Landscaping and what to do where grass won't grow ??

Landscaping

Architects have gone way above the technologies used in the past and have been successful in building up masterpieces which can look above the clouds. No matter how intricate and elegant is the architectural design of the monument; the fact is it is incomplete without landscaping.

The soothing greenery of plants and trees brings magical change in the ambience. Landscaping is particularly necessary in places which are a hotspot for visitors or tourists. Every structure, whether it is a residential place, hotel, restaurant, a university, or offices are looking forward to extend and improve their building by adding a landscape garden to it. A beautifully designed landscape helps in maintaining a fresh, cool and clean environment enhancing the property rates simultaneously.

Sovereign Architects, one of the architects and interior designers in Pune practicing architecture, Interior Designing and Landscaping can help you by providing solutions to the requirement of architectural and interior designing needs.

Now, let us try and understand what landscape is, landscaping and factors affecting the growth of grass.

Landscape:

An interaction between people and place; the bedrock upon which our society is built is called Landscape. Landscapes can offer aesthetic enjoyment, tranquility, and a sense of belonging to an area with a distinct natural and cultural identity.

Landscaping:

It is an act that is performed in order to change the physical appearance of an area or a piece of land. Landscaping is both science and art, and requires good observation and design skills.

It includes:

·      Living elements, such as flora or fauna; or what is commonly known as gardening, the art and craft of growing plants with a goal of creating a beautiful environment within the landscape.

·       Natural elements such as landforms, terrain shape and elevation, also bodies of water.

·      Human elements such as structures, buildings, fences or other material objects created and/or installed by humans.

·       Abstract elements such as the weather and lighting conditions.

Landscaping varies according to different regions. It varies according to different regions. Sometimes the land is not fit for landscaping. In order to landscape it, the land must be reshaped. This reshaping of land is called ‘Grading’.

Types of Grass:

You might be tempted to think that all lawns are pretty much the same, but there are numerous varieties of turfgrass and installation methods which can have an impact on looks, maintenance, water needs, and price.

(Note: Turfgrass is a surface layer of fields and pastures, consisting of earth containing a dense growth of grasses with their roots)

1. Sod: This is a sheet of soil and turfgrass that is delivered in rolls.
2. Seed: To start a lawn from seed is the cheapest route, as homeowners can just scatter seed on their prepared area. However, when establishing seed, the lawn will need ample, regular water, and since you’re creating conditions where seeds can germinate, seeding a lawn often produces weeds as well.
3. Hydro Seed: A hydroseed machine agitates a blend of seed, fertilizer, and papery mulch in a tank, and your landscaper uses it to spray lawn seed into place. This is a fast and cost-effective way of seeding large areas of lawn
4. Artificial Turf: Artificial turf is a no-maintenance alternative to grass. It needs zero care beyond keeping it free of debris, and is great for backyard putting greens, and small to medium-sized areas of lawn for sports or entertaining. Artificial turf is more expensive than seed or sod.
5. No-Mow blends: Scientists are developing a number of new no-mow strains of grass which are available to buy in seed form, or plug which can be individually planted. These need less fertilizer and water.

Factors to be checked if Grass does not grow in the Yard:

When grass does not grow, the first thing to do is to find out why. If nothing grows, the soil may be contaminated with herbicides or other chemicals that prevent growth. If the soil is dry, rocky, infertile or hard-packed, this, too, can prevent grass growth. Trees that out-compete grass for light, water and nutrients or heavy foot traffic from people or animals are some other reasons for problematic grass growth.

      Soil Conditions

·         Soil test to be performed before planting. Poor soil conditions can prevent healthy grass growth. A soil test will determine the pH level (Acidic or Alkaline), as well as the nutrient content, of soil.

·         Compacted Soil - Compacted soil prevents adequate drainage, aeration and root growth. Use a spading fork or aerator to remove soil plugs and alleviate compaction.

·         Moisture Levels

·         Nutrient deficiency

·         Chemical Problems - Landscape soil may be contaminated by soil sterilants or other chemicals. If nothing is growing in the soil, perform a growth trial to see if the soil has been sterilized

      Poor Soil - Dry, rocky, hard-packed or infertile soil can also prevent lawn growth.

      Shade - The combination of shade and lack of water often makes it impossible to grow grass under trees

Once all these factors are checked and acted upon you can enjoy the carpet of grass in your yard.


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About Author :- Vaishali kawalkar is the founder of Sovereign Architects.