Award Criteria

The LCA Sustainability & Ecological Landscaping Awards submissions will be judged by a panel based on the following criteria:

1. Design Excellence & Functionality

(Including: Overall Appearance • Design Program • Harmony with Surroundings)
What this measures:

• Does the design work for the space and client?
• Is the visual composition balanced, cohesive, and appealing?
• Does the project feel integrated with its natural and built surroundings?

2. Construction Quality & Technical Execution

(Including: Degree of Difficulty • Construction Details • Finish Grade & Drainage • Working Knowledge of Environmental Construction)
What this measures:

• Complexity and craftsmanship of construction.
• Precision of hardscape, grading, stormwater handling.
• Demonstrated best practices in environmental installation.

3. Planting Quality & Installation Standards

(Including: Quality of Plant Installation • Plant Health • Establishment Practices)
What this measures:

• Proper installation, spacing, soil preparation, and long-term viability.
• Overall vigor, appropriateness, and craftsmanship in planting work.

4. Ecological Performance & Native Plant Integration

(Including: Native Plant Threshold (70%+) • Pollinator Support • Keystone & Specialist Species)
What this measures:

• Extent and quality of native plant use.
• Inclusion of ecologically meaningful species (keystone, pollinator specialists).
• Contribution to habitat value and biodiversity.

5. Plant Diversity & Horticultural Depth

(Including: Species/Type Diversity • Layering • Seasonal Interest)
What this measures:

• Richness of plant palette and thoughtful layering.
• Diversity that supports resilience, wildlife, and year-round interest.