Why become a Registered Landscape Architect? A landscape designer does the same type of work, right? Wrong. If you make the decision to pursue a career in the landscape industry, becoming a Registered Landscape Architect (also referred to as licensed landscape architect) means getting to the head of your field. To become a Registered Landscape Architect (RLA), one must complete an accredited four-year college program. The national society, ASLA (American Society of Landscape Architects), has a rigorous set of guidelines to decide which college programs become accredited. An accredited program is one in which theory, engineering, mathematics, spatial design, human behavior/interaction and construction details are taught in depth. This four-year educational background is the fundamental difference between a RLA and a landscape designer. A RLA is trained to design aesthetically pleasing landscapes while creating spaces that promote specific behaviors/activities and interactions among people while protecting the health, safety and welfare of the public.
Once a person graduates from an accredited program, they must work under a RLA for a minimum of two years. After two years, they are eligible to take the national exam. After you have passed the exam, paperwork must be filed with the state where the tester wants to be licensed. The state will then issue the Landscape Architect their stamp with their license number.
The road to become a RLA is a minimum of six years and both challenging and fun. Each project is different and allows for creative thought and design. Knowing you have a part in creating spaces that people use every day is rewarding, especially when you see them enjoying it.
Michael Seaman
Registered Landscape Architect
David J. Frank Landscaping
Monday, February 24, 2014
Monday, February 17, 2014
Monday, February 10, 2014
Things to do in Milwaukee (Winter Edition)
1. Eat at Martino’s on Layton, a family owned restaurant for over 30 years featuring the “best Chicago style hot dog in the country”. Find every topping possible for your dog; featured on the Travel Channel’s “Man vs. Food”.
2. Drink (and Eat) at the tucked away Safehouse. A unique collection of spygear complete with hidden passages. Ladies, beware of Burt Reynolds. Password or shenanigans required for entrance!
3. Stargaze at UWM’s Planetarium on Friday nights for only $2. You can go to uwm.edu/planetarium/calendar for a full list of events.
4. Laugh it up at the Comedy Café. Rated as one of the best in the country, it is located near the corner of Brady and Water Street.
5. Travel the world with fotopedia.com. Each collection of amazing pictures tells a story about a different region or culture of the world. Avid photographers can create accounts to display their talent.
6. Check out the historic North Point Lighthouse, located across the street from Bradford Beach on Lake Michigan. Original landscape design was done by Frederick Law Olmsted, designer of Central park and the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair.
7. Learn more about Frederick Law Olmsted, the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair and America’s first serial killer in Erik Larson’s Devil in the White City, book that is not easily put down.
8. Tour homegrown Sprecher Brewery. Known for their cultivation of old world brewing methods/flavor and gourmet sodas.
9. Shop at Mayfair & Bayshore malls. Not only does DJFLCI install beautiful annual flower plantings at both of these malls, but our holiday décor at Bayshore is not to be missed. Stroll at night and admire the 50’ lit Christmas tree. It will surely put you in the spirit.
10. Take a tour through the Nationally recognized Pabst Mansion.
Tips by Anne Reyes
Client Service Rep.
David J. Frank Landscape Contracting, Inc.
2. Drink (and Eat) at the tucked away Safehouse. A unique collection of spygear complete with hidden passages. Ladies, beware of Burt Reynolds. Password or shenanigans required for entrance!
3. Stargaze at UWM’s Planetarium on Friday nights for only $2. You can go to uwm.edu/planetarium/calendar for a full list of events.
4. Laugh it up at the Comedy Café. Rated as one of the best in the country, it is located near the corner of Brady and Water Street.
5. Travel the world with fotopedia.com. Each collection of amazing pictures tells a story about a different region or culture of the world. Avid photographers can create accounts to display their talent.
6. Check out the historic North Point Lighthouse, located across the street from Bradford Beach on Lake Michigan. Original landscape design was done by Frederick Law Olmsted, designer of Central park and the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair.
7. Learn more about Frederick Law Olmsted, the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair and America’s first serial killer in Erik Larson’s Devil in the White City, book that is not easily put down.
8. Tour homegrown Sprecher Brewery. Known for their cultivation of old world brewing methods/flavor and gourmet sodas.
9. Shop at Mayfair & Bayshore malls. Not only does DJFLCI install beautiful annual flower plantings at both of these malls, but our holiday décor at Bayshore is not to be missed. Stroll at night and admire the 50’ lit Christmas tree. It will surely put you in the spirit.
10. Take a tour through the Nationally recognized Pabst Mansion.
Tips by Anne Reyes
Client Service Rep.
David J. Frank Landscape Contracting, Inc.
Monday, February 3, 2014
7 Ways to Alleviate Stress
We all deal with stress or anxiety during our daily lives, some more than others.
