Role of vegetation in landscape

• Vegetation plays a functional role in landscape because it is an important control on run off,
soil erosion, microclimate and noise.
• Improve aesthetics
• Frame spaces
• Pedestrian behavior
• Control boundaries
Role of vegetation in landscape
Role of vegetation in landscape
Role of vegetation in landscape
Role of vegetation in landscape
Role of vegetation in landscape Micro climate and Energy
Element of landscape – Slope Micro climate and Energy
Element of landscape – Slope
Element of landscape – Slope
Factors affecting growth of Plants
• The weather, as it changes from day to day and from year to year, influences growth rate, form,
foliage density, flower and fruit production.
• A favorable microclimate would produce taller, extended and more luxuriant growth
• Neighboring Vegetation
• Soil condition (Grazing animals)
• Human

The favorable microclimate provided by a The dramatic effects of light can give
south-facing wall allows the growing of unpredictable yet memorable qualities to
plants which would not survive in the open. planting
Cycles of plant growth and development
• Young growth, reproductive maturity and senescence are usually distinguished by very
different habit and form so, at each stage, the design role the plant can play will be quite
different.
• Growth stage can affect not only a plant’s appearance and design role, but also its
environmental requirements.
Cycles of plant growth and development
Stages of development
Plants as Spatial elements
• Design is not only about the form
of solid structures, however, it is
also concerned with the ‘empty’
space that the solid form defines
and creates.

• Plants also define and create space. This

space is created around, between, and even
within their canopies. By organizing and
manipulating foliage canopies, the designer
uses plants to build a structure or what we
might call a framework that defines and orders
space in the landscape.
Plants as Spatial elements
Plants as Ornament
• Planting, whether or not specifically ornamental in its purpose, offers a wealth of aesthetic
detail the appearance of leaves, twigs, bark, flowers and fruit; the fragrance of flowers and
aromatic foliage; the physical texture of bark and leaves; the sound when stirred by the wind or
beaten by the rain.
Plants as Ornament
Plants as Ornament
Selection of Plants
design characteristics can be placed under three
headings:
1. Functional and spatial characteristics :
The functional and structural characteristics
allow a plant to perform its working role in
the landscape. For example, form and foliage
density affect its ability to shelter, screen or
shade; rooting habit determines its ability to
bind the surface soil and protect against
erosion; height affects its barrier function. These kind of characteristics allow planting to
produce a functioning landscape, a fit environment for human activities.

2. Visual and other sensory characteristics:

Visual qualities are key ingredients in planting designed for sensory interest. The amount of
care needed when working with these characteristics also depends on the nature of the site
and the visual sensitivity of the location.

3. Plant growth habit and cultural requirements.

Growth habit and cultural requirements determine whether a species can
succeed in a habitat or ecological niche.
Selection of Plants
Selection of Plants
Selection of Plants
Ground Cover
Groundcover : The planting material that forms a carpet of low height; these low-growing
plants are usually installed as the final part of landscape construction.

Groundcover plants are those which naturally grow to a very low height. Some of the uses
for which they may be used are:
(a) Stabilization soil on steep slopes such as embankments.

(b) As a low maintenance substitute for grass (where the surface is not to be used).

(c) For providing variety in surface treatment.

(d) Contrast with paving materials, for example to soften rigid lines of paving.

(e) As a subtle means of demarcating space, as for example, in places where tall plants would be
visually intrusive.

(f) In combination with other plants to provide contrast or harmony in form.

Ground Cover
Ground cover
Shrub
Shrub : A woody plant of low to medium height, deciduous or evergreen, generally having
many stem.

Low planting has an essential role at the edges between hard and soft landscape and between
soft landscape areas of differing uses. Tall shrubs need room to spread laterally without
encroaching on circulation space.
Hedge : Number of shrubs or trees
(often similar species) planted
closely together in a line. A hedge
may be pruned to shape or allowed
to grow to assume its natural
shape.

