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Plant Studies I: Trees

ARCH X 472.8A

This course focusing on trees, their communities, and their place and use in the landscape.

What you can learn.

Incorporate trees into designs with a critical and knowledgeable eye and mind
Create actual tree palettes for different potential design styles and genres
Develop creative methods to incorporate trees where it may be challenging and provide clients with the latest information and background on their recommendations
Ability to describe specific common species in Southern California with defining characteristics
Ability to articulate the proper methods of selecting trees in a nursery setting and the nursery processes
Ability to identify at least 30 trees by visual testing

About this course:

One of two required plant studies courses, focusing on trees, their communities, and their place in the landscape. Instruction focuses on trees that often influence the landscape architect’s overall site composition. This course focuses specifically on the large-scale material trees, learning tree taxonomy, tree selection, leaf morphology, nursery standards of growing trees, water requirements, installation practices, native trees, and climate adapted trees. Students will learn how to: identify trees, select quality nursery trees, enhance their understanding of site and environmental conditions, promote species diversity, while also fulfilling site design aesthetics and functionality objectives. Emphasis is on Southern California climate-appropriate tree species that meet California state and/or local water regulations, while taking into consideration soil conditions, supplemental irrigation, and life-cycle maintenance and ultimate tree size. In addition to evening Zoom classes, students will attend two mandatory, in-person, weekend field trips to selected sites in the Los Angeles area. Students will also create their own tree booklet of self-selected species, providing their understanding of the characteristics of these species and their identifying features.