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On November 1, 2023, the facility formerly known as the IRA Civic Center was renamed Yanmar Arena. Grand Rapids-based Yanmar Compact Equipment North America — which includes Yanmar Compact Equipment and ASV brands — entered into a partnership with the Minnesota city to secure naming rights of the facility.

Among the inspirations for the partnership is Yanmar’s foundational ethos of hanasaka, a Japanese word meaning “let the people and the future bloom.” Through hanasaka, Yanmar envisions a future where young talent is nurtured and inspired through sports and arts, contributing to a thriving, connected community.

Yanmar recently partnered with the City of Grand Rapids, MN, for naming rights to the IRA Civic Center, which was renamed Yanmar Arena on Nov. 1, 2023. (Photo courtesy of Yanmar Compact Equipment North America)

With over 200,000 visitors per year, the newly christened Yanmar Arena is a popular venue for ice hockey, figure skating and community events held throughout the year. The official grand opening and ribbon cutting was held before the start of the Grand Rapids High School boys’ hockey game against Hibbing on November 22.

“We are immensely grateful for Yanmar’s commitment to the Grand Rapids community and their genuine support for the growth and well-being of our residents.”

— Grand Rapids Mayor Dale Christy

“The renaming of the IRA Civic Center to Yanmar Arena illustrates Yanmar’s commitment to Grand Rapids and the surrounding area by helping make athletic opportunities more accessible to the generations of athletes,” said Tate Johnson, CEO and president of Yanmar CE North America. “This was an excellent opportunity for us to give back in a meaningful way; and we are honored to partner with the City of Grand Rapids in this endeavor.”

According to city officials, the 10-year agreement will lower the cost of ice time by approximately $40/hour for all parties that utilize Yanmar Arena. As a result, thousands of people, young and old, will enjoy greater accessibility to ice skating; and Yanmar hopes this will support the next generation of young athletes.

Yanmar partnered with the City of Grand Rapids to make athletic opportunities at the newly dubbed Yanmar Arena more accessible to the next generation of young athletes. (Photo courtesy of Yanmar Compact Equipment North America)

“This collaboration will enhance our local sports scene and open doors for athletes of all ages and backgrounds,” said Dale Christy, mayor of Grand Rapids. “We are immensely grateful for Yanmar’s commitment to the Grand Rapids community and their genuine support for the growth and well-being of our residents.”

Yanmar Announces Expansion Plan

Yanmar CE North America’s dedication to its hometown and support for community-driven initiatives is at the heart of this historic partnership. Yanmar seeks to establish a space that not only fosters athletic excellence but serves as a cornerstone for community engagement, enrichment and pride.

Yanmar CE North America also provided the City of Grand Rapids with a new TL100VS, the debut machine in its new line of compact track loaders, which will be used for snow removal and maintenance at the facility.

Earlier this year, Yanmar announced a 32,000-square-foot expansion to its factory in Grand Rapids where the company will manufacture compact track loaders for both its Yanmar and ASV brands (see sidebar). The company also announced the addition of hundreds of jobs in Grand Rapids over the coming years.

Click here to read more professional lawn care and landscaping news from Yanmar.

As 2023 draws to a close, lawn professionals can take advantage of one of the last opportunities of the year to earn CEU credits during FMC’s 1st Friday turf webinar. This Friday, December 1 at 2 pm ET, the topic will be “Turf Weed Identification” presented by Dr. Andrew Osburn, a Technical Service Manager with FMC.

(Photo: Adobe Stock/ jnsepeliova)

The free 60-minute webinars are part of the FMC True Champions end-user loyalty program. The FMC 1st Friday program provides monthly webinars with CEU credits typically offered in 30-40 states.

In this month’s webinar, Dr. Osburn will discuss the importance of proper weed identification and the basics of identifying grasses, sedges, and broadleaf weeds.

Dr. Andrew Osburn, Technical Service Manager, FMC

“Andrew will be presenting tremendously useful insight into problematic weed species in lawn environments,” explained Mike Sisti, North America Marketing Manager at FMC Professional Solutions. “The presentation is already approved by states from coast to coast with many in between and we’re looking forward to another engaging group of attendees.”

