Comment

Comment by David Moorman on February 18, 2010 at 3:15pm

@Reid - Hahahahahahahahahahaha!

I love to laugh out loud! It's good for the body. Relieves stress, improves circulation.

Comment by Reid Mitchell on February 18, 2010 at 3:07pm

Stupid Article!

Comment by David Moorman on February 18, 2010 at 3:06pm

This study also "compare(d) carbon sequestration to nitrous oxide and carbon dioxide emissions from lawn grooming practices."

I have news for anyone willing to listen. Lawn maintenance doesn't produce carbon "di"oxide emissions. Lawn maintenance produces carbon "mon"oxide. Carbon monoxide produces carbon dioxide which in turn is used by plants during photosynthesis to make sugars. I'm gonna take a stab in the dark and say this is what the tested lawns were doing while being tested. CO2 makes up only 0.038% of the atmosphere.

Proper maintenance is the key to a healthy, viable and beneficial lawn. Bloviation of hot air is not.

Comment by David Moorman on February 18, 2010 at 2:54pm

From the article: "It's impossible for these lawns to be net greenhouse gas sinks because too much fuel is used to maintain them," Townsend-Small concluded.

So what's the solution? That's what I want to know. Should we eliminate athletic fields and play completely? What then shall we do with those that have no place to play and engage in athletic endeavors? Should we eliminate natural turf in favor of synthetic (read: man made with man made chemicals) turf and all the problems associated with synthetic turf maintenance? Where does this silly notion ever end? Maybe we should find better and more energy efficient methods of maintaining a perfectly natural solutions to greenhouse gasses [sic].

I noticed that the referenced 'study' made no mention of the cooling effects of the natural turf on not only the immediate micro-environment of the parks studied but the overall cooling effects on the community as a whole.

Another thing I'd also like to know is how those researchers got to the fields in Irvine to do their tests and research. Did they walk? Take public transportation? Car pool? Drive an eco-friendly car? Did they study the amount of 'greenhouse gasses' [sic] they produced in the manufacturing of this study? Bet they didn't.

Comment by Heather L. Venhaus on February 18, 2010 at 2:16pm

Urban "Green" Space may lead to Global Warming

Interesting article about the importance of extending sustainable practices to the maintenance of our landscapes. If the implications of maintenance requirements are not considered, the benefits of sustainable design practices may be lost. I think this article also highlights the advantage of having the maintenance professionals be part of the integrated design team to help guide development that does not require environmentally harmful maintenance practices.

Comment by Jim Del Carpio on February 18, 2010 at 8:44am

Phil,

Ditto Dan comments on experience, common sense and to use your company history on previous Construction estimates. I would add to his list, network(social) with local contractors and ask them for their input. Some will be glad to help out and others may not, you never know until you ask. Good Luck

Comment by Dan Barnes on February 18, 2010 at 8:31am

Phillip,I have seen several programs over the years and have not been a big favorite of any of them so far. I have been in d/b for almost 28 years. I have worked in the field and behind the desk and I know how long it takes to plant a 4" tree etc. including the stop at 7-11 for a big gulp and traffic, waiting for the semi to deliver the sod or plants, waiting for Smith to decide if she likes the wall fountain here or there and then the weather and soil conditions have to be considered. It will take you years and I am still learning. Your company should have a good idea of costs already and work from there. Use your common sense. Watch your crews and see how they work and what crews do certain jobs better and quicker than others. I have made up my own system over the years and it has worked for me. Good luck and don't be afraid to charge what you are worth or you will regret it!

Comment by Phillip Merritt on February 18, 2010 at 8:12am

Hi, I've recently started working for a small residential design/build company and I'm wondering how other people go about estimating construction costs. Is there some great piece of software that makes the process easy, or do people rely on their own knowledge of material and labor prices. It seems like the estimating software I've looked at are really geared towards large projects (like the cost of a road per 100 feet) and aren't helpful for pricing out small, idiosyncratic features like a custom fountain or wall.

Comment by Heather L. Venhaus on February 14, 2010 at 6:54pm

Hey Folks! Just a quick note to say hello and introduce myself. After completing the 2009 report, I resigned as project manager of the Sustainable Sites Initiative to pursue other opportunities and spend more time with my 7 month old son. I am interested in the practical application of landscape sustainability in residential settings and look forward to discussing ideas with you further.

Comment by jeremy charles alexander on December 29, 2009 at 5:56am

asla residential awards..2009 year to shine for california, taking home 6 of the 9 awards. keep it up cali! http://www.asla.org/2009awards/

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