Sign-In
Cart
Modern Landscape Construction: A Practical Guide to Site Preparation, Grading, Drainage, Hardscape Installation, and Sustainable Outdoor Building Prac
Paperback
General Construction & RenovationLandscape ArchitectureLandscaping
Publisher: Independently Published
Published: May 10 2026
Pages: 366
Weight: 1.87
Height: 0.76 Width: 8.50 Depth: 11.00
Language: English
The landscape construction industry has changed dramatically in the last fifteen years. The textbooks have not.
Permeable paving systems are now mandated by municipalities across the country. Smart irrigation controllers have replaced fixed-schedule timers. Composite decking outsells natural wood. Drone surveying has cut site assessment time from days to hours. Outdoor kitchens and fire features represent the fastest-growing segment of landscape construction. Green infrastructure - bioswales, rain gardens, infiltration basins - has moved from specialty niche to standard practice.
Yet the most widely used landscape construction textbook was last updated in 2010 and costs over $250.
Modern Landscape Construction fills that gap. Written for both the classroom and the jobsite, this comprehensive reference covers the complete scope of landscape construction practice - from reading grading plans and calculating cut-and-fill quantities through permeable paver installation, geogrid-reinforced retaining walls, LED lighting design, and digital project management.
What makes this book different:
Every chapter reflects current materials, codes, and technology - not the methods of fifteen years ago. Permeable paving systems receive full-chapter treatment with design calculations, installation procedures, and maintenance protocols. Smart irrigation technology, soil moisture sensors, and remote management platforms are covered alongside conventional system design. Composite decking, outdoor kitchens, and fire features are documented with code-compliant construction details. Green infrastructure and stormwater best management practices are integrated throughout - not siloed into a single sustainability chapter. Digital workflows including drone photogrammetry, GPS machine control, and BIM for landscape are covered as practical construction tools, not theoretical concepts.
Inside you will find:
Ten comprehensive chapters progressing from pre-construction foundations through site preparation, grading, drainage, irrigation, lighting, retaining walls, paving, outdoor structures, water features, sustainability, and project management. Over 30 technical diagrams, cross-sections, and construction details. Professional case studies with guided analysis for every chapter. More than 220 review questions with complete rationales. Production rate tables, material coverage charts, and estimating references used daily in professional practice. Current OSHA, ADA, ASTM, ICPI, and NCMA standard references throughout.
Who this book serves:
Landscape architecture and horticulture students will find a current, affordable textbook that replaces outdated $250 references. Working landscape contractors will gain a field-ready reference covering modern materials and methods. Licensed landscape architects will find a construction refresher updated for current practice. Career changers entering the landscape trades will find a comprehensive foundation built from the ground up.
The landscape construction industry is a $159 billion market employing over one million people in the United States alone. Whether you are building your first retaining wall or managing your hundredth commercial hardscape project, this book delivers the technical knowledge that modern practice demands - at a price that respects your investment in your career.
Also in
General Construction & Renovation
City Witchery: Accessible Rituals, Practices & Prompts for Conjuring and Creating in a Magical Metropolis
Basile, Lisa Marie
Paperback
Creating the Not So Big House: Insights and Ideas for the New American House
Susanka, Sarah
Hardcover
Martha Stewart's Homekeeping Handbook: The Essential Guide to Caring for Everything in Your Home
Stewart, Martha
Hardcover
This Oak House: A Renovation Story with Interiors to Inspire Your Own Home
Meyers-Shyer, Annie
Hardcover
The Art of Home: A Designer Guide to Creating an Elevated Yet Approachable Home
McGee, Shea
Hardcover
Small Engines and Outdoor Power Equipment, Updated 2nd Edition: A Care & Repair Guide For: Lawn Mowers, Snowblowers & Small Gas-Powered Imple
Editors of Cool Springs Press
Paperback
Best-Selling 1-Story Home Plans, 5th Edition: Over 360 Dream-Home Plans in Full Color
Editors of Creative Homeowner
Paperback
Big Book of Small Home Plans, 2nd Edition: Over 360 Home Plans Under 1200 Square Feet
Design America Inc
Paperback
Black and Decker Advanced Home Wiring Updated 6th Edition: Current with 2023-2026 Codes - Featuring Instructions For: Backup Power, Panel Upgrades, Af
