Discussions
The Hydraulics and Horticulture of Site Remediation
Effective landscape design is a discipline that merges civil engineering with horticultural science. When addressing common site challenges like poor drainage and deep shade, intuition is insufficient; data and physics must drive the solution. Larkin Landscape and Design utilizes topography analysis and biological data to engineer landscapes that function correctly within the specific environmental constraints of the property.
Drainage issues are fundamentally a math problem involving volume and velocity. A 1,000-square-foot roof can shed over 600 gallons of water during a one-inch rain event. If the surrounding soil has a high clay content—common in many residential areas—the infiltration rate is too slow to absorb this volume, resulting in surface runoff. To solve this, we calculate the necessary capacity for drainage solutions. This might involve a French drain system with a specific aggregate void ratio to handle the flow, or regrading the land to achieve a minimum 2% slope away from the foundation.
Shade presents a biological challenge governed by photosynthesis rates. Plants require specific light spectrums and durations to thrive. In deep shade, the available photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) is low. Planting turfgrass, which has a high light compensation point, in these areas is scientifically futile. Instead, the solution lies in selecting species with lower light requirements, such as ferns or sedges, or replacing the biotic material entirely with abiotic hardscaping. When analyzing Landscape Design in Central Iowa, matching the plant physiology to the site's solar data is the only way to ensure long-term viability.
Soil composition data further informs the design. Compaction tests reveal why certain areas fail to drain or support root growth. Aeration and amendment strategies are then formulated based on these metrics. By treating the landscape as a system of interacting physical and biological variables, we create solutions that are predictable and sustainable.
By applying these scientific principles, we resolve the underlying causes of site failure. It is a method that prioritizes function and data to achieve aesthetic success.
Base your landscape solutions on science and engineering. Contact us to discuss the technical specifications of your project.