certified landscape professional exam study series exterior production operations and horticulture...

Certified Landscape Professional Exam Study Series

Exterior Production Operations and Horticulture Module:

A managers perspective

Landscape Specifications Include:

• Drawings - scaled visual representation• Written specifications• Quantity takeoffs from drawings• Develop a cost to carry out• Large dollar tenders will often be drafted

according to CCDC standards (Canadian Construction Documents Committee)

• www.ccdc.org/home/html

Written Specifications

• A precise, formal, detailed description of the work to be done.

• Including: the way the work is to be done, procedures, materials, and quality required.

• Describe how assemblies go together and the necessary quality and quantity of materials required to meet code.

• Written specs. take precedence over drawings in the eyes of the court

Written SpecificationsGenerally include 3 parts:Should Reflect Industry Standards1. General – specific administrative and procedural

requirement unique to the project 2. Products – detailed description and quantity of

products to be incorporated in the project3. Execution – detailed description of preparations

required and the who, what, where, when and how the products are to be incorporated into the project

Specifications Terminology• Open specifications - use a generic

description of an item to be supplied. For example, a wooden patio table of a certain size and dimension

• Closed specifications – use a specific description of the item. For example, the specification could call for a specific model from a specific manufacturer

Carrying Out Basic Landscape Calculations

• Managers should be able to check landscape calculations and carry them out on their own

Landscape Standards

• A good manager has good working knowledge of local industry standards and government landscape standards

• Operates business accordingly

• CNLA + Landscape Ontario

Landscape Standards in Canada

• Produced by Canadian Nursery Landscape Association (CNLA)

• Available at www.horttrades.com

• Not enforceable by law unless the standards are specifically referred to in the contract specifications

Landscape Standards

• Standards are usually voluntary unless they are written directly into contract specifications – however we should always maintain standards!

• If they are in the specifications, they form part of the legal contract

Hardscape Installation

• Manager and / or other personnel in the company must have a good working knowledge and required expertise of hard landscape materials and processes of installation for their geographic areas

Grading and Drainage - Codes and Regulations

• There are regulations/ codes for grading and drainage installations - commercial and residential sites

• Commercial projects – specified in the contract and contract drawings - engineer/architect

• Residential projects – often contractor does drawings; must ensure grading and drainage meets codes

• Many municipalities require a sewer layer license or other special license to lay drain line of any type

Drainage Systems

• Includes subsurface and surface drainage systems for: interception, collection, conduction, and disposal of storm runoff and subsurface water

• Designed and sized to deal efficiently with projected precipitation, infiltration, and flow rates

• Large projects – designed by engineer to meet local building code

Drainage Systems

• Must ensure the safety of the property owner and the protection of dwellings, site elements, and properties from water damage, flooding, and erosion.

• If storm drain water flow accumulates - requires storm-water retention ponds to prevent erosion damage or flooding on the site or adjacent properties

Drainage Systems - Installation • Contractor must be aware of measurements and

installations that have been made off-site and on-site as part of the “hard” construction to ensure that the work specified in the landscape contract can be properly carried out re: site drainage.

• Contractor must take measures to prevent siltation of existing drainage systems and watercourses during all on-site work

Subsurface Drainage

• Any drainage method installed below the soil surface to move water out of the soil

• A detailed subsurface drainage plan is prepared by engineers - not the landscape contractor

• Before installing on residential and commercial sites – Contractor must consult prepared engineering drainage plan that should be supplied as part of the contract drawings

Subsurface Drainage Plan Includes:

• Drain outlet locations

• Location, size, depth, spacing, and slope or drains

• Location of any obstructions, such as trees, buildings, etc.

• Surface runoff from adjacent properties

• Back-filling requirements

Drain Outlet Locations

2 types of outlets for subsurface drains:

• 1. Gravity – most common for landscape purposes; discharge water into storm sewers or open waterways

• 2. Pump

Gravity Drain Outlet The next slide shows a typical gravity outlet that

discharges into an open ditch. Its is critical when installing the outlet that the end of the pipe should not extend too for beyond the ditch bank, since the force of the falling water will cause erosion, creating the potential for serious environmental problems. The installation of riprap below the outlet to prevent erosion is a common procedure

Gravity Drain Outlet

Any questions/review regarding Subsurface Drainage?

