at the latest trends and products for the Outdoor Living niche.

Online article: www.landscapearchitect.com/research/article/14720

Number three Most Viewed Non-project Feature - Kits Used to Build Outdoor Oasis

Continuing the interest in outdoor living was our third most viewed feature, which was about kits used to create outdoor fireplaces. The article was called, ''Kits Used to Build Outdoor Oasis, by Rob Wright, Stone Age Manufacturing.''

Online article: www.landscapearchitect.com/research/article/14870

Number four Most Viewed Non-project Feature - Fencing The Market

Fencing was also a popular subject this year. The forth most viewed feature was an overview and fencing buyer's guide, ''Fencing The Market.'' According to the article, demand for fencing in the US is forecast to expand 2.9 percent per year through 2014 to 935 million linear feet.

Online article: www.landscapearchitect.com/research/article/14472