However, do you ever wonder about certain people who just don’t seem to get stressed out? How do they do it? The following techniques may help you feel more comfortable when facing the challenges of your job, relationships, family matters or everyday life.
1. Communication
A common problem for most of us is anxiety when dealing with communication. The fear of speaking causes you to worry. Express your thoughts through other forms of communication – whether it is a phone call or e-mail. No matter the outcome – you will feel better knowing that you have communicated, and now you can move forward.
2. Listen to Music
I find music to be very therapeutic. Music can make you forget your worries, lift your spirits and energize you. When things get you down, turn on your favorite tunes and let the music carry you to your “happy place.”
3. Laughter
This is a powerful tool to help fight stress. Watching a comedic movie or TV show will make you smile and laugh resulting in a better state of mind.
4. Massage Therapy
You will benefit from the relaxation of your mind and the stimulation to your body. It can be a fun activity with a significant other. If you have never had a massage, go get one!
5. Don’t Procrastinate
One of my favorites. Putting things off only to do them later in a rush often creates poor results. Get ‘er done!! You feel good when you finish what you started.
6. Exercise
A great way to make you feel better is to exercise. This does not mean go run a marathon –
a short walk or riding your bike can clear your head and give you inspiration to solve your problems.
However, do you ever wonder about certain people who just don’t seem to get stressed out? How do they do it? The following techniques may help you feel more comfortable when facing the challenges of your job, relationships, family matters or everyday life.
1. Communication
A common problem for most of us is anxiety when dealing with communication. The fear of speaking causes you to worry. Express your thoughts through other forms of communication – whether it is a phone call or e-mail. No matter the outcome – you will feel better knowing that you have communicated, and now you can move forward.
2. Listen to Music
I find music to be very therapeutic. Music can make you forget your worries, lift your spirits and energize you. When things get you down, turn on your favorite tunes and let the music carry you to your “happy place.”
3. Laughter
This is a powerful tool to help fight stress. Watching a comedic movie or TV show will make you smile and laugh resulting in a better state of mind.
4. Massage Therapy
You will benefit from the relaxation of your mind and the stimulation to your body. It can be a fun activity with a significant other. If you have never had a massage, go get one!
5. Don’t Procrastinate
One of my favorites. Putting things off only to do them later in a rush often creates poor results. Get ‘er done!! You feel good when you finish what you started.
6. Exercise
A great way to make you feel better is to exercise. This does not mean go run a marathon –
a short walk or riding your bike can clear your head and give you inspiration to solve your problems.
7. Time Management / Planning
When most of us think about stress, one main component is time. You feel overloaded and become discouraged when you feel you don’t have enough time to complete your tasks. Schedule time each day for planning and you may find yourself with less stress and more time.
“The truth is that stress doesn't come from your boss, your kids, your spouse, traffic jams, health
challenges, or other circumstances. Stress comes from how you approach and handle it.”
Monday, January 20, 2014
Snow Work Process & Best Practice
At David J. Frank it may seem like
there is some down time during the winter, but in reality there is work going
on every day to prepare for the next large snowstorm. Throughout the year our team of professionals
spends much time researching and planning to provide the best materials and the
best service to our customers when the snow starts falling. The time spent bringing this information together
provides our clients with the best services when the winter weather hits. Here are a few things that we consider every
time it snows to keep our clients properties safe and usable!
While we don’t have an on staff meteorologist on staff at
David J. Frank, we do have the latest technology to update us on the current
weather conditions in the winter. When
snow is on its way our management team of snow professionals considers many
factors to determine how service will be completed at our sites. Important things to consider with a storm
event are the start of precipitation, type of precipitation, storm intensity,
expected storm length, wind conditions, temperature, etc. All of these factors have to be taken into account
to make sure that the right amount of service is provided at the right time on
each site. Some sites may need more
service based on the time of day and that also plays a factor in planning how
to tackle a storm. There is a huge
amount of planning that takes place to be ready to clean up after a storm and
all of the factors noted above are important to consider for all aspects of
snow clean-up.
Today we also plan ahead before a storm hits to prepare our sites and keep them safer ahead of time. This includes the use of anti-iceing agents. Anti-icing can be a cost-effective strategy that optimizes chemical usage. It is a proactive approach that should be first in a series of strategies for most winter storms. By applying chemical freeze-point-depressant materials before a storm, you can prevent snow and ice from bonding to the pavement. This can greatly affect how safe a property is during a storm and decrease liability for property owners.