Shrubbery : Shrubs planted in

clump and allowed to retain their
original shape.
Shrub Below knee height

•Form a visual platform or ground plane like

carpeting plants.

• low planting can give a common ground or

platform that unifies other planting and elements
in a composition.
Shrub (Short) Knee to eye level
•It can separate areas for safety reasons: for example,
keeping people or vehicles away from steep slopes,
water or from each other.

• acknowledge and emphasize desire lines or

pathways where visual enclosure is not wanted.

• to maintain a distance between people and buildings

and other private areas, in this way giving privacy
while not growing above window sill level and
reducing light.

• It can define a building cartilage or domain, in a

similar way to a low wall, fence or hedge, but less
formally.

• A mass of medium foliage fringing a building or other

structure can visually anchor it to the ground and link
it to the surrounding landscape. This is particularly
important when a building or other structure is
introduced into a landscape characterized by generous
existing vegetation.
Shrub (Short) Knee to eye level
Shrub (Tall) Above eye level
• In the human scale landscape of parks,
gardens, courtyards, streets and playgrounds
tall planting gives privacy and shelter and
screens intrusions like car parking, service
areas and refuse bins.

• Like a wall or fence, tall planting can make a

backcloth to ornamental planting such as
herbaceous borders and display beds. Clipped
‘formal’ hedges have traditionally played this
role in gardens, but looser shrub planting can
also be effective.

• Because of its size, tall planting can play an

accompanying role to buildings. Its visual
mass is similar to small buildings so it can be
used to balance areas of their masonry or
cladding.
• An isolated pair of tall shrubs or a gap in
mass planting creates a frame.
Shrub (Tall) Above eye level
Shrub
Tree
Tree : A woody plant, generally taller than 2.00 m, with a well-distinguished trunk or trunks
below the leaf crown.

Deciduous Tree : Tree that sheds all its leaves in autumn or in dry season.

Evergreen Tree : Tree that remains green for most part of the year and sheds leaves
slowly throughout the year.

Foliage : The collective leaves of a plant or plants.

The sizes of trees are of the same order of magnitude as buildings, roads, bridges and smaller
industrial developments. Tree planting can therefore be used for screening, separating,
sheltering, enclosing, accompanying and complementing these larger structures.
Tree
Tree
• Medium trees can create spaces that contain
smaller buildings and therefore have a greater
effect on the spatial structure of urban landscape.

• Tall trees are less common in urban areas because

of the space they demand, although naturally tall
growing species are often planted in streets and
gardens only to be lopped or pruned once they
begin to shade or dominate nearby buildings.

• The size of trees over about 20 metres enables

them to form the part of the primary spatial
structure of streets, squares and parks. In the rural
landscape large trees create a large-scale
framework.

• Medium and tall tree planting can play a crucial

role in integrating massive industrial buildings, like
power stations, into the surrounding landscape.
Tree belts and plantations enveloping and
extending outwards from such sites provide
screening of near distance views
Tree
•A single specimen or small group of trees, itself
acts as a focus. Being an isolated object, it occupies
a small area in our field of vision and our eye tends
to rest on it.

•A tree with a distinctive feature such as autumn

color or picturesque habit will make a particularly
notable focus.

•A further architectural role of tree planting might

be the linking of varied building styles. A simple,
regular line of one species can provide uniform
frontage or a free-standing counterpoint to an
architectural façade. Its continuity can bind together
different building styles so that the architectural
variety adds interest within a unifying green
framework.
Tree
Trees
Trees
Degrees of enclosure through Plants
•PARTLY VISUALLY ENCLOSED,
PHYSICALLY ENCLOSED Openings that
extend below eye level in the enclosing
planting will form windows that allow
visual penetration of the space.
Degrees of enclosure through Plants

PARTLY VISUALLY ENCLOSED, PHYSICALLY OPEN Shrub planting is omitted so there is no barrier
to movement but a narrow band or single line of trees clearly defines the boundary and their
boles interrupt and frame views across the boundary.

Trees form a canopy above head height and the spacing of the trunks will determine the amount
of visibility between them.

