martinhouseclr

160 DARWIN D. MARTIN HOUSE // CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT Landscape Condition The following landscape condition overview refers to the current state of physical repair at the site. It is not intended to communicate a level of historic integrity or appropriateness. Based on the NPS Resources Management Plan Guidelines (1994), general condition is simply rated on a scale of good, fair, poor or unknown. Good indicates that the landscape shows no clear evidence of major negative disturbance or deterioration while poor indicates that there has been a major disturbance and immediate corrective action is required. The Martin House grounds are in overall good condition based on visual inspection of extant site features. As many of the site features, including buildings and structures, have been restored, reconstructed, or rehabilitated in some fashion over the last decade, nearly all of the features are in good condition, either being new or restored to like-new. The site appears well-maintained both physically and horticulturally (the limited vegetation that exists). Though no observable issues require immediate attention, minor issues exist and are noted below, organized by landscape unit: The Jewett Frontage • Minor ice / slush present on front steps of Martin House during winter, being treated with an unidentified ice-melt product. Though necessary for life/safety, recommend utilizing product that will not damage concrete. Urea ice melt is least damaging to both concrete and adjacent vegetation, however it loses potency at extremely low temperatures. See American Concrete Institute for full list of chemicals that are detrimental to concrete, which include both magnesium and sodium chlorides. • Turf-grass wear between unit paver bands in the walkway accessing the visitor center, due to pedestrian traffic. The Floricycle and Corner • Some minor efflorescence staining on concrete urns. • Water is pooling in some of the integral urn plinths due to a recess that prevents drainage. This appears to be a design aspect of the urns. • Minor turf wear on the north and east sides of the verandah, perhaps in part due to lack of consistent sunlight (north) and overspill from a nearby urn (east) or poor drainage. • Minor moss growth in lawn near south end of Floricycle area. • Two black walnuts trees suffering from moderate to severe stress and exhibiting severe staghorn dieback, likely due to recent site construction actives (soil compaction, root cuts, vehicle exhaust, materials storage in root zone). • Cast stone water table on west side of front raised planter (visible from Floricycle unit) appears ragged and a void has undercut the concrete where grass and finished grade should meet the planter wall. Additional undesired water penetration possible. The Summit Lawn • The terrace wall and much of the Summit Lawn lacks positive drainage away from structures or toward acceptable storm water collection points. • Long linear and narrow area of minor turf wear extends across a significant portion of the Summit Lawn, which is located approximately ten feet off Fig. 165, top Front raised planter, foundation void visible, potential undesirable water penetration. Fig. 166, bottom Turf wear near conservatory, east facade.