Landscaping

Denver, Colorado skyline with green lawn in the foreground.

Denver Plans to Update Landscaping Regulations

The city will change its landscaping rules to prohibit “non-functional turf” and encourage native and climate-resilient vegetation.

December 19, 2024 - Smart Cities Dive

Close-up of roll of green artificial turf laying on more artificial turf.

Fossil Fuel-Based Artificial Turf Raises Concerns

Cities and states are rolling back support for artificial turf, which can leach chemicals and microplastics into groundwater.

April 9, 2024 - Route Fifty

Drought tolerant desert plants including large agaves in the front yard of a Spanish-style Southern California home with red tile roof.

California Agency Awards $38 Million for Turf Replacement

The grant funds grass replacement rebates for commercial and residential properties and water-saving devices for fire stations.

November 16, 2023 - Governing

Tree stump in an urban sidewalk

The Maintenance Gap in Tree Planting Programs

Tree planting is a highly visible way to show investment in a community, but without regular maintenance, street trees can become a nuisance rather than a benefit.

June 28, 2023 - Smart Cities Dive

The Gardens of Baghdad

This piece from The New York Times looks at the role of private gardens and public-facing landscaping in the city of Baghdad.

November 3, 2009 - The New York Times

EPA Seeks to Change Water-Guzzling Grass Usage

This year, the Environmental Protection Agency will expand its WaterSense program to label newly built homes which are 20 percent more water-efficient than standard homes. The label's landscaping clause is causing a stir among grass enthusiasts.

September 18, 2009 - The Wall Street Journal

Gateway to Long Island City

The Bicycle and Pedestrian Landscape Improvement Project of Queens Plaza is intended to create a gateway to Long Island City.

June 26, 2009 - THE DIRT

That Goat Position in Vancouver? Filled

The city of Vancouver is hoping to reduce its energy use and carbon emissions by hiring a goat to maintain the grounds at city hall. Though the mayor wants to expand the goat program to schools and parks, some have reservations.

April 3, 2009 - The Vancouver Courier

City Tries To Curb 'Spite Landscaping'

A city in the midst of a revitalization effort has targeted landscape designs allegedly aimed at spiting the neighbors.

August 18, 2008 - Dallas Morning News

Save Water, Face Fine

When California declared a statewide drought, a couple decided to let their front lawn die.

July 10, 2008 - RedOrbit

Goats, Sheep Get City Jobs as Landscapers

Cities like San José, CA are moving away from modern methods to keep grass down and going back to traditional methods like grazing sheep and goats.

June 14, 2008 - San Jose Mercury News

The Wildflower Wars

A dazzling wildflower season spells trouble for master-planned communities across the West.

May 16, 2008 - The Next American City

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.

Top Books

An annual review of books related to planning.

Top Schools

The definitive ranking of graduate planning programs.

100 Most Influential Urbanists

The who's who of urbanism, according to Planetizen readers.

Urban Planning Creators You Should Know

A short list of voices on social, video, and podcasting platforms.