The making of a site analysis

Press, 15 August 1978, Page 12

The making of a site analysis

LANDSCAPING AT HOME

By

Gilbert Brakey

Irrespective of what you may like to have in your new garden it will directly or indirectly, be influenced by the kind of site you have and what it may already contain. Possibly you have a com-

pletely new and raw section; alternatively, you may have an existing garden which requires some remodelling. Whatever you do, the first thing must be to get a “feel” for the many different elements that go to make up your property. This means making a visual and physical analysis of the site, including all

that within the legal boundary as well as the visual boundaries beyond. Usually the most common site conditions which you should note include the topography, soil type, drainage, existing vegetation, any natural features, climate (both the general climate of the district; and the climate on the section itself, such as salt-laden

winds if you are on the coast), services, easements and the extensional landscape. Note all these things down in some detail, forming a site analysis checklist. Your site analysis will provide you with the basic information on the negative and positive qualities of your property.