The advantage of this kind of space is easy communication with surrounding areas combined
with a strong sense of place, of being within.
Degrees of enclosure through Plants
•VISUALLY OPEN, PHYSICALLY ENCLOSED Full visibility is achieved by
planting that is mostly below eye level.

•Yet shrubs at knee to waist height form an effective barrier to

movement. A space enclosed in this way by medium-height shrub
planting will be clearly defined and separated from surrounding
ground and yet allow an open prospect in all directions.

•Nevertheless, medium shrub planting creates a clear boundary and

can effectively define a domain where territory must be identified
and easy surveillance is required.

VISUALLY OPEN, PHYSICALLY OPEN A domain can be defined by low

planting of knee height or below. This allows complete visibility and,
though it discourages movement because the surface can be
difficult to walk on, it does not altogether prevent it.

The role of low planting in this kind of space is not to separate but
to link visually the distinct areas or zones, giving an uninterrupted
flow of space between them.
Shape of space
Shape of space
Shape of space
Shape of space
Shape of space
Vertical proportions
Vertical proportions
Slope
Focus
Focus
Focus
Focus
Focus
Transitions
Transition
Entrances
Entrances
Grouping of plants
Grouping of plants Sequence
Grouping of plants Scale
Climber/Creeper
Climber (Creeper/Vine) : A non-supporting plant, woody or herbaceous, which clings to a
wall, trellis or other structures as it grows upward.

• Climbers are useful for shading exposed walls from direct sunlight.

• They may also be used for stabilizing soil on embankments (for example, ficus stipulate,
Ipomea biloba).

• On sites where a high degree of security makes fencing necessary, climbers and spreading
plants like Bougainvillea species, may be trained on boundary wall.
Criteria for choosing species
Consideration for plant design
The following criteria shall be considered in planting design :
1. Plant Material

2. Soil conditions

3. Availability and quality of water

4. Availability of sunlight

5. Quality of air

6. Maintenance

7. Functional Aspects of Design with Plants

8. Planting for Shelter and Soil Conservation

9. Air Pollution Control by Plants

Consideration for plant design Plant material
The major sets of factors that influence the choice of plant material are related to the
characteristics, both botanical and physical of plant material and the context in which the plant
material is to be used.

Physical and Botanical Characteristics of Plant Material

(a) Nomenclature (botanical and trade-name)

(b) Origin, family and natural habitat

(c) Growth characteristic and form as a function of habitat

(d) Physical characteristics, for example bark, texture, foliage, etc.

(e) Propagation and maintenance

(f) Use in landscape design.

Consideration for plant design Plant material
Vegetation Types (Evergreen and deciduous)
(a) Evergreen trees for
(i) Places requiring shade throughout the year

(ii) Strong visual screening

(iii) Part of windbreak or shelter planting

(iv) Areas where leaf lifter is to be discouraged

(b) Deciduous trees for :

(i) Greater visual variety

(ii) Partial visual barrier

(iii) Areas where under-planting is to be encouraged (for example grass)

(iv) Emphasis on branching and flowering pattern, and

(v) Areas where shade is not required throughout the year.

Consideration for plant design Shelter & soil conservation
• The use of vegetation for controlling wind is widely recognized as an effective way of
conserving soil and reducing erosion by wind.
• Vegetation may therefore be used for modifying the microclimate, by obstructing, guiding,
deflecting or filtering wind current.

Windbreaker
grown protective planting around gardens and orchards. Windbreakers generally consist of
single or double row of trees.

Shelterbelt
Provides an extensive barrier of trees with several rows of trees. Plant species are chosen with
particular regard to their physical and growth characteristics, and their effectiveness in achieving
the desired results.
Consideration for plant design Shelter & soil conservation
Windbreakers and shelterbelts fulfill essential microclimatic functions in rural and urban
environments. Benefits accruing from plantation of shelter planting may be as follows :
(a) Reduction in wind velocity resulting in the arrest of movements of soil particles.

