LANDSCAPE DESIGN AND REDEVELOPMENT LABORATORYModule Ornamental and landscape arboriculture
Academic Year 2026/2027 - Teacher: STEFANIA MARIA BENNICIExpected Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and understanding: students will acquire knowledge of the main ornamental tree species of the Mediterranean environment, including their botanical, ecological, and landscape characteristics, as well as the principles underlying the design and management of ornamental and landscape tree systems.
Applying knowledge and understanding: students will be able to identify the main ornamental tree species and place them within their appropriate ecological and landscape contexts. They will also be able to apply the knowledge acquired to species selection and to the management of ornamental and landscape tree systems according to environmental conditions and design objectives.
Making judgements: students will develop the ability to critically evaluate the characteristics of ornamental and landscape tree systems and to identify the most appropriate solutions for species selection and management, taking into account ecological, landscape, technical, and socio-cultural aspects.
Communication skills: students will be able to use appropriate scientific and technical terminology to describe the characteristics of ornamental tree species, design criteria, and management strategies for ornamental and landscape tree systems.
Learning skills: students will acquire the skills necessary to independently deepen their knowledge in the field of ornamental arboriculture and landscape management through the consultation of specialized textbooks, technical materials, and scientific literature.
Course Structure
The course consists of 21 hours of participatory lectures and 42 hours of practical sessions (technical visits, case-study discussions, and/or in-depth seminars).
If the course is delivered in blended or remote mode, appropriate adjustments may be made to the above, in order to ensure consistency with the syllabus.
Required Prerequisites
Attendance of Lessons
Detailed Course Content
Botanical classification, origin, spreading, ornamental value, morphological characteristics, and environmental requirements of the main ornamental tree species in the Mediterranean environment. Management of ornamental woody systems (planting and pruning). Functions and beneficial effects of trees. The role of trees for cities.
Textbook Information
1. Ferrari M., Medici D., Alberi e arbusti in Italia, Manuale di riconoscimento delle principali specie ornamentali. Edagricole, 2017.
2. Paesaggi rurali storici, editori Laterza 2011
3. Alessandro Chiusoli La scienza del paesaggio, CLUEB 1999
4. Giuseppe Barbera Abbracciare gli alberi Mondadori 2009
5. Francesco Ferrini, Alessio Fini Amico albero ruolo e benefici del verde nelle nostre città ETS 2017
6. Harris, R.W. et al., Arboriculture- Integrated management of landescape trees, shrubs, and vines-, Prentice Hall U.S.A.
Additional teaching materials available to students will include:
Copies of the PowerPoint presentations used during lectures and seminars.
Scientific articles and other teaching materials provided by the instructor, including relevant links and/or outreach articles for further reading.
Course Planning
| Subjects | Text References | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Design and management of ornamental tree systems (planting and pruning) | Text 3 pp. 268-284,292-298, teacher material uploaded to STUDIUM |
| 2 | The functions and benefits of trees, and the role of trees in urban environments | Text 4, Text 5, teacher material uploaded to STUDIUM |
| 3 | The evolution of the arboreal landscape in Italy in relation to the different climatic zones | Text 3 pp. 57-65, teacher material uploaded to STUDIUM |
| 4 | Sicily's Landscape Heritage | Text 2 pp. 498 - 522, teacher material uploaded to STUDIUM |
| 5 | Botanical classification, origin, distribution, ornamental value, morphological characteristics, environmental requirements, and propagation of ornamental species in the Mediterranean environment | teacher material uploaded to STUDIUM |
| 6 | Conifers: Pinaceae, Araucariaceae, Cupressaceae | Text 1 pp. 41-45, 67-69, 72-73, 101-105, 118-119, 132-137, 158-165, teacher material uploaded to STUDIUM |
| 7 | Evergreen broadleaved tree: Fagaceae, Myrtaceae, Moraceae | Text 1 pp. 692-697, teacher material uploaded to STUDIUM |
| 8 | Deciduous broadleaved trees: Salicaceae, Ulmaceae, Tiliaceae, Aceraceae, Platanaceae | Text 1 pp. 271- 275, 294-295, 298-301, 311- 315, 322-326, 385-391, 717-726, 731- 735, 740-741, teacher material uploaded to STUDIUM |
| 9 | Leguminous ornamental trees: Fabaceae | Text 1 pp. 459 - 465, 468-477, 486-491, teacher material uploaded to STUDIUM |
| 10 | Other ornamental trees: Magnoliaceae, Bignoniaceae, Meliaceae, Anacardiaceae, Bombacaceae, Proteaceae, Phytolaccaceae, Tamaricaceae | Text 1 pp. 421-423, 451-453, 781-783, 901- 903, 908-910, teacher material uploaded to STUDIUM |
| 11 | Visits to historic parks and gardens |
Learning Assessment
Learning Assessment Procedures
Assessment of learning outcomes will be carried out through an oral examination. Evaluation will be based on the relevance of the answers to the questions asked, the quality of the content, the ability to establish connections with other topics covered in the course, the ability to provide examples, the appropriate use of scientific and technical terminology, and the student's overall communication skills.
The evaluation follows the following scheme:
|
Evaluation |
Knowledge and understanding of the topic |
Ability to analyze and synthesize |
Use of references |
|
Negative |
Significant shortcomings and inaccuracies |
Irrelevant with frequent generalizations |
Completely inappropriate |
|
18-20 |
Very modest with evident imperfections |
Barely adequate |
Just appropriate |
|
21-23 |
Knowledge is slightly above the minimum acceptable level |
A fair ability to analyze and synthesize information, presenting arguments in a logical and coherent manner |
Use standard references |
|
24-26 |
Good knowledge |
Good analytical and synthesis abilities, arguments are presented consistently |
Use standard references |
|
27-29 |
Knowledge more than good |
Considerable abilities of analysis and synthesis |
The topic has been explored in depth |
|
30-30 with honors |
Excellent knowledge |
Excellent abilities of analysis and synthesis. |
Important insights |
Learning assessment may also be carried out on-line, should the conditions require it. To ensure equal opportunities and in compliance with current laws, students may request a personal interview in order to plan any compensatory and/or dispensatory measures based on educational objectives and specific needs. Students can also contact the CInAP (Centro per l’integrazione Attiva e Partecipata — Servizi per le Disabilità e/o DSA) through the referring professor within the department, (https://www.cinap.unict.it/content/referenti).
Examples of frequently asked questions and / or exercises
Identification of the species covered in the course.
Phytoclimatic zones.
Principles of green space design and management.
Botanical and morphological characteristics, environmental requirements, and ornamental value of the species covered in the course.