In addition to anti-iceing, we also pre-treat our salt in
many instances to enhance its ability to melt snow and ice. Pre-treating is
mixing a liquid into the stockpile of salt or sand before it is applied. Unlike
pre-wetting, it does not require equipment changes. We also use winter sand and other abrasives
when temperatures are too cold for deicing chemicals to be effective. But be
aware that sand does not melt anything. It provides temporary traction, and only
when it is on top. Sand also clogs sewers, ditches, and streams. As a result,
avoid sand use as much as possible. A salt/sand mix is generally not recommended.
Salt reduces the effectiveness of sand, and sand reduces the effectiveness of
salt. However, a salt/sand mix may be helpful in limited situations such as a
freezing rain event where the salt is washed away quickly. A 25 to 50 percent
sand/salt mix has been documented as effective in increasing friction by
sticking the sand to the surface, like sandpaper.
In the end, the snow professionals at David J. Frank are
always preparing for winter. We know in
Wisconsin every winter is different.
With climate change looming who knows what this winter will bring! When it comes to snow new ideas and new ways
to keep our properties usable in the winter in South East Wisconsin is a
priority at David J. Frank and we look forward to continue to be a leader in
this part of our business for many years to come!
Zach Lieven
Landscape Architect
Monday, January 13, 2014
What is organic?
We have all heard the term “organic” tossed around but what does it really mean and why is it important? According to the online dictionary, organic means “noting or pertaining to a class of chemical compounds that formerly comprised only those existing in or derived from plants or animals, but that now includes all of compounds of carbon.” Basically organic means the plant, product or animal was grown without the use of any synthetic materials, genetically modified organisms, pesticides, antibiotics or growth hormones.
Why is it important? Well, because we all care about our future and the future of our grandchildren. The use of chemicals is forcing nature, including both plants and animals, to mutate around our chemical methods, thus creating hard-to-beat strains of bacteria, super-weeds and an imbalance of insects. We are also ingesting daily low doses of poison with the chemically grown food that we eat. Yes, it is less expensive at the checkout, but in the long run, the expense on our health, the land and the earth is priceless.
What can we do? First we need to change our perspective. We need to respect nature and let it be what it is rather than try to contort or control it. We need to see weeds or an overabundance of damaging insects or disease as a symptom of an imbalance rather than the problem itself. We need not to respond by relying on chemicals alone, but working to re-align that balance and using chemicals only as a tool to help us get there. We need to invest in healthy soil, use integrated pest management when presented with insect challenges, put the right plants in the right places and use a diverse variety of plants making sure to include native varieties. We also need to support the farms that are using organic and sustainable methods of farming, buy local and grow our own food at home.
Organic methods in the garden can be viewed as an investment for the future. They may not always offer an instant response that some chemical controls may present, but they are slowly adding to the health of your garden to have a wealth of balanced soil, flourishing plants, healthy animals, and a safe environment for everyone. Instant gratification can be enchanting while patience can be difficult, but it is important to think beyond the now and understand the effects of our immediate choices.
Why is healthy soil so important? Soil is the magical ingredient. Healthy soil is crucial, just like a good diet is vital for us to be healthy. Soil is the source of nutrients for plants, the breeding ground for micro-organisms that continue to enhance the soil quality and the source for water holding capacity. Without healthy soil, the success of plants is minimal. (I suggest watching “Dirt! The Movie” for further information and inspiration.)
What do we mean by the right plant in the right place? Set plants up for success by planting them where they will flourish rather than insisting that plants perform outside of their natural boundaries. Don’t plant full sun loving plants in part-shade or shade and vice versa and don’t plant monocultures (all of one plant). A diverse variety of plants means a diverse variety of insects which thus assists in creating a balanced environment.
Enough with the monocultures! We all love to play in the grass, but it has its place and its place does not need to be the majority of every home landscape. We tend to see grass as a single unit, but we forget that it consists of thousands of the same plant in a mass planting. Of course we shouldn’t banish our beloved turf, but we should keep it in moderation, designating it to the areas where we can use it and enjoy it and then fill the rest of the landscape with a variety of plants to include natives, vegetables and trees.
After a change in perspective and some habit adjustments, we can create healthier lifestyles for ourselves and our future. Let’s put change in the piggy bank to build toward a greater future filled with abundance and well being!
Erin Brophy
Client Service Rep.
David J. Frank Landscape Contracting, Inc.
Why is it important? Well, because we all care about our future and the future of our grandchildren. The use of chemicals is forcing nature, including both plants and animals, to mutate around our chemical methods, thus creating hard-to-beat strains of bacteria, super-weeds and an imbalance of insects. We are also ingesting daily low doses of poison with the chemically grown food that we eat. Yes, it is less expensive at the checkout, but in the long run, the expense on our health, the land and the earth is priceless.