French Drains

• Essentially a trench

Surface Drainage

• Final grading must conform to grade elevations + contours on approved plan

• Water flows away from all structures = positive drainage

• Maximum settling of 30 mm or 1.25 inches

Open Channel Drainage

• Ditches + swales to direct water from a site

• Vegetated waterways are effective in erosion control

• Not to be used when water flow – continuous or constant ground water sits

• Engineered drawings must be provided

Important Soil Properties

• Important to understand the basic properties of soils that have a direct impact on the success of plant and turf establishment.

Soil Compaction:• Leads to problems with drainage and plant

establishment

• Compacted soils have very low filtration therefore can cause overland flow and erosion increases

Soil Compaction Caused By:

• Quality, foot traffic, heavy equipment, vehicular traffic, and landscape maintenance equipment

Soil Compaction Management:• Good planning prior to construction can reduce

some of the soil compaction that takes place during building and landscape construction by limiting the areas that construction equipment can drive on

• Topsoil can be removed prior to construction so that only the subsoils are being driven on

• After construction, the subsoil should be decompacted by ripping or subsoiling and the top soil should be replaced

Soil Compaction Consequences:

• Impaired root growth

• Poor aeration

• Reduced drainage

• Which causes……..

Soil Compaction Consequences:

Some indirect consequences of soil compaction:

• Nutrient deficiencies

• Flooding

• Soil erosion

• Susceptibility to root rot

Impact of Pressure Applied to Soils on Compaction

• When subsoils are compacted by heavy traffic, free drainage is impacted and saturation of the topsoil will occur

• Effects of compaction by wheeled vehicles - usually within the top 4 inches (10 cm) of the soil

• 80% of compaction will occur with the first wheel to travel over the soil

• Heavier equipment – upper 6-8 inches (15-20cm) are seriously effected

Impact of Pressure Applied to Soils on Compaction

Rules of thumb:• Keep foot and vehicle traffic to a minimum• Use the same path to confine compaction to a

single area that can be repaired• Keep wheeled traffic away from tree roots• Schedule work when the soil is dry• Use low ground pressure vehicles whenever

possible• Place a coarse mulch over heavily trafficked areas

and remove it when project is done

Soil Erosion

• Happens when particles are detached and transported by water or wind

• On landscape sites, largest problem is erosion by water – initiated by the impact that raindrops have on bare soil

• Soil should be covered, mulched, or seeded with annual grasses if it is being exposed to the elements for significant amounts of time

Soil Erosion

Classified as gully, rill, and sheet erosion• Gully erosion – water concentrates in

channels and deepen rapidly• Rill erosion – removal of soil on a side slope

where small channels are formed• Sheet erosion – where there is little or no

vegetation cover and the slopes are not steep; soil is removed in a relatively even plane

Gully Erosion

Rill Erosion

Sheet Erosion

Erosion Control Measures

• Important to reduce environmental damage

• There are environmental regulations that specify the use of erosion control measures on construction sites

• Good planning prior to the commencement of construction

Erosion Control Measures

• Planning Stage: identify areas with high susceptibility to erosion - avoid disturbing these areas

• If areas with high erosion potential are disturbed, - ensure that they are will protected until vegetation re-established

• Establish vegetation as soon as possible• Cover soil with mulches, annual grasses, or

erosion control fabric

Erosion Control Measures• Water erosion of soil = direct result of overland

flow, the higher the water velocity, the greater the erosion

• Important to keep runoff velocities as low as possible

• Install straw bales or silt fences to help prevent/reduce

• Retain on the site any sediment generated; by construction of small retention ponds in strategic areas/ silt fences/ straw bales

Irrigation Systems and Water Management Strategies

The manager of a landscape company that sells + installs irrigation systems must understand the following 5 strategies:

Strategy 1

1. Legal: – licences/codes/permits/design requirements/restrictions/ insurance etc.

2. Prevent contamination

Strategy 2

2. Design: basic concepts of: match system to site use, precipitation rates/efficiency (water conservation), head design/spacing, topography, soil type, water distribution, local codes, plant requirements

Strategy 3

3. Physics - basic physics of water flow (volume vs. pressure), electricity, pipe sizing, and low voltage limitations

Strategy 4

4. Mechanics - of an effective irrigation system ( nuts & bolts of system), including working knowledge types of backflow prevention and features, controllers, wiring, valves, pipe material, head types, and nozzles

Strategy 5

5. Installation Methods and Techniques - working knowledge of methods used to install the system as per site ( soil conditions, landscape/site specific), connections + qualifications required to design, install, and maintain the system

Guarantee or Warranty

• Insure and guarantee complete balanced coverage of the specified areas on the drawings to be irrigated –without excessive overthrow

• Satisfactory operation of entire system, workmanship, restoration of site – for 1 yr. Period