To register for the FMC True Champions program and the webinar, visit the Turf Weed identification page. All professionals can attend as long as registered.

Although the monthly webinars are free to attend, only FMC True Champions members can receive CEU credits. Lawn professionals who join FMC’s True Champions program receive exclusive business-building solutions and rewards on FMC products while becoming part of the company’s industry commitment to support the lawn care industry.

Leave The Leaves? Yes & No.
Here’s The Best Approach For Healthy Grass

Fecon LLC, the global manufacturer of heavy-duty site preparation attachments and forestry accessories, has acquired TREEfrogg LLC, a manufacturer of tree trimming saw attachments for skid steers and compact track loaders. The acquisition expands the right-of-way clearing solutions offered by Fecon in the forestry mulching and vegetation management industry. Designed to fit small to midsize carriers, TREEfrogg’s patented tree trimming saws allow landscapers, landowners, and DOT’s to perform tree maintenance with machines they already have quickly, safely, and economically. Fecon will rebrand the saw attachments as Trim Ex.

The line of saw attachments will be rebranded as Trim Ex.

“We are excited to add TREEfrogg trimming saws to the Fecon line,” said Jeff Stanley, Fecon’s senior vice president of product development. “This addition expands the offering to our agricultural, rural, and DOT customers. It gives them a productivity-enhancing solution for selective tree-trimming.”

The attachments offer a solution for tackling overhanging tree limbs and other vegetation along easements, right-of-ways, roads, fence rows, paths and other applications. Cutting faster than a chainsaw bar, the Trim Ex 26S saw attachment features a 24″ carbide-tipped forestry blade. The blade spins at 3,000 rpm and operates with standard flow machines between 10 gpm to 27 gpm with no high flow needed. The operator hydraulically rotates the saw head from the cab as much as 180˚ to optimize the cutting angle. The boom also telescopes to 18′ total length, which provides a working height of 26′. Combined, the high-speed saw, rotating head, and telescoping boom allow the operator to make continuous, clean cuts from one machine position.

By eliminating chainsaws, bucket trucks or other dedicated machinery, the Trim Ex 26S reduces tree-trimming labor. Savings are also found in the low maintenance, as it does not have loose chains or require bar oil for lubrication. Also, no operator components are near the cutting apparatus. The assembly allows the operator to trim from a distance safely.

A smaller saw attachment, the Trim Ex 18C, can fit on skid steers with a 1,300-pound rated operated capacity. The Trim Ex 18C takes up as little as 4″ on the front of an equipment trailer. The boom can be straight, offset to the machine side, or folded for transport. The tree trimmer requires 10 gpm auxiliary flow and has a 10-foot forward reach with an 18′ working height. Fecon also partnered with the founder of TREEfrogg to develop and design the Trim Ex 26D, a dialectric saw attachment. The Trim Ex 26D offers added safety when trimming trees around power lines. It is also lighter in weight than the 26S.

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For more on Fecon, read:

Fecon Auctioning Bull Hog Mulcher for Children of Fallen Patriots

For more Tree Services® articles, see:

Staking Trees For Better Outcomes

Assessing Trees For Storm Resilience

Seven Tough Trees For Urban Areas & Climate Challenges In 2023

Credit: AdobeStock/Tomasz Zajda

Contractors looking to expand their business offerings to include pools, spas, and hot tubs have a new free course from the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC). The continuing education course, “Propane Heaters for Pools and Spas” will help professionals learn how to utilize propane heaters to meet the demands of their customers by exploring their application in both residential and commercial pools and spas. It also examines the pros and cons of various energy sources used for pool and spa heating.

“This is a great opportunity for builders to learn about the benefits of propane heaters,” said Bryan Cordill, PERC’s director of residential business development. “Until a few years ago, heating a swimming pool in much of the U.S. took a long time and cost a lot of money. But now there are options for high-performing heaters. These technologies can help customers save time, swim later in the season, and do it all for less money.”