Editors of Cool Springs Press
Paperback
Interiors: A Home Renovation and Interior Design Book: Curated Spaces from Start to Finish
Lewis, Amber
Hardcover
DIY Solar Projects for Beginners: Small and Easy Projects to Whole-Home Systems That Use the Sun
Smith, Eric
Paperback
Good Character: Design with Intention to Reveal Your Home's Personality
St Russell, David
St Russell, Stephen
Hardcover
Ultimate Guide: Small Space Kitchen Gardens: How to Plan, Plant, and Harvest High-Yield Vegetable Gardens
Koziol, Nina
Paperback
Building Outdoor Kitchens for Every Budget, 2nd Edition: DIY Instructions and Over 300 Photos for Attractive and Functional Kitchens No Matter Your Bu
Cory, Steve
Slavik, Diane
Paperback
The Layered Home: An Interior Design Book: Inspiration for Crafting Cozy, Collected Rooms
Reynaert, Benjamin
Hardcover
Ultimate Book of Home Plans, Completely Updated & Revised 4th Edition: Over 680 Home Plans in Full Color: North America's Premier Designer Network: Sp
Editors of Creative Homeowner
Paperback
Martha Stewart's Organizing: The Manual for Bringing Order to Your Life, Home & Routines
Stewart, Martha
Hardcover
Ultimate Guide: Decks, Updated 6th Edition: Plan, Design, Build
Editors of Creative Homeowner
Paperback
Ultimate Guide to Home Repair and Improvement, 3rd Updated Edition: Proven Money-Saving Projects; 3,400 Photos & Illustrations
Editors of Creative Homeowner
Hardcover
Best-Selling House Plans, Updated & Revised 5th Edition: Over 240 Dream-Home Plans in Full Color
Design America Inc
Paperback
Cozy Cottage & Cabin Designs, Updated 2nd Edition: 200+ Cottages, Cabins, A-Frames, Vacation Homes, Apartment Garages, Sheds & More
Design America Inc
Paperback
Tree Houses Within Reach: 30 Lofty Cabins, Playhouses, and Getaways You Can Actually Build
Diedricksen, Derek
Paperback
The Smart Approach to Design: Bathrooms, Revised and Updated 3rd Edition: Complete Design Ideas to Modernize Your Bathroom
Editors of Creative Homeowner
Paperback
Budget Luxury: Your Guide to Creating a Beautiful Home Without Breaking the Bank
Sullivan, Clare
Hardcover
Dare to Repair: A Do-It-Herself Guide to Fixing (Almost) Anything in the Home
Glakas-Tenet, Stephanie
Sussman, Julie
Paperback
Trellises, Planters & Raised Beds for Beginners: 30+ Easy, Unique, and Useful Projects You Can Make with Common Tools and Materials
Editors of Cool Springs Press
Paperback
High Yield, Small Space Organic Gardening: Practical Tips for Growing Your Own Food
Wilhelmi, Christy
Paperback
Black & Decker the Complete Guide to Wiring, Updated 9th Edition: Current with 2023-2026 Electrical Codes
Editors of Cool Springs Press
Paperback
Stuff Every Adult Should Know: A Pocket-Sized Guide to Grown-Up Know-How, from Taxes to Small Talk
Kalb, Alanna
Cohen, Brett
Favreau, Alyssa
Hardcover
The Dorm Room Guide: The Complete Handbook for Preparing, Packing, and Living Well in College
Becker, Lara
Paperback
Knitting Without Tears: Basic Techniques and Easy-To-Follow Directions for Garments to Fit All Sizes
Zimmerman, Elizabeth
Paperback
Homesteading for Health: One Farm Family's Guide to Food, Land, and Self-Sufficiency
Malone, Jill Glasspool
Malone, Robert W.
Hardcover
Ultimate Waterfront Home Plans: 179 Designs Ideal for Personal, Family, Company Retreats
Design America Inc
Paperback
Pretty Good House: A Guide to Creating Better Homes
Mottram, Emily
Maines, Michael
Kolbert, Daniel
Hardcover
Essential Off-Grid Survival Projects: 50 Life-Saving Solutions for Shelter, Water, Food, and Safety
Furneaux, Ky
Hardcover
Keep the Memories, Lose the Stuff: Declutter, Downsize, and Move Forward with Your Life
Paxton, Matt
Paperback
Tiny House Design & Construction Guide: Your Guide to Building a Mortgage Free, Environmentally Sustainable Home
Louche, Dan S.
Paperback
A Kid's Guide to Sewing: Learn to Sew with Sophie & Her Friends: 16 Fun Projects You'll Love to Make & Use
Kerr, Sophie
Paperback
The Complicated Roof - a cut and stack workbook: Companion Guide to "A Roof Cutters Secrets"
Holladay, Will
Paperback
The Laundry Book: The Definitive Guide to Caring for Your Clothes and Linens
Pozniak, Jerry
Pozniak, Zach
Hardcover
Engineering in Plain Sight: An Illustrated Field Guide to the Constructed Environment
Hillhouse, Grady
Hardcover
Van Conversion Bible: The Ultimate Guide to Converting a Campervan
Comley, Dale
Low, Charlie
Hardcover
Factory Convent Schoolhouse Home: Soulful Transformations of Unusual Spaces
Gardener, Lynda
Hardcover
Your Space, Made Simple: Interior Design That's Approachable, Affordable, and Sustainable
Magidson, Ariel
Hardcover
Black & Decker the Book of Home How-To, Updated 3rd Edition: Complete Photo Guide to Home Repair and Improvement
Editors of Cool Springs Press
Paperback
All New Kitchen Ideas That Work: Solutions for Planning, Remodeling, and Optimizing Your Kitchen's Style and Workflow
Paper, Heather J.
