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VegetationIntegrating vegetation into the landscape can have a positive environmental effect, but not all plants are created equal. The air quality of urban environments is generally poor compared to rural and forested areas, and pollutants can damage or kill some species. Others require excessive maintenance—an added operating cost—or extra water. Plants in city settings need to withstand extreme temperature changes, as well (see the heat island effect below).
Luckily, lists of plants that do well in cities have been complied and were available for the landscape architects at Capewell to use. Plants that were used include bowhall maples, black-eyed Susans, velvet pillar crabapples, flowering pear, and a variety of holly bushes, all of which fit the specifications. In addition, lawn area was minimized, as grass requires excessive maintenance and water. While manicured lawns are considered by some to be more appealing, more “natural” landscapes tend to be cheaper and more sustainable. |
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