In addition to sharing information about the benefits of propane, the course covers other design and specification considerations for heating pools and spas, including heater size, emissions, and heat exchanger types.

“The free course is an ideal way to get up to speed if you’re like the many other building pros receiving increased queries about backyard pools from your clients.” Cordill said. “By taking this course, you can establish yourself as an expert in the various pool-heating options available and build credibility with existing and prospective customers.”

The program is introductory level, with no pre-requisites required. To receive the AIA 1 LU course credits, contractors must complete coursework by November 17, 2024.

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For related reading, see:

Diving In: Integrating Pool & Landscape

Propane Reduces Emissions Through Recharging Infrastructure

Embracing The Summer Slide (In Landscape Design!)

An Eastern Wild Turkey. Photo courtesy of the National Wild Turkey Federation.

While turkey on a Thanksgiving plate is welcome by many, wild turkeys inhabiting a landscaped property can really ruffle feathers!

The first time wild turkeys visit a property, it can be fun to watch. Especially when baby turkeys, or poults, are following their mothers around in the Spring. But if turkeys start visiting regularly, property owner’s eventually get a firsthand look at how destructive a rafter of turkeys can be. When half a dozen or more of these 20-pound wild birds show up every morning, lawns can get scratched to bits and bird feeders raided. As for the mess they make, the less said the better. They might even scare children. Turkeys aren’t inherently dangerous, but they become bolder as they lose their fear of humans (which happens when we become familiar). Their boldness might become intimidation or domination, and they could become aggressive—especially during breeding season.

Most people are reluctant to take direct action against turkeys. They are large animals that are hard to manage and it may also be illegal to control them depending on local laws. Fortunately, several options are available for property owners who would like to gently discourage wild turkeys to leave and go visit someone else.

Remove Food & Roosting Spots

Like any wild animal, when turkeys find a place they can get food easily, they’ll decide to stick around. Have they found a daily banquet in the neighborhood? Are they gobbling up food scraps in the neighbor’s backyard? Do they hang out near the bird feeder, waiting for birdseed to fall? Store the feeder in the shed for a while. Politely ask neighbors to stop feeding the turkeys. Keep the garbage can in the garage. Other potential snacking sources include grass seeds, nut trees, and berry bushes. Cut the grass often, and install metal poultry wire around the garden, fruit bushes, and trees. (Steer clear of polypropylene bird netting. It can harm other wildlife like possums and skunks, who can get tangled and strangled.)

Installing metal poultry wire around shrubs and trees can also help deter roosting. Wild turkeys are active during the day but sleep at night. They look for easy, comfortable places to roost—like a roof, trees, or bushes. It can also help to prune trees and bushes to make them less desirable.

Alter The Environment

Wild turkeys have stressful lives. As big as they are, they are routinely preyed upon by other wild animals and have developed an instinctive avoidance of loud noises, potential threats, or anything startling. The U.S. Humane Society recommends moving the property owner to the top of the turkey pecking order. This way, the neighborhood tom will be more likely to fear the property and less likely to try for dominance or to become a daily nuisance.

So, how does one climb to the top? One method is to introduce unfamiliar objects throughout the environment. Wild turkeys notice even the smallest changes in their surroundings. Predator kites flying from tall poles are known to scare off turkeys. Waving your hands in the air or opening an umbrella will startle turkeys into a run. Other tips include:

Loud Noises. Make some kind of noisemaker that will be loud enough to spook the birds from across the lawn. Try dropping a dozen or so pennies into a coffee can and sealing it up. When the distinctive warbling of hungry turkeys is heard outside, stand where they can see you and shake the can until they trot away for the day.

Potential Threats. Scarecrows were originally adopted to scare off pest birds and turkeys are no exception. If a traditional scarecrow isn’t for you, consider a scare-wild-predator. Anything that resembles a hungry coyote in the bushes should be enough to send the visiting turkeys on their way. Of course, if you own a real dog, turning it loose to run the perimeter of your property in the morning is an excellent way to never see another turkey near your land. If your dog is off-leash, stay somewhere close by to prevent the dog from making physical contact with a turkey and either hurting it or getting hurt.

