A poorly preserved and protected tree can become an eyesore and a liability. By Eric R. McQuiston, PLA Landscape Archictect | Environmental Planner Mature trees are one of the most cherished elements of any landscape. They anchor neighborhoods, provide shade and comfort and shape the character of a place in a way that new plantings simply cannot match. Because of this, many municipal codes require developers to preserve existing trees and vegetation whenever possible. The in

How Landscape Architects Can Elevate Their Value and Create More Opportunity For all the artistry, ecological understanding, and technical coordination that go into our work, landscape architecture remains one of the most misunderstood professions in the United States. Too often, the public sees us as decorators of the outdoors, designers of gardens and parks, rather than as essential contributors to the systems that make communities livable, sustainable, and economically re

Few things in a landscape are as understated—or as essential—as a well-placed paver edge restraint. Beneath every beautifully patterned hardscape lies an unspoken truth: without containment, even the best-laid field will wander.

Every successful pavement begins long before the first paver is set. Beneath the surface lies a quiet structure of layers—soil, aggregate, sand—each one playing a role in supporting the next. While the surface pattern catches the eye, it’s the unseen foundation that determines how that design performs through time, weather, and use.

Charging a consultation or planning fee isn’t about squeezing more from the client—it’s about valuing your expertise. Every hour spent developing an estimate or sketch is an hour not spent producing income in the field. By recovering part of that cost, you’re not only improving your margins—you’re building a more sustainable business model.

For landscape architects and designers, selecting the right paver is about more than color and pattern. It’s about function, performance, and longevity—the art of matching design intent to the realities of the ground beneath it.

On a recent visit to one of my suppliers, the subject of Wi-Fi irrigation controllers came up—particularly the issue of loss of connection  that many homeowners and professionals occasionally experience. We were discussing how much the irrigation industry has changed in the past decade—moving from mechanical timers and manual valves to cloud-based systems that can control multiple zones from a smartphone. That conversation reminded me that while technology brings incredible c

The strength of a landscape isn't just about what you see—it's about what you understand. Beneath every well-crafted patio, plaza, or courtyard lies a series of decisions: materials selected, bases constructed, edges restrained, and details refined. Each choice, from the texture of the pavers to the sand between the joints, influences not only the appearance of a space but also its performance.

Across disciplines, the evidence is consistent: exposure to thoughtfully designed green space improves mental and physical health.

Motivation will achieve your goals! A motivational essay by: By Eric R. McQuiston I’ve said it for years: getting the ball rolling is...

By Eric R. McQuiston, PLA What is your ideal landscape? When folks start thinking about their home landscape, it’s usually because...

As a licensed landscape architect who works closely with contractors across a range of residential and commercial projects, I’m often...

I’ve been thinking lately about where our profession is headed.  Not just in terms of trends or styles—but in the larger context of how...

When planning a landscape project, one of the biggest challenges is understanding how the design process works  and what kind of plans...

* The following reflects the authors personal professional experience and should not be considered legal advice. In the previous...

* The following reflects the authors personal professional experience and should not be considered legal advice. In the first part of...

* The following reflects the authors personal professional experience and should not be considered legal advice. A thoughtfully designed...

The Timeless Appeal and Benefits of Outdoor Fireplaces An outdoor fireplace adds dimension and life to the outdoor experience! Fire has...

Sustainable Landscapes are beautiful and functional Sustainability is becoming an essential consideration in home landscaping. By...

Pachysandra as a border When we think about planting design, our minds often jump to the showstoppers—majestic trees, sculptural shrubs,...