Barton Hills Residential Landscape Design

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Project Description

Maas Verde Landscape Restoration worked very closely with this residential client in the Barton Hills neighborhood of Austin, TX to create a custom landscape design. Our landscape design team worked dynamically and designed onsite to ensure that the installation was unique and incorporated the site’s existing natural elements.

We used masonry to construct gravel walkways with artistic limestone rock work as borders with native plantings. The walkways were treated as outlets for stormwater, so accurate grading was a key component of the design. This project is a fantastic example of how well the design process can work when trust exists between the client and landscape designer.

Project Details

Skills Needed:

HardscapingLandscape DesignLandscape InstallationNative Ecology Expertise

Prescribed Burn for Land Management

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Project Description

A controlled or prescribed burn, also known as hazard reduction burning, backfire, swailing, or a burn-off, is a fire set intentionally for purposes of forest management, farming, prairie restoration, or greenhouse gas abatement. Maas Verde Landscape Restoration was hired to safely execute a prescribed burn on a property in Central Texas to reduce dead biomass build-up, decrease non-native plant competition, increase the potential for other native species to take hold, increase soil temperature by allowing sunlight to hit the ground instead of dead thatch, and control Ashe juniper (Juniperus ashei) encroachment.

Because safely executing a controlled burn relies on varied factors like the weather and humidity, it can be a challenge to schedule a burn. The conditions have to be within a certain range in order for a burn to be executed safely and confidently. During the event, clear and consistent communication of safety procedures is critical for a successful outcome.

The Maas Verde team held a safety and procedure meeting before splitting up into groups and using radios to stay in constant communication across the fields. Two ATVs carrying water tanks and sprayers were employed, and drip torches were used to ignite burn lines. One crew was dedicated solely to ensuring the fire did not jump the mowed lines. This client is a repeat client on a cadence of every 24 months for sustainable land management.

Project Details

Skills Needed:

Controlled Burn
Sustainability Education

San Gabriel Unitarian Universalist Fellowship

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Project Description:

Founded in 2007 San Gabriel UU Fellowship is comprised of people of many beliefs and backgrounds. Located near the heart of historic Old Town across the street from Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas, their building is both traditional and contemporary, and it reflects their commitment to the inclusion of people of all ages, abilities, and mobility.

Maas Verde Landscape Restoration was engaged to construct a concrete sidewalk, French drain system, and a large deck. The deck and sidewalk had to meet perfectly, so the Maas Verde team ensured that the grading and elevation were perfect. The construction area was prone to flooding during heavy rain, requiring a creative approach to ensure the project’s success.

The amount of water coming down from two different off-site parking lots from other churches was a significant issue. In order to accommodate rainfall during construction, the team manufactured a custom concrete drain box that was capable of taking on a significant amount of water. The French drain was designed and installed with a high capacity for stormwater, and the Maas Verde team constructed two rain gardens downstream of the deck to slow the water down at various points.This innovative addition allows for water to seep into the ground and lessens the load on the drainage system. By mitigating impervious cover and creating natural catchment areas for the rainfall, the team able to design with nature in mind and provide an effective sidewalk and landscape solution. The sidewalk met ADA compliance and a ramp was constructed to provide ease of access for everyone. This custom French drain box (24″^3) was fabricated off-site.

Project Details

Skills Needed:

Hardscaping
Irrigation
Landscape Design
Landscape Installation
Native Ecology Expertise
Patio & Accessory Construction


 

Pease Park Retaining Wall

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Project Description:

The goal of the Pease Park Conservancy is for Pease Park to be known as an accessible urban green space for play, adventure, and connectivity, where land stewardship, environmental innovation, and inclusive programming embrace the community’s history and inspire its future. Maas Verde Landscape Restoration was engaged to construct a retaining wall adjacent to North Lamar in furtherance of that vision.

Safety is always a priority at Maas Verde, but because this construction took place in a public park with public access, it became a highlight of the project for both workers and parkgoers. Using anchored cinderblocks as the structural base, our team constructed a secure retaining wall reinforced by rebar and finished with natural limestone. We worked with stakeholders in the Pease Park Conservancy (a 501(c)3 non-profit) and the City of Austin to ensure that the project exceeded expectations.

Project Details

Skills Needed:

HardscapingLandscape DesignLandscape InstallationTrail Design