[Bill Schwab]

Points well taken. I think the best way to help with maintenance from the design end is to park an achitects rear end in a maintenance truck for a few months. In school, it is often taught that the more complex, the better. Often, the reality is to K.I.S.S.. Simple things like 6' radiuses rather than 90° angles and planting based on the size a plant is intended to be would help. Along with the design/install should also be the instructions from the architect to maintain the "design integrity". This should be incorporated with the skill and mamagement of the mioantenance contractor. When contractors make urban assualt balls and hockey pucks along with other inate objects from plants intended for texture and color, frankly, unless it is clearly intended as such, it makes me sick.