Graphic Standards Field Guide to Softscape

Quick, reliable answers to your most common on–site questions

When you′re in the field, you never know what you′ll come across. The Wiley Graphic Standards Field Guide to Softscape gives you fast access to the practical information you need when you′re on–site and under pressure.

Presented in a highly visual and easily portable format, the Field Guide is organized to follow a logical project sequence from site evaluation of existing conditions through construction maintenance. Covering everything from soils and planting to storm water drainage, this handy companion conveys the most common answers that landscape architects addressing issues pertaining to softscape need when visiting construction sites and meeting with architects, engineers, clients, or contractors.

The Field Guide to Softscape extends the familiar Landscape Architectural Graphic Standards beyond the office, with:

Quick access to essential information when away from the studio

Things to look for when assessing existing conditions during preliminary design site visits or pre–construction meetings

Graphic Standards–quality details accompanied by real–world photographs of best construction practices and techniques

Illustrations and real–world photographs that help you troubleshoot problems, along with on–the–spot solutions

A list of common construction mistakes and problems to avoid

Compact format that′s easy to reference and carry along to job sites

The Graphic Standards Field Guide to Softscape is the ideal companion for the on–the–go landscape architect, design professional, inspector, facilities manager, or anyone who is involved with site construction.

Immediate access to information on over 50 on–site conditions

More than 325 details and photos throughout

Identifies reference standards, acceptable practices, and things to avoid

Introduction vii

Part I: Soils and Earth 1

Chapter 1: Soils 3

Soil Overview 4

Soil Assessment 15

Designed Soil Mixes 34

Chapter 2: Earth Stripping and Stockpiling 43

Topsoil Preservation, Stripping, and Stockpiling 44

Chapter 3: Earthworks 51

Construction Damage to Existing Trees 52

Grading 69

Spreading and Grading Topsoil 77

Soil Erosion and Sediment Controls 82

Storm Water Pollution Controls 97

Part II: Planting 107

Chapter 4:Trees 109

Nursery Stock Standards 110

Site Considerations and Tree Selection 118

Tree Selection at the Nursery 142

Soil Amendments 184

Deciduous Tree Planting 189

Evergreen and Conifer Tree Selection and Planting 218

Chapter 5: Shrubs and Groundcovers 223

Shrub Selection and Planting 224

Chapter 6:Turf 237

Considerations and Objectives 238

Chapter 7: Planting in Difficult or Special Situations 277

Tree Planting in Paved Areas 278

Green Roofs 318

Xeriscape 348

Part III: Irrigation 355

Chapter 8: Irrigation and Water Use Efficiency 357

Irrigation Systems 358

Index 413

LEONARD J. HOPPER, RLA, FASLA, is Director of Production and Construction Services at Mark K. Morrison Landscape Architecture, PC. He is also Editor–in–Chief of Landscape Architectural Graphic Standards and Landscape Architectural Graphic Standards, Student Edition and author of Security and Site Design and Graphic Standards Field Guide to Hardscape (all from Wiley). Currently a faculty member at the City College Spitzer School of Architecture, Columbia University, and SUNY Farmingdale in New York, Mr. Hopper is a former president of the American Society of Landscape Architects and the Landscape Architecture Foundation, a technical advisor for the Sustainable Sites Initiative, and a frequent speaker at universities and conferences.

"This guide by a recognized authority on landscape architecture, Leonard Hopper, provides quick, definitive answers on the subject in a handy–size volume . Ideal as a immediate reference at work for professionals, home gardeners, and others dealing with softscape decisions on job sites, this book is highly recommended." (Chicago Botanic Garden, March 2012)