Water the Turkeys. Turkeys are fairly easy to startle, and they can be sent skittering back by sudden jets of water. Motion activated sprinklers, hoses, and even squirt guns have been known to work on whole groups of turkeys. This tactic is especially effective when it’s sudden and comes from an unexpected direction. Ideally, the splash should hit the ground close to, but not directly on, the largest tom in the group. Once he starts running, the others almost always follow.

Another humane solution to turkey issues are two products from Nite Guard. During the day, when turkeys are active, Nite Guard Repellent Tape can scare them away. This durable flash tape creates bright flashes of light and startling crackling sounds, which turkeys can’t stand. At night, Nite Guard Solar lights employ red flashing lights to mimic the presence of a predator. This sends the wild turkeys into fight or flight, and they quickly flee your property.

An original version of this article ran in November 2020.

Article adapted with permission from two blog entries at Nite Guard, manufacturers of predator deterrent products. Photo from the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) Resource Library.

For more articles on pest deterrence, read:

Designing With Deer (Not For Them!)

Kill Mosquitoes With…. Mustard?

Top 20 Regions For Spotted Lanternfly

The War On Pests : From Spotted Lanternfly To… Pythons!

The “City Escape” project from Mariani Landscape.

Mariani Premier Group, a national network of top, family-owned landscaping companies, is the recipient of 21 Awards of Excellence from the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP). The NALP Awards recognize outstanding projects in commercial and residential lawn care and landscape contracting, management, and design.

Mariani Premier Group companies that received awards included: Borst Landscape & Design, Designs By Sundown, Glengate, Hoffman Landscapes, Kent Greenhouse & Gardens, Mariani Landscape, NatureWorks Landscape Services, Siciliano Landscape, and Southview Design.

“Winning 21 NALP Awards of Excellence is a record for us, and I couldn’t be any prouder of our designers and teams for their dedication to these exceptional projects and their clients,” said Frank Mariani, Green Industry pioneer and Chairman of MPG. “It is our greatest joy to provide award-winning service and design to our clientele and turn their landscape dreams into a reality.”

A few of the MPG project winners include:

A view of the copper fireplace in the award -winning Mariani project.
View of the mural.

Mariani’s “City Escape” or “Multi-Level Living.” The “City Escape” Project is winner of the esteemed Judge’s Award and another Gold Awards, and is an extraordinary urban design property that boasts outdoor living environments on six levels. Located in the heart of Chicago, “City Escape” is an outdoor oasis where clients can enjoy multiple living areas on different levels. “City Escape” boasts unique design features, spanning the vegetable garden to the copper fireplace to the custom mural.

“As a designer, my goal is to create spaces that reflect my client’s personality and lifestyle. In this case, we wanted the growing family to fully enjoy their urban location and outdoor space,” said Carrie Woleban-Meade, Design Principal. “The result is an inviting and multi-functional space for relaxation, entertainment, and connection to the natural world. I am so honored NALP recognized this project and our work at Mariani with the Judge’s Award.”

“Mountain Retreat” by Designs By Sundown.

Designs by Sundown’s “Mountain Retreat” and “White House in the Village.” Designs By Sundown (DBS), located in Littleton, CO, is an award-winning Landscape Architecture, Construction and Maintenance company. DBS received two Gold Awards for its “Mountain Retreat” and “White House in the Village” projects, and two Silver Awards for its “French Provence” and “Modern Farmhouse” projects.

The Mountain Retreat project.

Nestled atop a mountain, the “Mountain Retreat” project is an extraordinary 10-acre property that beautifully combines the splendor of the Rocky Mountains with the comfort and functionality of a modern family abode. DBS desired a design that seamlessly blended with the existing property conditions, incorporating color and texture to enhance the overall aesthetic.

White House In The Village
White House In The Village.

In contrast, “White House in the Village” is a modern farmhouse-style property located just outside Denver, featuring layered textures that connect the architecture and interior design. The final result of “White House in the Village” blends the organization’s love of gardening and contemporary design, resulting in a unique fusion of farmhouse nostalgia and modern sophistication.

