The Importance of Site Analysis Before a Landscaping Project
26 March 2020Site analysis is the process of taking pictures of the property and noting all of the key elements on-site such as existing structures and plant material, site views, water issues or anything else that may affect the design. Such a process is important before a landscaping project to ensure a smooth workflow. Below are the other reasons why site analysis is important before a landscaping project.
Site Analysis Can Give You The Basis for a Landscaping Design
A part of the site analysis is figuring out the footprint. Contractors start with the basic dimensions and shape of your property. Then they have a county surveyor for a property sketch that shows the boundaries, setbacks and easements. After they scan or transfer that information they can use that as the basis for your design.
Site Analysis Allows You to Know Which Features to Reuse or Recycle
After they make a list of what is already on your property, including buildings, trees, hardscapes, fences and infrastructure. Then they will be able to tell you what can be reused or recycled as well as which features are liabilities and need to be changed.
Site Analysis Checks if You are Prone to Natural Disasters
The site analysis process informs you of the broad strokes, the high and low points of your property. It notes the distinctive features that will affect what you can do with an area including steep slopes, swails, berms, peaks. If you live in an area prone to natural disasters such as mudslides, sinkholes, floods or wildfires, you can opt for defensive landscaping guidelines.
Site Analysis Troubleshoots Potential Dangers
Making your yard safe is a top priority. That could mean pruning dead tree limbs, repaving walkways to eliminate trip hazards, or enclosing a swimming pool with a safety fence. To troubleshoot potential dangers, site analysis identifies design changes to make before embarking on a landscaping project.
Site Analysis Promotes Proper Irrigation
Site analysis determines the drainage patterns and tests the soil for moisture in various locations around the yard to determine where you can group together plants according to their water needs and then plan your irrigation system accordingly.
Site Analysis Identifies Sun, Shade and Wind Patterns
Site analysis familiarises you with the patterns of sun and shade at different times of the day and season. This will enable you to find the extent of shadows and their density, and where you might want to add or delete shade. Similarly, it identifies the typical wind speeds and direction at different times of year. You can strategically place trees and plants to block wind or funnel it for cooling breezes. As with water, wind settles and pools in low-lying areas. This can create frost pockets where the yard dips. If it’s blocked too much, as by a fence or dense trees, pressure can build up, creating turbulence on the leeward side, which can be destructive.
Site Analysis Reduces Nuisances
While not exactly dangerous, annoying facts of life such as street noise, lettuce-nibbling deer, or a neighbor’s tree that sheds its leaves in your yard, should figure into your landscaping plans. You might not be able to eliminate all nuisances but you’ll be happier if you address them from the start, rather than as an afterthought, and devise creative, sustainable strategies.
Avail of a site analysis before your landscaping project from Mark Browning Landscape Design. We are ready to help you with your landscaping projects. Contact us to know more about landscaping and if you want to transform your backyard into something relaxing and refreshing.
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