What can we do? First we need to change our perspective. We need to respect nature and let it be what it is rather than try to contort or control it. We need to see weeds or an overabundance of damaging insects or disease as a symptom of an imbalance rather than the problem itself. We need not to respond by relying on chemicals alone, but working to re-align that balance and using chemicals only as a tool to help us get there. We need to invest in healthy soil, use integrated pest management when presented with insect challenges, put the right plants in the right places and use a diverse variety of plants making sure to include native varieties. We also need to support the farms that are using organic and sustainable methods of farming, buy local and grow our own food at home.
Organic methods in the garden can be viewed as an investment for the future. They may not always offer an instant response that some chemical controls may present, but they are slowly adding to the health of your garden to have a wealth of balanced soil, flourishing plants, healthy animals, and a safe environment for everyone. Instant gratification can be enchanting while patience can be difficult, but it is important to think beyond the now and understand the effects of our immediate choices.
Why is healthy soil so important? Soil is the magical ingredient. Healthy soil is crucial, just like a good diet is vital for us to be healthy. Soil is the source of nutrients for plants, the breeding ground for micro-organisms that continue to enhance the soil quality and the source for water holding capacity. Without healthy soil, the success of plants is minimal. (I suggest watching “Dirt! The Movie” for further information and inspiration.)
What do we mean by the right plant in the right place? Set plants up for success by planting them where they will flourish rather than insisting that plants perform outside of their natural boundaries. Don’t plant full sun loving plants in part-shade or shade and vice versa and don’t plant monocultures (all of one plant). A diverse variety of plants means a diverse variety of insects which thus assists in creating a balanced environment.
Enough with the monocultures! We all love to play in the grass, but it has its place and its place does not need to be the majority of every home landscape. We tend to see grass as a single unit, but we forget that it consists of thousands of the same plant in a mass planting. Of course we shouldn’t banish our beloved turf, but we should keep it in moderation, designating it to the areas where we can use it and enjoy it and then fill the rest of the landscape with a variety of plants to include natives, vegetables and trees.
After a change in perspective and some habit adjustments, we can create healthier lifestyles for ourselves and our future. Let’s put change in the piggy bank to build toward a greater future filled with abundance and well being!
Erin Brophy
Client Service Rep.
David J. Frank Landscape Contracting, Inc.
Monday, December 9, 2013
Green Roofs
A green roof is an addition of a new or existing roof that involves high-quality water proofing, a root repellent system, a drainage system, filter cloth, a lightweight growing medium and plants. Green roof systems may be modular with drainage layers, filter cloth, growing media and plants already prepared in movable, interlocking grids, or each component may be installed separately. Green roof development involves the creation of contained green space on top of a human-made structure. This green space could be below, at or above grade, but in all cases the plants are not planted in the ground.
There is no single type of green roof that works for all buildings, climates and client needs. Green roofs can be categorized as intensive or extensive, depending on the depth of growing medium. Six inches or less growing medium depth is an extensive roof, also characterized by its lower weight, lower plant diversity, cost and maintenance. Intensive green roofs have more than 12 inches of growing media and tend to have higher plant diversity, higher weight, cost and maintenance.
One benefit green roofs provide is increased savings on heating and cooling energy costs. Results vary according to size of the building, climate and type of green roof, but a Michigan State University study finds that a typical one-story building with a grass roof and four inches of growing medium would result in a 25% reduction in summer cooling needs. Field experiments found that a 6-inch extensive green roof reduced heat gains by 95% and heat losses by 26% compared to a conventional reference roof.
Green roofs decrease the cost of meeting greenhouse gas reductions and adapting to climate change by reducing the urban heat island effect -- the phenomenon of metropolitan areas being significantly warmer than surrounding rural areas, due to the heat-reflecting nature of concrete and other man-made materials and the release of heat from AC systems. The reintroduction of vegetation into cities promotes natural cooling by absorbing, instead of reflecting, the sun's rays, and through evapotranspiration. Traditional black roofs can reach temperatures of 158°F. One study concluded that 25% green roof coverage can reduce the urban heat island effect by up to 3 degrees F. Green roofs can also mitigate air pollution levels by trapping particulates and capturing harmful gases.
Milwaukee is a city that has a combined sewer system (the deep tunnel), whose treatment capacity can be overwhelmed by heavy precipitation, resulting in overflows into Lake Michigan with untreated waste water. By capturing and temporarily storing storm water, green roofs can reduce run-off volumes, thereby reducing the occurrence of combined sewer overflow events. By reducing peak flows, green roofs can also reduce the incidence of flooding and damage by erosion.
Green roofs filter storm water, improving the quality of the run-off. Studies have shown that a conventional roof's run-off contains high concentrations of pollutants from rainwater, roofing materials and atmospheric deposition. The plants and growing media used in green roofs help decontaminate run-off, loading fewer pollutants into the municipal storm water system.
Jeff Miller
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)