METRO Facilities Landscape Manual

Houston, TX

Services Provided

Landscape Maintenance Guidelines, Landscape Design Guidelines for Transit Facilities, Client Workshops, Cost Estimating, 3D Modeling, Houston METRO agency stakeholder coordination

The METRO Facilities Maintenance Landscape Manual establishes a comprehensive framework for the design, stewardship, and long-term care of landscapes across Houston's transit system. Developed through extensive collaboration with METRO leadership, maintenance personnel, planners, designers, and community stakeholders, the manual bridges the gap between design intent and day-to-day operations. The result is a practical resource that helps ensure transit landscapes remain safe, welcoming, resilient, and visually consistent throughout their lifecycle.

Recognizing that successful landscapes depend on both thoughtful design and effective maintenance, the manual integrates best practices for hardscape, planting, trees, irrigation, drainage, and site amenities across METRO's diverse network of bus stops, transit stations and medians, park-and-rides, and transit centers. By aligning landscape design decisions with operational realities, the guide promotes durable, cost-effective solutions that reduce maintenance burdens, extend asset life, and improve system-wide performance.

Grounded in METRO's broader urban design vision, the manual advances goals of environmental resilience, sustainable development, equitable community investment, and enhanced customer experience. More than a maintenance guide, it serves as a strategic tool for creating transit environments that support rider comfort, strengthen regional identity, and deliver lasting value to Houston's communities for years to come.