“It is an honor and a privilege to be recognized for the design and completion of both of these unique projects. Executing a complex design on a challenging site is extremely rewarding, once everything comes together,” said Wiley Klein, Landscape Designer on both DBS projects.

Glengate’s “Bedford Modern Renovation”. Another MPG member, Glengate, a family-owned swimming pool and landscape architecture company based in Wilton, CT, received one Gold and three Silver Awards. Glengate’s “Bedford Modern Renovation” sought to build upon the natural beauty of the incredible Bedford Valley through its unique, dramatic pool design.

The Bedford Modern Renovation.

“The project was about ensuring the spaces we reinvented would enhance the pool area’s breathtaking valley views, as well as foreshadow the overall drama of the renovated house as guests arrive in the parking court. We worked closely with Jay Levy, the architect on the house, to be sure our work harmonized with and elevated his vision throughout the landscapes. The result is a landscape that greets visitors and the homeowner daily with artistic uses of natural materials in modern forms that marry the aesthetic of the home to its surroundings,” said Brandon Jones, Partner & Design Director.

The parking court.

“Glengate is always pursuing excellence in everything we do for our clients, but receiving these awards from our industry peers alongside the best landscape companies nationwide affirms that we indeed are delivering the best design, construction and maintenance for our customers. It makes what we do all the more rewarding,” added Jordan Scott, Managing Partner & President.

In 2023, Mariani announced the establishment of the Mariani Premier Group (MPG), an ever-growing network of 15 of the top, family-owned landscape companies across the U.S. MPG was created with the goal of elevating the national landscape industry and creating a way for landscape companies across the country to leverage one another’s resources and strengths. For more information about MPG, please visit www.marianipremiergroup.com. Companies interested in partnering with Mariani can email partner@marianipremiergroup.com for more information.

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For more design-build projects and articles, read:

Evergreen Enchantment In A Colorado Landscape

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These Colorado Firms Are 2022 ELITE Award Winners

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The just-released new 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released a new version of its Plant Hardiness Zone Map (PHZM) last Wednesday, updating this valuable tool for the first time since 2012. The new map—jointly developed by USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and Oregon State University’s (OSU) PRISM Climate Group—is more accurate and contains greater detail than prior versions.

When compared to the 2012 map, the 2023 version reveals that about half of the country shifted to the next warmer half zone, and the other half of the country remained in the same half zone. That shift to the next warmer half zone means those areas warmed somewhere in the range of 0˚- 5˚ F; however, some locations experienced warming in the range of 0˚- 5˚ F without moving to another half zone.

These national differences in zonal boundaries are mostly a result of incorporating temperature data from a more recent time period. The 2023 map is based on 30-year averages of the lowest annual Winter temperatures at specific locations, is divided into 10˚ F zones and further divided into 5˚ F half-zones. It includes data measured at weather stations from 1991 to 2020. Notably, the 2023 map for Alaska is “warmer” than the 2012 version. That’s mainly because the new map uses more data representing the state’s mountain regions where, during winter, warm air overlies cold air that settles into low-elevation valleys, creating warmer temperatures.

It’s available online at https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/.

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Two landscape design companies are among the five winners of the 2023 Hunter Industries Ann Hunter-Welborn Circle of Excellence Award. Given annually by Hunter Industries, the award recognizes social responsibility investments made by companies, organizations, and individuals in the Green Industry. It was born from the corporate social responsibility ideals Ann Hunter-Welborn brought to Hunter Industries early in its inception. The award’s ultimate goal is to generate awareness about these positive actions and inspire others to join the movement. Landscape design winners include:

A landscape from Living Water.

Mark Brotton. Brotton, owner of Living Water Irrigation and Landscape, in Santa Fe, NM, is an advocate for creating sustainable landscapes that integrate New Mexico’s natural ecosystem. Through careful assessment and thoughtful design, he tailors his approach to match the unique microclimate of each individual area, with a dual focus on elevating the property’s appeal and promoting human well-being. As his company name, Living Water, illustrates, Brotton views water as a precious and finite resource that demands conscientious preservation and conservation for the benefit of future generations. This philosophy permeates his design methodology as he strives to seamlessly integrate these principles into his projects. By doing so, he ensures the responsible stewardship of not only water, but also other vital natural resources.

