Canter Group Planning & Design Blog

  This local landscape strip in the parking area exhibits several flaws.  The area is too narrow for the selected tree species (Live Oak) The topsoil within the planting area has been eroded away either by foot traffic or rainfall, or both There is no mulch around the tree to aid in moisture retention. It is possible that the soil is so compacted that the roots must surface to get the oxygen needed to survive. A path is not provided between areas separated by the landscape strip, making traversing an area like this, with exposed roots, hazardous to pedestrians.  A mitigating feature is that the planting strip is, placed at a 90 degree agnle with reference to the store entry so that pedestrians are not forced to cross the strip in order to reach the front entry. Some Suggested Design Considerations Ensure the species of tree is well suited at maturity for the space provided.  Know the characteristics of the development of the root system. At ...

Utility Screen after about 1.5 years

While finishing a recent project, we received a request from Tallahassee Growth Management to consider screening the required fire apparatus and backflow preventers from drivers on the adjacent roadway.  The challenge was to find a way to make these less noticeable and still maintain the required 7-foot clearance around the equipment. BEFORE   We decided to camouflage the backflow preventer by approximating the background color of the landscaping behind the units, and block the view to traffic with landscaping.       We photographed the surrounding installed landscaping, then use Adobe Illustrator to match the average color with Pantone color chips.  The result was presented to the Owner for approval.      Covers for the irrigation and potable water backflow preventers were added.  As in many construction projects, the instructions were "creatively" interpreted by the ones doing the ...

This pelican sculpture is repeated at several locations in Market Square, a local shopping area.   The nest below the pelican is made of reinforcing bar. (Rebar).  Liriope muscari is planted along side the pier posts.