Plant SelectionGuide
Selecting Plants for Site Conditions
A practical framework for matching plant material to light, soil, water, and exposure.
3 min readView resource
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Start with a practical guide.
One highlighted resource to help professionals move from site conditions to material decisions.
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Guides, references, checklists, videos, articles, and calculator previews for professional landscape work.
24 resources found
- Plant SelectionGuide
Selecting Plants for Site Conditions
A practical framework for matching plant material to light, soil, water, and exposure.
3 min readView resource 
Plant CareArticleEstablishment Care Essentials
Core watering, mulching, and monitoring practices for newly installed plant material.
3 min readView resource
TreesGuideTree Staking and Guying Basics
When and how to stake trees during establishment without restricting healthy growth.
3 min readView resource
TreesField NotesHandling Specimen Trees on Site
Field notes for unloading, protecting, and planting larger specimen material.
3 min readView resource
ShrubsReferenceShrub Spacing Reference
Quick spacing guidance for hedges, screens, and foundation plantings.
3 min readView resource
ShrubsArticlePruning Windows for Common Shrubs
Seasonal timing considerations for maintaining form without reducing performance.
3 min readView resource
PerennialsGuidePerennial Massing Patterns
Layout patterns for durable color and texture in commercial and residential beds.
3 min readView resource
PerennialsChecklistSeasonal Color Planning Checklist
A checklist for sequencing color programs across seasons and procurement windows.
3 min readView resource
HardscapeChecklistHardscape Base Preparation Checklist
A field checklist for base prep, compaction, edge restraint, and finish-grade readiness.
3 min readView resource
HardscapeGuidePaver Pattern Planning Guide
Pattern planning notes for walks, patios, and drive courts before material ordering.
3 min readView resource
Natural StoneReferenceNatural Stone Jointing Reference
Jointing and pattern reference for common natural stone outdoor applications.
3 min readView resource
Natural StoneGuideFlagstone Installation Overview
Overview of base, setting, and joint approaches for flagstone walks and terraces.
3 min readView resource
IrrigationGuideIrrigation Layout Planning Guide
Planning guidance for zone strategy, coverage, and component selection.
3 min readView resource
IrrigationChecklistValve Manifold Checklist
A practical checklist for manifold assembly, labeling, and zone readiness.
3 min readView resource
Landscape LightingGuideLandscape Lighting Placement Basics
Placement principles for path, accent, and architectural lighting.
3 min readView resource
Landscape LightingReferenceTransformer Sizing Reference
Quick reference for estimating transformer capacity before final design.
3 min readView resource
DrainageGuideSurface Drainage Decision Guide
Decision guidance for common surface drainage approaches by site condition.
3 min readView resource
Contractor OperationsChecklistJobsite Coordination Checklist
A checklist for sequencing deliveries, crew readiness, and site access.
3 min readView resource
Contractor OperationsArticleCrew Readiness Brief
A short brief for aligning crews on materials, access, and daily sequencing.
3 min readView resource
EstimatingGuideMaterial Takeoff Basics
Foundational takeoff practices for landscape material estimating workflows.
3 min readView resource
EstimatingReferenceWaste Factor Reference
Reference ranges for common waste factors used in outdoor material estimating.
3 min readView resource
Material CalculatorsCalculatorMulch Volume Estimator
Working mulch volume calculator — enter bed area and depth for instant yardage.
Interactive calculatorView resource
Material CalculatorsCalculatorBase Material Estimator
Working base-material calculator for patio and path areas, with compaction allowance.
Interactive calculatorView resource
Material CalculatorsCalculatorPaver Quantity Estimator
Working paver quantity calculator with common sizes and waste factor.
Interactive calculatorView resource
Calculators
Featured calculators.
Enter your job measurements — results update instantly. Standard supply-yard formulas, rounded the way crews order.
Interactive calculator
Mulch Calculator
Mulch volume from bed size and finish depth.
Bed area200 sq ft
Bulk mulch1.9 yd³
Or 2 cu ft bags25
3″ is the standard finish depth for beds.
Interactive calculator
Base Material Calculator
Compacted base for patios, walks, and courts.
Area180 sq ft
Base material2.7 yd³
Includes a 20% compaction allowance. 4–6″ depth is typical for foot traffic.
Interactive calculator
River Rock Calculator
Rock coverage for beds and drainage accents.
Area100 sq ft
Volume0.7 yd³
Approx. weight0.8 tons
2″ depth suits decorative cover; use 3″+ over drainage.
Interactive calculator
Retaining Wall Calculator
Block counts for grade-change walls.
Wall face60 sq ft
Wall blocks189
Cap blocks30
Includes 5% extra for cuts. Walls over 3–4 ft usually need engineering.
Interactive calculator
Paver Calculator
Paver counts for patios and walkways.
Area180 sq ft
Pavers needed892
Waste covers cuts and breakage — use 15% for diagonal or herringbone patterns.
Interactive calculator
Lighting Transformer Calculator
Transformer sizing for low-voltage lighting.
Total load60 W
Minimum capacity75 W
Recommended transformer150 W
Transformers should run at no more than 80% of rated capacity.
Paths
Recommended learning progression.
Beginner, intermediate, and advanced paths for building practical field knowledge over time.
01 · Beginner
Start with selection and care fundamentals.
Build confidence with plant selection, establishment care, and basic jobsite coordination.
- Plant SelectionGuide
Selecting Plants for Site Conditions
A practical framework for matching plant material to light, soil, water, and exposure.
3 min readView resource - Plant CareArticle
Establishment Care Essentials
Core watering, mulching, and monitoring practices for newly installed plant material.
3 min readView resource - Contractor OperationsChecklist
Jobsite Coordination Checklist
A checklist for sequencing deliveries, crew readiness, and site access.
3 min readView resource
02 · Intermediate
Connect materials to installation planning.
Move into hardscape prep, irrigation layout, and estimating references used on active projects.
- HardscapeChecklist
Hardscape Base Preparation Checklist
A field checklist for base prep, compaction, edge restraint, and finish-grade readiness.
3 min readView resource - IrrigationGuide
Irrigation Layout Planning Guide
Planning guidance for zone strategy, coverage, and component selection.
3 min readView resource - EstimatingGuide
Material Takeoff Basics
Foundational takeoff practices for landscape material estimating workflows.
3 min readView resource
03 · Advanced
Refine systems and field decision-making.
Go deeper on drainage decisions, lighting placement, and stone installation oversight.
- DrainageGuide
Surface Drainage Decision Guide
Decision guidance for common surface drainage approaches by site condition.
3 min readView resource - Landscape LightingGuide
Landscape Lighting Placement Basics
Placement principles for path, accent, and architectural lighting.
3 min readView resource - Natural StoneGuide
Flagstone Installation Overview
Overview of base, setting, and joint approaches for flagstone walks and terraces.
3 min readView resource