Categorization of Trees into Textural Groups to Enhance the Landscape Function

Abstract

Trees are one of the major soft landscape elements in the landscape industry where they are selected by making a bond between their main features with the particular requirements that need to be fulfilled. Hence, they should be carefully arranged according to the principles and elements of landscape design to gain the intended functions. Nevertheless, inappropriate use of trees in designs can be observed in Sri Lanka due to the lack of knowledge on plant textural groups. Consequently, this study was conducted to investigate the texture of 39 tree species, including commonly used trees in landscaping. Both qualitative and quantitative morphological characters were studied and results were subjected to hierarchical cluster analysis. The analysis identified three major textural classes, with 20 fine-textured, five medium-textured and 14 coarse textured species. The coarse-textured species are capable of trapping particulate matter and those trees would especially be used in urban landscaping. Coarse-textured plants can be combined with fine-textured plants to give a contrast feeling to the design while medium-textured plants could be used to make the bridge between fine and coarse-textured plants. These groups would help the selection of trees during incorporating trees into landscape designs in order to obtain functional, ecological and aesthetic values.