• Includes start up and end season system shut down

SubmittalsScaled - as-built drawing provided to site

owner -commercial or residential. All components of system indicated shown as to be installed, includes parts + features

Testing and Maintenance

• Upon install completion – all components undergo final adjustment to optimize the operation

• Perform final inspection and testing – for proper operation – coverage

• System must be operated sequentially with the controller in presence of the owner’s representative

Efficient Water Use

1. Deep, infrequent irrigation = better than shallow, frequent irrigation= root development

2. Never allow precipitation rate to exceed soil infiltration rate – flood or waste may result

3. Allow minimum of one hour between irrigation cycles – minimizes waste by complete absorption

Lighting Systems

• Can include: Design, supply, installing, and testing all lighting equipment /hardware + restoring site to original condition

• usually identified in detailed specification document

3 Goals for Landscape Lighting:

1. Beauty

2. Safety

3. Security

LightingTechniques• Down Lighting – from ht. in trees – cast shadow• Area Lighting – lit paths, stairs, beds• Up lighting – from below object• Front lighting, side lighting, and backlighting• Shadow lighting (lighting a plant or object on a

wall)• Accent lighting• Silhouetting

Lighting Systems Cont…

• Systems: low voltage or regular voltage

• Low voltage systems easier to work with fewer government regulations governing installation

Manager Ensures:

• Electrical work and installation meets prevailing codes - all 120-volt connections + electrical panel hookups performed by/ under direct supervision of licensed electrician

• Must meet CSA standards and must be suitable for outdoor installation

• Equipment specifications and installation procedures are followed according to drawings and contract specifications

• Installation crews are aware of utility locates

Softscape Installation

• Installation of plants into the landscape

• Plant Selection appropriate to site

• Plants purchased must meet quality/size specified

• Shipped to the landscape site in good condition

• Handled and planted according to standards

Plant Selection

The manager should understand and employ architect/designer who:

1. Match plants and mature sizes to site use

2. Site conditions

3. Climate / environment

4. Soil quality

5. Aesthetic goals

6. Post install maintenance levels

Plant Packaging

1. Container – light weight, planting season longer

2. B&B – hand dug, wrapped – smaller calipre

3. Tree Spade / Wire Basket – heavy, larger specimens

4. Bare Root – no soil, field grown – not common – cheaper – success rate?

Container Plants

Balled and Burlapped

Wire Basket

Bare Root

Quality and Performance of Trees

• Selection driven by availability, cost, size and personal preference

• The larger the tree is at planting, the longer it will take to establish itself – so may be smaller than expected

Quality and Performance of Trees Cont…

• Post-planting irrigation = critical

• If irrigation supply is limited – container -grown plants more likely to experience post planting water stress

Long Term Quality & Success

• Branch pattern + tree size at planting have little influence on long-term growth

• Levels of vigor, laterals on the trunk, and height-caliper ratios will greatly influence the effort required to optimize performance

• Shoot and root quality will have a long-term effect on performance and may impact the plant’s survival

Plant Buying Criteria

Inspect:

1. Roots

2. Evaluate trunks/stems+ branching/ canopy for balance, durability, vigor, pests, diseases, injury

3. Reject anything not up to standard

Tree Caliper• Trees sized and sold by caliper• Measurement of trunk shall be taken 6 inches

(15cm) above ground level for trees up to and including 4 inches (100mm) in size

• Larger trees should be measured 12 inches (30 cm) above ground level

• In Canada caliper is quoted in millimeters• Caliper only relates to the size of the tree

Plant Shipping and Handling• Protect during delivery to prevent damage to

plants and roots• Space between trees so that trunks are not scarred

or branches broken• Use trunk protectors / adequate trunk protection• Transport in enclosed trucks or cover with

tarpaulin- reduces wind burn/dessication• Trees should be wrapped to prevent damage

Plant Shipping and Handling

• Material should never be handled by the trunk/stem

• Material should be handled by the ball or container with support from the plant top when needed

On-Site Plant Handling

• Place plants in the shade whenever possible (soil can reach 120F/49C on a hot day – will kill leaf tips)

• Prevent wilt by following a frequent watering program

• Place plants close together to reduce injury from excessive movement of the tops and to keep them from falling over/tie down

Turfgrass Management

Requires a knowledge of:

1. Local site conditions and intended use

2. Understanding of grass species and grass seed and turf specifications

Seed or Turf Selection

• In Canada, grass seed should meet requirements of the Seeds Act and Regulations for Canada Certified No.1, Canada Common No.1, and Canada Common No.2

• Have a minimum germination rate of 85% and a minimum purity of 97%

Seed Packaging Standards:• Name of seed or seed mixture

• Seed grade

• Lot number

• Name of supplier

• Germination percent

• Purity analysis of seed mixture (% or pure seed, variety, and weed)

• Year of production

• Net weight (mass)

• Date and location of bagging

Seed Mixtures Must Be:

• suited to the climate, soil conditions and type of soil, use, orientation, sun exposure, terrain, establishment, and maintenance conditions under which they are to be grown

Grass Types and Varieties

• Perennial ryegrass will not grow well in very hot, dry conditions.