Pland Collaborative. Pland Collaborative, based in Albuquerque, NM, considers environmental improvement to be a basic tenet of landscape architecture. Thoughtful landscape design can greatly improve environmental conditions and mitigate negative impacts of development. Water management is carefully considered for each of Pland’s projects, from capturing stormwater runoff and managing erosion control to making soil amendments and ensuring irrigation efficiency. Pland Collaborative also routinely incorporates passive water harvesting techniques into their landscape designs and are also experienced with active harvesting methods, including cisterns and ponds. Recognizing the pivotal role of irrigation efficiency, Pland collaborates closely with irrigation experts to ensure their systems remain efficient, cost-effective, and easy to maintain. Several Pland team members are LEED Accredited Professionals, and the entire staff is well-versed in the LEED certification process. This enhanced design experience provides access to a wide network of professionals and technical tools to improve the sustainability of the built environment.

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For more information, read:

A Balanced Approach To Landscape Irrigation

COLORADO LANDSCAPERS INCENTIVIZE WATER CONSERVATION

CONSERVATION LESSONS FROM CALIFORNIA

Get Equipped: Irrigation & Water Management Solutions For 2023

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By Rituparna Simlai
From the October 2023 Issue

Nestled in the heart of bustling Miami, Coconut Grove is known for the dense, luxuriant tree canopy that embraces its streets and homes. Here, Nature is more than a mere buffer encircling the neighborhood; it’s weaved into the very fabric of the community. This network of tree foliage is the lifeblood of the Grove’s health and well-being, enriching the neighborhood’s character and connecting a landscape of rich biodiversity.

(All Photos: Studio Arth)

Conservation

In Coconut Grove today, the commitment to preserving its urban canopy runs deep, both in the neighborhood and on a regulatory level. The city of Miami, particularly in regard to its sentinel oaks, maintains rigorous tree preservation standards. Compliance to these measures is overseen by Miami’s Environmental Resources division, which includes a tree bond system and stringent tree protection policies during construction.

At the grassroots level, vigilant residents serve as wardens, swiftly reporting any potential tree removal. Occasionally, devoted tree enthusiasts passionately rally to defend these natural treasures, with some residents hugging trees as a symbol of their commitment to preservation.

Despite these efforts, unfortunate tree-felling, often justified for safety reasons, is still prevalent. Many old trees are defenseless against affluent developers willing to pay premium prices for cutting trees and exploiting every inch of land for maximum profit. In the past few years, numerous land parcels have been cleared and bundled for sale, especially in the West Grove, raising concerns about increasing tree and vegetation loss.

The Evolving Grove Canopy

The lush greenery of the Grove was not always as protected as it is today. In the twentieth century, homesteading, agriculture, plating for city lots, and rampant development cleared most of the area’s original canopy coverage.

In the mid-19th century, homesteaders began their slow march into the Grove, and the first homes sprouted by 1887. The arrival of the railway then ignited a fervor of land speculation, agricultural ventures, and residential developments. Immigrants from the Bahamas and the American South flocked to this burgeoning oasis.

As the mid-20th century dawned the Grove experienced another wave of growth characterized by towering concrete structures and intricate racial dynamics. The 1926 hurricane and the economic Depression further ravaged the tree canopy. After the hurricane, tenacious community efforts helped the trees—and the Grove itself—to rebound.

The 21st century brought renewed vigor for redevelopment, marked by lot clearances and consolidation of vacant spaces for more densely scaled residential projects. While the tree canopy faced challenges, it also adapted with efforts to promote tree conservation in the Grove’s evolving landscape.

Shaped by this medley of factors, the Grove canopy today represents a dynamic history of resilience and adaptation. Past efforts at recognizing the value of the trees, while safeguarding them when necessary, have allowed the Grove to flourish into a respite of ecological heritage.

