Maintainable Landscapes

The functional and maintainable considerations are closely related. A functional design has more to do with the users of the landscape while a landscape that is maintainable is easier for landscape managers to take care of. In other words, a landscape should be functional from both a use and maintenance standpoint.

A maintainable landscape provides for reduced maintenance at a particular maintenance level or condition. This lowers labor costs and makes maintenance operations easier.

A maintainable landscape also reduces the need for inputs such as fertilizers, pesticides, equipment, water and other things. It is important to note that it only reduces the amount of input needed; it does not eliminate it.

Examples of landscape situations that are difficult to maintain:

Sidewalks too narrow for snow removal equipment. This increases the annual maintenance costs to repair the adjacent areas.
Turf areas too narrow to mow with larger, more efficient mowers. These areas are not only difficult to maintain, but have limited functional value.
Edging that interferes with mowing and doesn't really edge.