• Kentucky bluegrass should not be grown in costal areas, where acidic soil and wet winters are prevalent

• Fine fescues will normally perform much better than Kentucky bluegrass in the shade

Seed Bed Soil Criteria

• Successful turf management = good root management

• Match grass type to the soil conditions

• Soil test – quality, texture, pH, nutrient level - guides action plan

• Rectify any problems before installation to suit blend/use

Established Turf Assessment

• When dealing with established turf areas, carry out a site assessment – quality, pests/ disease, site use, maintenance levels/issues

• form a plan of action for renovation / rejeuvenation – based on use, goals of client, future maintenance levels, budgets

Soil Fertility and Fertilizer

• Soil fertility = soil’s ability to supply and sustain nutrients for healthy plant growth

• Fertile soil contains a balanced supply of nutrients – macro (NPK) + micro (Ca,Mg,S,I etc…)

• Soil tests undertaken periodically to determine the quantity and type of fertilizer required to replace lost nutrients

Soil Fertility and Fertilizer

• N controls growth rate of turf

• Too little nitrogen can slow growth rate= turf weakness so vulnerable to diseases such as rust or dollar spot

• Excess N = lush growth, weak cell membranes, susceptibility to stress, poor rooting, + vulnerable to diseases

Soil Fertility and Fertilizer Cont…

• Slow release fertilizers provides stable, long-term feeding that prevents the tremendous peaks and valleys of growth seen when using quick-release formulas

• Slow-release products = fewer applications = less chance of root burn

• Mulching mowers can reduce the annual need for nitrogen applications( can return 6% from clippings)

Water Requirements

• Warm weather and cool weather grasses grow and go dormant at different times of the year = different irrigation needs

• Soil type and quality/ plant needs/climate dictates program

Appropriate EquipmentMowers• Mowing = main cultural practice of turf

management• Mowing causes significant stress on turf• Need quality well-maintained equipment • Cutting height for the variety/use of grass/climate• Appropriate mowing schedule• Depth of the root system is related to the height of

the grass

Categories of Mowers

1. Reel Mower - rotating blades on reel- shears grass against a stationary bedknife

• Good cut when used and maintained properly - can be costly and maintenance intensive


2. Rotary Mowers – 1 or multiple blades rotate horizontally at high speeds

• not best quality cut + uses a lot of power

• versatile and are relatively low maintenance

• Most common type of mower


3. Flail Mowers - series of heavy duty rotating blades on a horizontal shaft

• Give a poor quality cut and are used on utility or very low-maintenance turf

Other Turf Equipment

Core Aerators

• Hollow ties or spoons to extract cores

• Improved air exchange, improved infiltration of water and fertilizer to the root zone

Other Turf Equipment Cont…

Vertical Mowers - knives

• “Dethatchers”

• Used to break up cores left by aerators

• Aid in thatch removal

• Cultivate the soil

• Often in conjunction with overseeding

Other Turf Equipment

Seeders

• Used to apply grass seed

• Drop seeders

• Rotary seeders

• Drill seeders

Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

• = holistic “plant health care” (PHC) management programs

• IPM is a decision making approach that uses a combination of pest management techniques in an organized program to suppress pest populations in effective, economical, and environmentally sound/responsible ways


• regular monitoring to determine if, and when, treatments are needed and employs physical, mechanical, cultural, biological, and educational methods to keep pest numbers low enough to prevent intolerable damage or annoyance. Least-toxic chemicals are used as a last resort


• When we refer to pests, we are referring to any living organism that causes an undesirable effect in a landscape

• Ranges from plants (weeds) to animals, from single-celled bacterial to insects, and to the neighbor’s dog or cat

• Perception about what is undesirable varies greatly


• Since the reduction of pesticide use is the main goal, non-chemical methods are used wherever possible, leaving pesticides to be used only when absolutely necessary

• Prevention is a key element of an IPM program• By monitoring the situation, action is taken only when

necessary• A much more knowledge-intensive approach and places

a premium on knowledge, planning, and marketing skills

IPM Advantages:

• Risk to people, animals, and the environment in general is reduced

• Costs and liability that arise from pesticide application are reduced

• Reduced pesticide use reduces the likelihood of new pesticide-resistant pests developing; therefore, pesticides will remain effective for a longer time

• It is the best long-term solution to pest problems and can reduce long-term pest control costs

IPM Requires:

Prevention = key element. Puts a premium on knowledge of landscape horticulture:

• Work with a solid landscape design that incorporates plant diversity / native plants

• Use the right plant in the right place• Know and use pest-resistant plants and varieties• Use good cultural practices that will result in

healthy plants• Use good plant health care practices

Constructing an IPM Program

5 Steps:• Pest identification• Monitoring – pop. increases, climate, beneficials• Action decisions – damage threshold, appearance• Treatments (Controls: biological vs. chemical)-

most effective for longest term / cost effective, least environmental impact

• Evaluation – assess records – re-direct as needed

Licensing and Environmental Protection

• Pollution and environmental responsibility are foremost

• Manager responsible to be aware of the laws and requirements in region and to assure compliance with the local authority

• Proficiency and continuing education is required in Labeling and Safety (proper use of PPE – Personal Protective Equipment)

Licensing and Environmental Protection

• The proper precautions taken to alert the public of potential danger

• The proper protection to prevent entry to the treated area to protect public

• Proper documentation in case of emergency

• Precautions taken to prevent drift

• Cleanup of equipment and PPE

Management and Logistics• Project: An undertaking requiring concerted

effort, defined beginning and end, uses resources specifically allocated to it, produces a unique outcome

• Project management : proper planning, implementation, and follow-up of projects critical to success

• Good project management practices maximizes time and resources

Management and Logistics5 processes in project management:1. Initiating – agreement by a client for whom the

work is being done2. Planning – scope of the project identified,

sequenced + budgets and schedules are obtained. 3. Executing –resources applied, leadership

provided, special talent is obtained, stakeholders informed

4. Controlling – monitoring progress, corrective action if needed, rescheduling, adding resources, problem solving

5. Closing – final completion tasks, getting acceptance of completion

Project Management and Logistics

General rules:• Must have consensus on the expected results• Should build the best team – they do the work• Must have comprehensive and viable plan that is

kept up-to-date – all informed• Must be accurate in the resources needed to

complete the project• Realistic Scheduling• Solid leadership

Management and Logistics Cont…

• Help keep everything on track – use charts• Gantt Chart (aka project timeline)• Shows main tasks : dates• A line on the chart shows the date each task

starts and ends • Many tasks cannot be started until another

one is completed• Aids in coordination of multiple projects


• For large projects/complex tasks - a critical path must be determined = sequence of tasks that forms the longest durations of the project

• 1 task delay on path then the whole project may be delayed

Management and Logistics – Large Projects

• The critical path will be different for different projects

• Necessary to clearly show and communicate each plan to the staff that will be involved in completing the project

• Process called PERT (Program Evaluation and Review Technique) – tool / plan + schedule designed for large projects

• Max. efficiency


• A line representing actual progress against planned progress will visually show everyone involved what is happening and what are the consequences of not getting tasks done on time

• Helps to keep the clients up-to-date as well

• For creating charts – a program equivalent to Microsoft Excel may be sufficient

Types of Landscape Contracts

Services that are likely to be covered by contracts:

• Design

• Supply

• Installation

• Maintenance


• Design, supply and installation cover short-term projects - completed in short time frame,

• Maintenance can be longer period of time• Some contracts cover two or all three

services• In a formal or informal manner, they must

identify “who”, “agrees to do what”, “when” and indicate the provisions that apply to both parties


For projects under $100,000 an informal letter agreement, as opposed to a formal contract, works best.

Landscape Contracts

• The letter of agreement can take the form of an offer, which is accepted, for example, by the homeowners when they sign and return a copy of the letter

• Signatures from all parties should be obtained – makes all responsible for payment

• Offer should include an expiration date

Landscape Contracts Include:

• A reference to established product/service standards clearly fixes the level or expectations and is beneficial if legal problems arise, term, payment schedule

• Dates and amounts of payments can be incorporated as can a provision that any changes to the work must be agreed on in writing

• Any other details to be agreed on in writing

Landscape Contracts Include:

• The right of termination by either party must be included and can be specified to take place at the end of any calendar year with three months notice

So go out and do it,

do it professionally,

and do yourselves and

the exterior landscape

industry proud!