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UT Institute of Agriculture The University of Tennessee Institute of AgricultureThe University of Tennessee, Knoxville
The College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources The College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources

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CASNR » Careers » Degrees at Work » Landscape Design and Construction


Landscape Design and Construction . . .

 

Photos of students in Landscape Design program

 

What is Landscape Design and Construction?

We crave beautiful surroundings...and the varied and inspiring designs of nature. When we carve from the natural environment places for us to work, live and play, we sometimes overlook natural beauty. Landscapers strive to create meaningful spaces for people through preserved or designed gardens.

While plants make up a considerable part of any garden, landscapes consist of so much more. Water, rocks, pathways, play structures, lighting, irrigation, art and architecture are also considered part of the garden. It is not simply an issue of aesthetics or being "pretty." Creative landscaping also enhances both emotional and physical well-being.

In the Landscape Design and Construction concentration in the Department of Plant Sciences, our focus is on all elements that create the landscape. The landscape designer and contactor balance conerns of people and the environment in designing landscapes, installing plantings and stewarding these creations. Ours are "green" endeavors, melding art, science and business into creative acts that beautify our surroundings.

 

The Landscape Design and Construction concentration

Landscape designers create aesthetic concepts and practical designs for improved outdoor living. While obtaining their bachelor's degree, our students study fundamental and advanced landscape design, landscape design graphics, computer-aided landscape design, surveying, field botany, landscape construction, irrigation and outdoor lighting and landscape maintenance. Also emphasized are learning both native and exotic plalnts and the environmental considerations in their use.

 

Where can I get a job with this background?

The Landscape Design and Construction program prepares students for careers in three main areas.

  • Residential garden design: a growing market as more and more people seek professional guidance in developing their home landscapes.
  • Landscape enhancement and maintenance: building new residential or commercial landscapes or enhancing and caring for existing landscapes.
  • Environmental restoration: landscape design and construction aimed at restoring disturbed natural areas such as streambanks, wetlands, shorelines, woodlands and meadows.

 

What student activities are available to Landscape Design and Construction students?

A variety of student activities is available on campus, ranging from intramural sports to student branches of professional horticulture societies. Horticulture Club activities include community gardening projects, campus beautification, field trips, professional conferences and competitions. Each year we send a team to an undergraduate landscaping competition, sponsored by the Professional Landcare Network, to compete against students from across the country. These events give students valuable hands-on experience and provide opportunities to learn about lucrative future internships and careers.

 

 

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Contact Us. . .

Plant Sciences Department
2431 Joe Johnson Drive
Knoxville, TN 37996-4561
Phone: (865) 974-7324
Fax: (865) 974-1947
Email: plantsciences@utk.edu
Web: http://plantsciences.utk.edu/

The College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources
2621 Morgan Circle
125 Morgan Hall
Knoxville, TN 37996
Phone: (865) 974-7303
Fax: (865) 974-9329
Email: casnr@utk.edu