Sustainable Landscaping Flashcards

What is a 'living wall' or 'green wall' in sustainable landscape design?

Answer: A vertical structure with plants growing on or in it, used to improve air quality and aesthetics

A living wall is a vertical system of planted panels or modules attached to a wall, providing insulation, air purification, biodiversity habitat, and aesthetic benefits in urban settings.

Which certification program is the primary standard for sustainable site development in the US landscape industry?

Answer: SITES (Sustainable Sites Initiative)

The SITES (Sustainable Sites Initiative) certification is the primary rating system specifically designed for sustainable landscape, site, and land design projects in the US.

What is 'greywater' and how can it legally be used in US landscape irrigation?

Answer: Wastewater from sinks, showers, and laundry that can be reused for subsurface landscape irrigation in states where permitted

Greywater is wastewater from household sinks, showers, and laundry that, where state regulations permit, can be reused for subsurface drip irrigation, reducing potable water consumption.

What is the 'urban heat island' effect and how can landscape design mitigate it?

Answer: The phenomenon where urban areas are significantly warmer than surrounding rural areas due to impervious surfaces; mitigated by trees, vegetation, and permeable paving

The urban heat island effect causes cities to be warmer than surrounding rural areas due to heat-absorbing impervious surfaces, mitigated through increased tree canopy, green roofs, and permeable paving.

What is 'no-mow' or 'low-mow' lawn design and what are its environmental benefits?

Answer: Designing lawn areas with fine fescues or meadow plants that require minimal mowing, reducing fuel use, noise, and emissions

No-mow or low-mow designs use fine fescues, clover, or native meadow plants that maintain an attractive appearance with minimal cutting, reducing fuel consumption, air emissions, and maintenance labor.

What is 'sheet mulching' (lasagna composting) used for in sustainable landscape installation?

Answer: Smothering existing turf or weeds with overlapping layers of cardboard and mulch to create new planting beds without tilling

Sheet mulching uses layers of cardboard and organic mulch to suppress existing vegetation without herbicides or tilling, allowing it to decompose and improve soil as plants are established above it.