Choosing the right landscape system for your project

Selecting the right landscape product starts with understanding the project environment, the required performance outcome and the expectations of the client, contractor or specifier. The Advance Landscape Systems core range supports a wide variety of landscape, civil and environmental applications across New Zealand, from erosion control and revegetation through to retaining systems, turf support and planting establishment.

This guide is designed to help contractors, landscape architects, designers, councils and project teams identify the right solution pathway before moving into product selection.

 

1. Start with the project outcome

Before choosing a product, define what the system needs to achieve.

Common project outcomes include:

• Stabilising exposed soil
• Supporting planting establishment
• Controlling erosion on slopes or banks
• Reinforcing retaining or embankment systems
• Managing water movement
• Improving turf performance
• Supporting access, load or ground protection
• Improving long-term site resilience
• Meeting project-specific specification requirements

Once the main outcome is clear, the product selection process becomes more focused.

 

 

2. Understand the site conditions

The same product will not suit every site. Site conditions should guide the selection process.

Key questions to ask:

• Is the site flat, sloped or highly exposed?
• Is the area subject to water flow, runoff or ponding?
• Is the soil stable, compacted, loose or prone to erosion?
• Is the project temporary, permanent or staged?
• Will the area be planted, trafficked, retained or left exposed?
• Are there council, engineer or landscape architect requirements?
• Does the project need a natural fibre, synthetic, structural or modular solution?

For complex sites, early advice can help avoid product mismatch, rework or underperformance.

3. Match the product to the application

Erosion control and revegetation

For slopes, banks, channels and exposed soil areas, erosion control products help protect the surface while vegetation establishes.

Consider Erosion Fabrics and Logs or Weed Matting when the project involves soil stabilisation, slope protection or planting support on exposed sites.

For revegetation, riparian or environmental restoration and plant establishment, see Plant Guards, Plant Establishment or Weed Matting.

When factoring in drainage channels, culverts or pond and water containment needs, learn about effective solutions under Filter Fabrics and Liners.

Ultimately, product selection depends on slope angle, water movement, soil condition, vegetation plan and expected durability. The team at Advance are hepful if you need to discuss the best solution for your project requirements.

Natural fibre geotextiles

Natural fibre geotextiles can support planting establishment and erosion control where a biodegradable or natural material pathway is preferred.

Consider this category when the project requires:

• Natural material selection
• Planting support
• Moisture retention
• Surface protection
• Short to medium-term soil stabilisation
• Environmental or revegetation-focused outcomes

Natural fibre geotextiles are not all the same. Product choice should be based on material type, site exposure, installation method and project objective.

Retaining and structural landscape systems

For engineered landscape outcomes, retaining and reinforcement systems help create stable, buildable and long-lasting site solutions.

Consider this category when the project involves:

• Retaining walls
• Slope reinforcement
• Embankments
• Terraced landscapes
• Infrastructure interfaces
• Civil or commercial landscape works

Flex MSE is an important option where a vegetated, flexible retaining wall system is required. It is suited to projects where structure, drainage, planting and long-term landscape integration need to work together.

Turf, grass and ground reinforcement

Ground reinforcement products help protect turf and surfaces that need to remain usable under foot or vehicle traffic.

Consider this category when the project involves:

• Reinforced grass areas
• Access routes
• Overflow parking
• Pedestrian or light vehicle movement
• Event or public space resilience
• Ground protection with a greener finish

The right option depends on the load requirement, sub-base, traffic frequency and desired surface finish.

Design-led landscape systems

Some projects need more than product performance. They need a system that supports design intent, finish quality and specification confidence.

Archipello. is relevant where visual outcome, design integration and landscape performance all need to be considered together. It should be positioned as part of a broader design-led specification conversation, rather than grouped with natural fibre geotextile or retaining system claims.

4. Consider specification and documentation needs

For commercial, civic, council or architect-led projects, documentation can be just as important as the product itself.

Project teams may need:

• Product information
• Installation guidance
• Technical documentation
• Samples
• Drawings or specification notes
• Sustainability information
• Maintenance considerations
• Support for tender or project sign-off

Advance Landscape Systems can help project teams identify what documentation is needed and provide support before product decisions are finalised.

 

5. Think about installation early

The best product choice still depends on correct installation.

Before confirming a product, consider:

• Who will install it?
• Is specialist installation knowledge required?
• What preparation is needed?
• Are fixings, anchors, staples or accessories required?
• What is the sequencing with planting, soil work, drainage or construction?
• Are there access or weather constraints?
• Does the installation need inspection or approval?

Early planning can reduce delays and improve the final project outcome.

6. Use the core range as a selection pathway

The Advance Landscape Systems core range can be approached as a series of project pathways:

• For exposed soil and slopes: start with erosion control and revegetation systems.
• For planting establishment and natural material preferences: consider natural fibre geotextiles.
• For hemp and dag wool matting specifically: consider FuturFiber® made by Rubisco®.
• For vegetated retaining and reinforced slopes: consider Flex MSE.
• For ground protection and reinforced grass: consider turf and ground reinforcement options.
• For design-led landscape specification: consider Archipello.
• For complex projects: speak with Advance Landscape Systems before final product selection.

7. When to speak with the Advance team

Contact Advance Landscape Systems early when:

• The site has difficult conditions
• The project has council or engineering requirements
• Multiple products could apply
• A natural fibre solution is being considered
• A retaining or reinforced system is required
• Documentation is needed for specification
• Samples are required
• The project team needs help comparing options

The earlier the conversation happens, the easier it is to match the right product to the project.

Need help choosing the right product from the Advance Landscape Systems core range?

Talk to our team for product guidance, samples and project support. We can help you match the right solution to your site conditions, specification requirements and project goals. Contact us today 0800 600 789 or send us an enquiry.