Plant Studies I: Trees

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.