Catalog Description
- Transfer Status
- CSU
- Unit(s)
- 3.00
- Lecture: 34.00 Contact hours/68.00 Out of class hours/102.00 Total hours/2.00 Unit(s)
- Lab: 51.00 Contact hours/0.00 Out of class hours/51.00 Total hours/1.00 Unit(s)
- Total: 85.00 Contact hours/68.00 Out of class hours/153.00 Total hours/3.00 Unit(s)
Course Description: This course covers the fundamentals of landscape construction including: soil preparation, irrigation system construction, paving and construction materials, hand and power tool use, landscape equipment operation, turf and plant installation, water feature construction and maintenance, plan reading and materials estimating. The course includes the role of building codes as they apply to landscape construction.
Objectives
Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:
- Use appropriate nomenclature and industry terms pertaining to materials, tools and equipment used in landscape construction.
- Demonstrate safety-consciousness in dress/apparel, tool use, job site demeanor, and personal safety equipment.
- Employ correct skill sets used in the phases of landscape construction.
- Select and operate appropriate tools and equipment used by landscape builders.
- Describe the importance of professionalism in the landscape industry and list industry associations and certification programs.
Course Content
Topic Titles / Suggested Time Topic
Lecture
| Topics | Lec Hrs |
|---|---|
Scope of the Landscape Industry in California | 2.00 |
Legal Requirements of a C-27 Contractor’s License | 2.00 |
Safety, Proper Use and Maintenance of Equipment and Tools | 4.00 |
Plan Reading and Layout Work | 4.00 |
Materials Estimating | 4.00 |
Concrete and Masonry Construction | 4.00 |
Carpentry Construction | 2.00 |
Plumbing and Irrigation | 4.00 |
Electrical – Irrigation and Nightlighting | 2.00 |
Plant and Non-Plant Materials – Selection and Use | 4.00 |
Water Features – Design and Construction | 2.00 |
| Total Hours: | 34.00 |
Lab
| Topics | Lab Hrs |
|---|---|
Safety, Proper Use and Maintenance of Equipment and Tools | 3.00 |
Plan Reading and Layout Work | 3.00 |
Materials Estimating | 3.00 |
Concrete and Masonry Construction | 6.00 |
Carpentry Construction | 6.00 |
Plumbing and Irrigation | 6.00 |
Electrical – Irrigation and Nightlighting | 6.00 |
Plant and Non-Plant Materials – Selection and Use | 9.00 |
Water Features – Design and Construction | 9.00 |
| Total Hours: | 51.00 |
Methods of Instruction
- Class Activities
- Collaborative Group Work
- Demonstrations
- Homework: Students are required to complete two hours of outside-of-class homework for each hour of lecture
- Lecture
- Multimedia Presentations
- Problem-Solving Sessions
Methods of Evaluation
- Exams/Tests
- Quizzes
- Oral Presentation
- Journal
- Class participation
- Lab Projects
- Short papers
Examples of Assignments
Reading Assignments
- Read the chapter in your text on plant selection to understand the origins of landscape plants and their proper selection for a given application. Be prepared for class discussion.
- Read the chapter in your text on weights and measures to prepare for our exercise on measurements and dimensions.
Writing Assignments
- Choose three species of ornamental/edible landscape plants and in a 2 page paper describe their proper uses including spacing, sun requirements and irrigation needs.
- Write a two page paper on proper irrigation equipment selection and specification based on a specified job site.
Out-of-Class Assignments
- Visit an active construction jobsite, after obtaining approval from the job supervisor, and evaluate the types of construction and equipment being used there. Be prepared to present your findings to the class.
- Attend a local professional association meeting, such as California Landscape Contractor's Association monthly meeting, take notes, ask questions and report back to the class on who they met and what they learned.
Recommended Materials of Instruction
Ingels, Jack E. (2019). Landscaping Principles and Practices. Cengage, 8th.
California Landscape Contractors Association. (2018). CLS California Landscape Standards. CLCA, Sacramento, CA.
Other Learning Materials
Work boots, safety glasses, work gloves, shade hats, sun screen, water bottle and cold weather gear-as needed.
Minimum Qualifications
Construction Technology
Ornamental Horticulture
Agricultural Engineering
Agriculture (Masters Required)