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How to read landscape drawings

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.

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.

  • 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. 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

Sources

ASLA, American Society of Landscape Architects Standards

Irrigation Association, Landscape Irrigation Best Management Practices

Keep exploring

Related references for site, civil, and landscape coordination.

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.

Helonic for Landscape Architects

How AI drawing review helps landscape professionals.

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