Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

An indispensable tool for all landscape architects, this time-saving guide answers the most frequently asked questions in one pocket-sized volume. It is a concise, easy-to-read reference that gives instant access to a wide range of information needed on a daily basis, both out on site and in the office. Covering all the major topics, including hard landscaping, soft landscaping as well as planning and legislation, the pocket book also includes a handy glossary of key terms, useful calculations and helpful contacts. Not only an essential tool for everyday queries on British standards and procedures, this is a first point of reference for those seeking more extensive, supplementary sources of information, including Websites and further publications.

Table of contents provided by Syndetics

• 1 Hard landscape
• Natural stone; finishes, properties, origin, appearance, uses etc.
• Mild steel; standard steel sizes, finishes
• Stainless steel; finishes, grades, uses, advantages and disadvantages
• Common steel sizes; (suitable for landscape works)
• Typical footpaths; make up eg. bitmac, asphalt, fibredec, block pavers, whin/ granular paths
• Typical footpath edging
• Timber; types,uses, hazard classes, suitability/ uses
• Concrete mixes; types, uses and suitability, cover on reinforced concrete
• Wall construction; ties & fixings; types and uses, weepholes; sizes, spacing, types for retaining walls, wall foundations, wall height; width ratio
• Mortar mixes; types, uses
• Brick and blockwork; bonds, classifications
• Wood preservatives and treatments eg -cca, stains
• Rural fencing types; heights for stock etc.
• Lighting; lux levels, suitable uses, lp ratings etc.
• Drainage; falls, min, max & implications, area to drain, size of drainage pipe, load classes for manhole cover etc.
• Suds and drainage; types, uses, guidelines
• Recycled materials and sustainable products; glass, plastics, aggregates
• Water features and ponds; design checklist and guidelines
• How to set a sun dial
• 2 Soft landscape
• National plant specification; requirements, tree definitions
• Native trees and shrubs. within the UK and regions - map
• Topsoil classifications; properties, grades etc.
• Grass seed mixes; suitability/ uses etc.
• Poisonous plants
• Trees; street trees, pruning, works too etc. symptoms & signs associated with failure and stress
• Trees planting and pit design- staking methods, guying, drainage etc.
• Topsoil, phytotoxic and zoo toxic elements
• Shrubs, standard schedule of information required
• Plant indicators; which indicate soil condition
• Plant protection, rabbits, deer, etc. heights and types of non chemical protection
• Wild flower mixes; seedling, plugs, bulbs
• Terrams - uses, grades, vigorous roots, drainage etc.
• Landscape maintenance ? pruning, etc., fertilizer, ameliorants, herbicides, irrigation, grass cutting
• Compost and mulches
• Urban tree soil; definition and uses
• Utilities and services; std. depth below ground, size of trench, distance to planting
• Seat heights, widths
• Roof gardens; checklist and guidelines
• 3 Planning and legislation Tree preservation orders Glossary of listed and protected areas; purpose of each, governing body etc.
• Guidelines for construction in and around trees
• Planting near airfields
• Planning ; application, permitted developments, planning requirements and consents
• CDM Regulations (incl site works weights of materials etc and when not applicable
• Glossary of contracts Notifiable weeds ? procedures, methods Tall hedges legislation Wildlife legislation; access routes Landscape Character and Visual Assessment; when required, legislation
• 4 Design Guidelines Barriers and handrails; guidelines for cycle paths, railways, water ways, domestic DDA access; warning paving, purposes and guidelines
• Steps and ramps - Handrail regs, DDA etc.
• Cycle routes ? guidelines and checklist eg. on materials, widths, signage etc.
• Sports pitches/ playing fields; sizes, markings and proposed gradients
• Play areas, critical fall heights, safety surfacing, types, design criteria
• Schools; small fencing & seat heights, bird & insect plants, sensory gardens
• Circulation and size data; people, prams, bicycle, wheelchair etc.
• Vehicle sizes and spatial requirements (Parking ? cars disabled space, parent child, bus stop etc.)
• Road design standards ? visibility, splays, road humps
• Design and movement; average walking speed, cycle speed, distance walked to bus stop, train station etc.
• 5 General rules of thumb Glo