Paperback
Storied Style: The Book about You, Your Story, and How to Design Your Home with It
Mitchell, Grace
Hardcover
The E-Myth HVAC Contractor: Why Most HVAC Companies Don't Work and What to Do About It
Goodrich, Ken
Gerber, Michael
Hardcover
Black and Decker the Complete Guide to Plumbing Updated 8th Edition: Completely Updated to Current Codes
Editors of Cool Springs Press
Peterson, Chris
Paperback
Building a Sustainable Kitchen: A Practical Guide to Prioritizing the Planet from the Heart of Your Home
Hansen, Naomi
Paperback
Joyful: The Surprising Power of Ordinary Things to Create Extraordinary Happiness
Fetell Lee, Ingrid
Paperback
Modern Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Workbook
Bracciano, Alfred F.
Althouse, Andrew D.
Turnquist, Carl H.
Paperback
New Home, New Story: A Comprehensive Workbook To Help You Achieve The Most Successful, Least Stressful Moving Experience.
Planners, Milania
Paperback
Code Check Electrical 10th Edition: An Illustrated Guide to Wiring a Safe House
Mathewson, Glenn
Hansen, Douglas
Kardon, Redwood
Paperback
Practical Color Combinations: A Resource Book with Over 2500 Sample Color Schemes
Kuno, Naomi
Paperback
Home EC for Everyone: Practical Life Skills in 118 Projects: Cooking - Sewing - Laundry & Clothing - Domestic Arts - Life Skills
Bowers, Sharon
Bowers, David
Paperback
California Coastal: Seaside Living from Sea Ranch to San Diego
Hebert, Heather Sandy
Ewald, Chase Reynolds
Hardcover
The Home Edit Workbook: Prompts, Activities, and Gold Stars to Help You Contain the Chaos
Teplin, Joanna
Shearer, Clea
Paperback
A House Needs to Breathe...Or Does It?: An Introduction to Building Science
Bailes, Allison A., III
Paperback
Find It, Fix It, Flip It!: Make Millions in Real Estate--One House at a Time
Corbett, Michael
Paperback
Essential Knots: Secure Your Gear When Camping, Hiking, Fishing, and Playing Outdoors
Berger, Karen
Paperback
Homesteading: Is It The Lifestyle For You?: Is It The Lifestyle For You?: Everything You Need To Know Before You Buy Land
Nickling-Riddle, Aly
Paperback
The Home Edit: A Guide to Organizing and Realizing Your House Goals
Shearer, Clea
Teplin, Joanna
Paperback
Never Too Small: Vol. 2: Reinventing Small Space Living
Beath, Joel
Van Vuuren, Camilla Janse
Hardcover
A Country Style: Living and Creating with Nature Through the Seasons
Thistlethwayte, Harriet
Hardcover
The Backyard Homestead Seasonal Planner: What to Do & When to Do It in the Garden, Orchard, Barn, Pasture & Equipment Shed
Hansen, Ann Larkin
Paperback
The New Design Rules: How to Decorate and Renovate, from Start to Finish: An Interior Design Book
Henderson, Emily
Cumberbatch Anderson, Jessica
Hardcover
Dr. Chase's Third, Last and Complete Receipt Book and Household Physician: Or, Practical Knowledge for the People
Chase, Alvin Wood
Paperback
Barkitecture: Explore the World of Innovative and Sustainable Pet Architecture
Thomasson, Joshua
Hardcover
Code Check Complete 3rd Edition: An Illustrated Guide to the Building, Plumbing, Mechanical, and Electrical Codes
Hansen, Douglas
Hardcover
Code Check Electrical 9th Edition: An Illustrated Guide to Wiring a Safe House
Walker, Skip
Paperback
Shop Class for Everyone: Practical Life Skills in 83 Projects: Plumbing - Wood & Metalwork - Electrical - Mechanical - Domestic Repair
Bowers, Sharon
Bowers, David
Paperback
Small-Scale Homesteading: A Sustainable Guide to Gardening, Keeping Chickens, Maple Sugaring, Preserving the Harvest, and More
Bruhn, Michelle
Thurow, Stephanie
Paperback
The Beginner's Guide to Cheese Making: Easy Recipes and Lessons to Make Your Own Handcrafted Cheeses
Santogade, Elena R.
Paperback
Practical Projects for the Handy Man: More Than 700 Projects for the Do-It-Yourselfer
Editors of Popular Mechanics Press
Paperback