(b) Prevention of soil erosion.

(c) Modification of micro- climate; moderation of change in air temperature.

(d) Protection of crops from being blown by high winds.

(e) Reduction in evaporation of soil moisture. Increase in soil moisture content varies from 3 %
to 7.8 % Water loss due to evaporation is lessened.

(f) Increase in soil moisture due to greater dew fall in sheltered areas has been found to be 200
% higher than on exposed ground; heaviest dew fall is over a distance of 2 to 3 times the height
of the shelterbelt.

(g) Beneficial effect on growth of plants that are affected by high winds.

(h) The zone of influence of shelterbelt on crop yield extends to a distance of 20 times the
height of the belt, with the maximum effect being observed 10 times the height of the tree belt,
on the leeward side.
Consideration for plant design Shelter & soil conservation
Techniques for control of wind erosion : The principal method of reducing surface velocity of
wind, upon which depends the abrasive and transportation capacity of wind, is by vegetation
measures.
(a) Porosity is important in the effectiveness of shelterbelt and proper selection of tree species
is necessary. Porosity near ground level is desirable.

(b) Effectiveness of shelter planting depends more on height and permeability than on width.
The width influences the general microclimate but above a certain minimum width, it does not
affect greater reduction in wind velocity.
Consideration for plant design Shelter & soil conservation
Species suitable for wind breaks are :
(a) For Dry and Arid Regions
(i) Acacia auriculiformis (Australian Blackwood)
(ii) Ailanthus excelsa (Maharukh)
(iii) Albizia lebbeck (Siris)
(iv) Azadirachta indica (Neem)
(v) Casuarina equisetifolia (Beef- wood)
(vi) Dalbergia sissoo (Sheesham)
(vii) Eugenia Jambolana (Jamun)
(viii) Grevillea robusta (Silver oak)
(ix) Peltophorum ferrugineum (Cooper pod)
(x) Tamarindus indica (Imli)
(xi) Pongamia glabra (Indian beech)
(xii) Tamarix articulate (Tamarisk)
Consideration for plant design Shelter & soil conservation
(b) For Coastal Area
(i) Anacardium occidentale (Cashew)

(ii) Ailanthus malabarica (Alston)

(iii) Cassuarina equisetifolia (Beef-wood)

(iv) Pongamia glabra (India beech)

(v) Sesbania aculeate (Sesban)

(vi) Thevetia Peruviana (Yellow oleander)

(vii) Thespesia populnea (Indian Tulip)

(viii) Vitex negundo (Sephali)

Consideration for plant design Air pollution control by plants
Vegetation buffers can minimize the build-up of pollution levels in urban areas, by acting as
pollution sinks.

Effect of Plants :
Plant leaves function as efficient gas exchange systems. Their internal structure allows rapid
diffusion of water-soluble gases. These characteristics allow the plant to respire and
photosynthesize, and they can also remove pollution from the air.

Some of the beneficial results of plantations may be:

(a) They are good absorbers of sulphur dioxide.

(b) Parks with trees have an SO2 level lower than city streets.

(c) Roadside hedges can reduce traffic generated air borne lead, on leeward side.

(d) Heavy roadside planting in the form of shelterbelts can result in a reduction in airborne lead.

(e) Complete dust interception can be achieved by a 30m belt of trees. Even a single row of trees
may bring about 25% reduction in airborne particulate.
PLANTING TECHNIQUES

• Group trees to simulate natural stands. As a rule, regular spacing or geometric patterns are to
be avoided. Trees in rows or grids are best reserved for limited urban situations where a civic or
monumental character is desired.

• Use canopy trees to unify the site. They are the most visible. They provide the dominant
neighborhood character and identity. They provide sun filter and shade and soften architectural
lines. They provide the spatial roof or ceiling.

• Install intermediate trees for understory screening, windbreak, and visual interest. They are
the enframers, particularly suited to the subdivision of a larger site into smaller use areas and
spaces. As a category they include many of the better accent plants and ornamentals and may
be used as individual specimens.