The Irvington Residence

In this ever-evolving negotiation between urban growth and conservation stands the Irvington Residence. This contemporary two-story dwelling, located in the southern part of Coconut Grove, is a testament to conscious design. A new construction, yes, but created with a deep respect for its surrounding environment.

Envisioned by Marcelo Fernandes of Oxford Universal and designed by distinguished architect Jaya Kader of KZ Architecture, the home is literally built around a mature oak tree, located at the center of the property. The landscape, designed by Studio Arth, evolved closely with the architectural design, serving as a bridge between the existing landscape and the new built form.

The oak tree has a majestic presence on the property. Treated as the focal point of the design, it’s adorned with lush epiphytes and ferns including staghorn fern, tillandsia, and bromeliads. A raised deck around the tree creates an outdoor living space, while also providing ample room underneath to protect the tree’s roots and flourish organically.

The landscape design stems from the philosophy that trees are a witness to the passing years, taking time to mature and establish their place in the local ecology. Thus, removing any tree is like removing a layer of time. With this intention, a conscious choice was made to save even the smallest plant material on the site. All existing trees within the construction zone were relocated to the periphery—creating a fence of towering tree trunks.

A plethora of native plants were added to enhance the shade and serenity of the property. To further enrich the landscape and attract butterflies and hummingbirds, Plants like wild Bahama coffee, firespike, and clusia were introduced. On the boundary wall, climbers lend a graceful look, while softening the built form.

To ensure the ecology is retained in pristine condition, natural ground cover is used on the entire property. Native Boston ferns adorn the front yard, complemented by striking Philodendron gloriosum draping the base of tree trunks.

Instead of pouring concrete along the front yard, a combination of gravel and stepping stones promote natural water filtration and allow tree roots to expand deep within the earth. By creating space for roots to spread as freely as canopies, the landscape design helps ensure better storm resilience against the area’s hurricanes.

Fostering Conscious Design

As to future development in areas like Coconut Grove, it raises questions about the value we place on trees and the existing environment. When faced with redevelopment, particularly in an area of high value real estate, how should landscape designers respond? Can conscious design choices contribute to a collective commitment to conservation? Can landscape design enable people to rise above the choice between urban growth and urban greening, by embedding existing canopies into municipal master plans?

Urban trees and canopy are perhaps the most prominent symbol of Nature in a modern city. Considering the projected population growth in urban centers, the fostering of vibrant, Nature-infused land parcels, regardless of the project’s scale, is becoming increasingly crucial. Green spaces offer more than just beauty; they nurture social cohesion and fulfill essential environmental functions.

Urban development and natural green cover need not be exclusive or at odds. Instead, it’s about integrating them and enhancing green spaces through considerate development approaches.

As the Irvington Residence exemplifies, landscape can be an integral part of the built form, providing residents an intimacy with Nature’s rhythms. The property’s keystone oak, plant palette, hardscape material, and architecture, attest to what can be created when mindful choices and ecologically responsible design create a marriage between urban growth and greening.

In an ever-expanding urban core, when the interests and efforts of policy makers, developers, designers, and local communities converge, trees can become a vital contributor to the intricate urban ecosystem, enriching the well-being of the entire community.

Simlai is the founder of Studio Arth, an award-winning landscape architecture firm based in Coconut Grove, Miami. Inspired by the Sanskrit word “Arth,” the studio’s philosophy is to ‘design with purpose’, where the designs foster a sense of oneness with Nature. An advocate for emulating natural systems as design solutions, Rituparna has a Master’s degree in Landscape Architecture from Harvard University, and has collaborated on diverse award winning international projects spanning residential design, urban master planning, and infrastructure. She was honored with the Exceptional Emerging Professional Award by the Florida chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) in 2020. Driven by her commitment to environmental needs, Rituparna volunteered with the Plaza on Brickell after Hurricane Irma in 2017. With her passion for tropical planting design, the management was able to successfully save and restore heavily damaged specimen trees. This pivotal experience laid the foundation for her own design practice, rooted in strong principles and ethics.

Do you have a comment? Share your thoughts in the Comments section below, or send an e-mail to the Editor at cmenapace@groupc.com.