FACTORS IN BUILDING QUALITY and SUSTAINABLE LANDSCAPES
DIVERSE BIO-SYSTEM & GEOLOGICAL REGION
- We live in a temperate rain forest with fairly dry summers and very wet winters
- Summer snow melt adds a lot water to the underground systems that flow to the ocean
- There is clay in areas and rocks in others; plus plateaus and valleys with high water tables and hills with low water tables
- This region was once covered by glaciers consequently; the ground is always changing due to the geology, underground water systems and the rain & snow in the mountains
- All this combined with the impact of an ever increasing population and construction impacts the already complex environmental system
EARLY BREAKDOWN
I look at many projects for both remodeling and landscaping in the Olympia area. The one thing that stands out almost everywhere is most of the homes or properties have what I call, early break down. Many buildings are experiencing water damage issues, the landscape features are deteriorating and the yards are overgrown and dying.
MOST LANDSCAPES ARE BUILT TO FAIL
This occurs because of improper design and construction practices or poor maintenance. One of the primary causes starts with a lack of designing for the geology, weather conditions, plant growth and maintenance programs.
EXAMPLES: Walls, walkways and patios have moved and lost their original shape and effectiveness. Drainage systems are clogged non-existent or totally failed. The plants and trees are overgrown and usually planted in the wrong place. (i.e. To close together or up against the house or yard structures like decks) Most yards look exactly like their neighbors. And, with the price of water on the rise, many homes owners have let their yards die off.
DESIGN IS EVERYTHING
With proper planning and design work and quality building practices, you can have a property that is enjoyable to use, easy to maintain and is the envy of your neighborhood. As a contractor, I know my limitations. That is why I use a Landscape Architect on my projects. Quality landscape projects start with design work done by someone who understands the geology, the climate and how it impacts the ground and how the foliage and hardscapes tie into the building, lot and neighborhood.
PROPER DESIGN and CONSTRUCTION PRACTICES ARE VITAL TO A SUCCESSFUL RESULTS. (It is all in the ground preparation)
Have you ever seen an expensive retaining wall, paver patio, walkway or fence after a couple of years of rain and changing ground conditions? Most of what we see around Olympia has failed. This means the contractor didn't build a proper base under the structure or drainage systems. To build on top of the ground, you need to understand what's going on under the surface of the ground and design to nature’s forces.
- In some areas, 70% of the soil is river rocks with very little top soil in it. In this scenario, there is seasonal or constant water flowing and changing the underground structure. These conditions all play havoc on the surface of the land. The surface on this property literally changes shape as underground water erodes away. Landscape features must be designed to accommodate these changing conditions.
- In other areas, much of the ground is clay mixed with rocks. With clay, there are water flow issues that must be dealt with by installing proper drainage systems. We design and build to accommodate these naturally occurring conditions. Our walls, walkways and patios are built on proper foundations to minimize the effects of nature's forces. The same goes for our fences and decks, we build them to last.
SMALL SPACE SOLUTIONS (Newer small lot subdivisions)
You don't have to give up a beautiful yard just because you live on a small lot. Landscaping solutions can be designed and built for any sized property, including the new micro lots. In fact, small gardens can be very unique and attractive. The key is to first make sure the ground water issues and surface coverage CODE requirement are taken care of. Then it's a matter of designing and building to the space and tying it into the rest of the property's landscaping.
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT WHEN DESIGNING YOUR PROJECT
THE VISUAL AND EMOTIONAL
- How do you want to feel when you drive up to your property?
- Are you tired of your yard looking like every other property in your neighborhood?
- Would you like to have a yard that transforms the seasons of the year?
- Is there a theme or character you'd love to see, but don't have the time or expertise to do it?
- Would you like to walk out your back door and enjoy your yard instead of dreading it?
- Do you need someone to help you create a unique property that you are proud to entertain in?
- Do you have a commercial property you would like to transform into something spectacular?
- Are you interested in increasing the value and curb appeal of the property?
THE PRACTICAL (Sustainability, maintenance and expense)
- Are you tired of doing constant maintenance to keep your property looking good?
- Do you desire a yard that you can use without stressing over all the unfinished projects?
- Are your watering bills outrageous, but you don't want to give up a beautiful yard?
- Would you like a landscape that looks good even in the winter?
- Do you want an incredible but are skeptical about all the maintenance time and expense it will take to keep it looking good?
- Do you desire a property that doesn't take all spring to clean up from the winter?
- Are you interested in making your property a sustainable eco-friendly environment?
INCREASED PROPERTY VALUES AND SELL-ABILITY
Two things happen when you have quality design and landscaping done to your property. First, it impacts how you feel and use the property. Second, it increases the value and the curb appeal. Like a kitchen or bathroom remodel, quality landscaping is an investment in your property.
HARDSCAPES: A good design-build team focuses on bringing out the best in what nature has to offer. First, you design and build the hardscape features. These consists of the structures, such as patios, walls, decks, walkways or water features.
SOFTSCAPES: Then you install the horticultural and finishing elements of the landscaping (i.e. plants, trees, shrubs, artwork) The goal in all our projects is to transform your property into an enjoyable, functional and sustainable environment.
LANDSCAPING FOR DISABILITIES
Designing for a disability starts at the driveway and works it's way into the home. Disabilities or limited mobility should not stop you from enjoying your yard and garden.
You can transform your property into a beautiful crafted natural scene that that looks good through the changing conditions of the seasons. Absolute attention to all the important details produces exceptional lasting results.
Chris