• Utilize shrubs for supplementary low-level baffles and screens. They serve as well to provide
enclosure, to reinforce pathway alignments and nodes, to accentuate points and features of
plan importance, and to furnish floral and foliage display. They can also be used (sparingly) for
hedges.
PLANTING TECHNIQUES

• Treat vines as nets and draperies. Various types can be planted to stabilize slopes and dunes,
to cool exposed walls, or to provide a cascade of foliage and blossoms over walls and fences.

• Install ground covers on the base plane to retain soils and soil moisture, define paths and use
areas, and provide turf where required. They are the carpets of the ground plane.

• In all extensive tree plantings, select a theme tree, from three to five supporting secondary
trees, and a limited palette of supplementary species for special conditions and effects. This
procedure helps to assure a planting of simplicity and strength.

• Choose as the dominant theme tree a type that is indigenous, moderately fast-growing, and
able to thrive with little care. These are planted in groups, swaths, and groves to provide the
grand arboreal framework and overall site organization.

• Use secondary species to complement the primary planting installation and to define the site
spaces of lesser magnitude. Each secondary tree type will be chosen to harmonize with the
theme tree and natural landscape character, while imbuing each space with its own special
qualities.
PLANTING TECHNIQUES
• Supplementary tree species are used as appropriate to demarcate or differentiate areas of
unique landscape quality. The uniqueness may be that of topography, as ridge, hollow, upland,
or marsh. It may be that of use, as a local street or court, a quiet garden space, or a bustling
urban shopping mall. It may be that of special need, as dense windscreen, light shade, or
seasonal color.

• Exotic species are to be limited to areas of high refinement. They are best used only in those
situations in which they may receive intensive care and will not detract from the natural scene.

• Use trees to sheathe the trafficways. An effective design approach is to plant the arterial
roads or circulation drives with random groupings of trees selected from the secondary list.

• Local streets, loop drives, and culde- sacs are transitioned in, but each is given its own
particular character with supplementary trees (and other plants) best suited to the use, the
topography, and the architecture.

• Give emphasis to trafficway nodes. The intersections of circulation routes are often given
added prominence by the use of modulated ground forms, walls, fences, signing, increased
levels of lighting, and supplementary planting.
PLANTING TECHNIQUES

•Keep the sight lines clear at roadway intersections. Avoid the use of shrubs and low-branching
trees within the sighting zones.

•Create an attractive roadway portal to each neighborhood and activity center.

•The entrance planting should be arranged to provide a welcoming harbor quality.

•Arrange the tree groupings to provide views and expansive open spaces.

•Plants are well used as enframers rather than fillers.

•Close or compress the plantings where the ground forms or structures impinge.

•This sequential opening and closing and increasing or decreasing the height, density, and width
of the planting along any route of movement give added richness and power to the landscape.

•Expand the roadside plantings. Where space is limited, the initial landscape plantings and
often site construction may occur outside the rightof- way. A landscape or planting easement
may be required.
PLANTING TECHNIQUES

•Provide shade and interest along the paths and bikeways. If made attractive, they will be used.

•Conceal parking, storage, and other service areas. Trees, hedges, or looser shrubs may be used
alone or in combination with mounding, walls, or fencing to provide visual control.

•Consider climate control in all landscape planting. Plants can be used to block winter winds,
channel the breeze, temper the heat of the sun, and otherwise improve the microclimate.

•Complement the topographical forms.

•Use plants as space definers.

•They convert use areas into use spaces. By their associative nature and their color, texture, and
form, they can endow each space with qualities appropriate to the use or uses intended.

•Plants used for backdrop, screening, shade, or space definition are generally selected for
strength, cleanliness of form, richness of texture, and subtlety of color. Plants to be featured are
selected for their sculptural qualities and for ornamental twigging, budding, foliage, flowers, and
fruit.

•Stress quality, not quantity. One well-selected, well-placed plant can be more effective than
100 plants scattered about at random.