A practical guide to understanding landscape architecture plans and specifications

Landscape drawings (L-series sheets) cover planting design, irrigation systems, hardscape elements, site furnishings, and landscape grading. They work in close coordination with civil drawings for grading and drainage, and with architectural drawings for entries, terraces, and outdoor spaces.

Step 1: Read the Planting Plan

The planting plan is the core landscape sheet. It shows the location, type, and arrangement of all plant material. Key elements to identify:

Plant symbols — each species has a unique symbol (circle for trees, smaller circles for shrubs, hatching for groundcover)

Plant tags — abbreviation codes next to each symbol that link to the plant schedule (e.g., QR = Quercus rubra / Red Oak)

Quantity callouts — numbers indicating how many of each species are in a grouping

Spacing dimensions — distance between plants, especially for hedges and groundcover

Planting bed outlines — areas defined by mulch edges or edging material

Tree protection zones — dashed circles around existing trees to be preserved

Common Landscape Symbols

◎Deciduous Tree

Irregular circle outline — loses leaves seasonally

✳Evergreen Tree

Star or spiky circle — retains foliage year-round

○Shrub

Small circle, often grouped — multi-stem plant

⬡Groundcover Area

Hatched or stippled zone — low-growing plants covering soil

┈Hedge Row

Linear shrub planting for screening or borders

◇Perennial

Small diamond or dot — flowering plants that return annually

▭Planting Bed Edge

Line delineating mulched or planted area from lawn/paving

◆Specimen Plant

Highlighted feature plant — often unique species

Step 2: Understand Plant Schedules

The plant schedule is a table that provides complete specifications for every plant species on the project. It's usually located on the planting plan sheet or on a separate schedule sheet.

Plant Schedule Columns

Symbol/Code: The abbreviation used on the plan (e.g., QR, AC, JC)

Botanical Name: Scientific name in italics (genus and species)

Common Name: Everyday name (Red Oak, Sugar Maple, etc.)

Size: Caliper for trees (trunk diameter), height/spread for shrubs, pot size for perennials

Quantity: Total count required for the project

Spacing: On-center distance for mass plantings and groundcover

Root Type: B&B (balled and burlapped), container, or bare root

Remarks: Special notes on installation, staking, or warranty requirements

Pro Tip: Verify plant quantities by counting symbols on the plan against schedule totals. Discrepancies are common and should be flagged via RFI before ordering.

Step 3: Follow Irrigation Plans

Irrigation plans (often L-I or LI sheets) show the automatic watering system. Understanding these plans is important for coordination with underground utilities. Review the site plan to identify existing utility locations that could conflict with irrigation routing.

Point of Connection (POC)

Where the irrigation system taps into the domestic water supply. Includes backflow preventer.

Controller

Electronic timer that operates zone valves. Location shown on plan with station count.

Zone Valves

Electric valves that control each irrigation zone. Grouped in valve boxes.

Main Line

Pressurized pipe from POC to zone valves. Typically PVC Schedule 40.

Lateral Lines

Pipe from zone valves to individual heads. Typically PVC Class 200 or poly pipe.

Spray Heads

Pop-up sprinklers with defined arc and radius. Shown as circles with coverage pattern.

Rotor Heads

Rotating heads for larger areas. Shown with larger radius circles.

Drip Zones

Low-volume emitters for planting beds. Shown as hatched areas or drip line symbols.

Step 4: Check Hardscape Details

Hardscape elements are the non-plant components of the landscape design. These often require coordination with structural and civil engineers. Steps and ramps must comply with ADA accessibility requirements.

Retaining walls — material, height, footing details, and drainage requirements (weep holes, drain tile)

Paving patterns — unit pavers, flagstone, or decorative concrete with joint patterns and edge restraints

Fences and gates — height, material, post spacing, and foundation details

Site furnishings — benches, trash receptacles, bike racks with location and mounting details

Water features — fountains, pools, or streams with plumbing and electrical connections

Outdoor lighting — landscape light locations coordinated with the electrical plan

Steps and ramps — rise/run dimensions, handrail requirements, and ADA compliance

Step 5: Review Grading for Landscaping

Landscape grading ensures plants receive proper drainage and that water flows away from structures. Cross-reference with the grading plan and verify these coordination points:

Match Civil Grades

Landscape grades must tie into civil grading at property boundaries, parking areas, and building perimeter

Positive Drainage

Grade should slope minimum 2% away from buildings for at least 10 feet (per IBC/IRC)

Planting Bed Elevations

Beds should be 2-3 inches above adjacent lawn/paving for proper mulch containment

Tree Root Zones

Existing trees to be preserved need grade protection — no fill or cut within the drip line

Irrigation Sleeve Locations

Sleeves under paving for irrigation pipes should align between landscape and civil plans

Related Resources

How to Read Civil Drawings

Site grading, utilities, and erosion control plans.

How to Read a Site Plan

Overall site layout and orientation guide.

Site & Civil Symbols Guide

Utility, grading, and site work symbols.

ADA Accessibility Guide

Accessible route and site requirements.

How to Read a Stormwater Plan

Drainage design, BMPs, and erosion control measures.

Articulate for Landscape Architects

How AI drawing review helps landscape professionals.

Review Landscape Coordination Faster

Articulate's AI helps identify conflicts between landscape, civil, and architectural drawings — catching irrigation-utility conflicts, grading mismatches, and accessibility issues automatically.

Try Automated Drawing Review

Sources

ASLA — American Society of Landscape Architects Standards

Irrigation Association — Landscape Irrigation Best Management Practices

How to Read Landscape Drawings