How To Create a Landscaping Site Analysis

Getting Ready For A Landscape Project - Build Your Own Landscaping Site Analysis

Bringing life to your outdoor space starts with an analysis of your landscape. Creating a landscape design that lives up to your unique terrain requires looking at the many facets of the land and infrastructure in place. We suggest following this checklist as you create your own landscaping site analysis. 

1. Observe Topography

The topography of your landscape encapsulates everything from terrain to elevation. Look at the slopes versus the flat ground and the types of soil that exist in your plot. Determine if the land is prone to drought, flood, or fire. Note rocky, wooded, weeded, or sandy areas. Is the soil hard or soft? You don't necessarily need a geological survey, but the details of the land's topography will help you determine which direction to go with your landscaping vision. 

2. Note Disturbances

While you may have well-meaning plans to create a beautiful vegetable garden or a relaxing outdoor sitting area, many landscaping plans fail to note disturbances that might take away from executing your objectives. Natural disturbances could include native pests and animals who meddle with your plants or squash your flowerbeds. Human-made disruptions include areas with road noise, unsightly power lines, or street lamps. Other hazards to take note of might include:

• Areas with high winds
• Loose pavers or broken concrete
• Broken or decaying fencing
• Exposed tree roots
• Damaged tree branches

Record the disturbances you find in your landscaping site analysis. Ask our professional designers about creating landscaping solutions for your particular concerns.

3. Detect Sunlight

Sunlight is a critical part of any landscape design in Santa Rosa. Record which areas have direct sunlight and for how many hours each day. Plants that require full sunlight will benefit from at least six to eight hours. Plants that thrive in partial sun or shade need only three to six hours. Observing shaded and sunny areas will give you a better idea of which plants will thrive in your available space. Likewise, sun and shade are critical elements when building outdoor living spaces. The average amount of sunlight you get per day could impact where you place outdoor structures such as:

• Patios
• Pergolas
• Pools 

4. Locate Infrastructure

Whether you plan to keep existing infrastructure or remove it, always include what is already there on your landscaping site analysis. Make a detailed report of current structural elements such as porches and patios, garden beds, playground equipment, water features, pools and spas, walkways, and more. Call 811 for free mapping of underground utilities through your local utility services. Before digging, always have power, water, and other potential hazards marked. Mapping out the infrastructure gives you a better footprint of your current space and allows you to visualize where future improvements can be made. 

5. Gage Maintenance Requirements

Finally, as you observe the various areas of your landscape, try to calculate the time and cost of maintaining your current or future space. Think of the hours it takes to upkeep the most crucial elements and determine if you have the resources you need to take care of them. If a low maintenance landscape is important to you, ask us which options will require the least care. Before installing new features such as a pool, tennis court, or large plant bed, take into consideration the level of maintenance you are willing to commit. 

Contact Us For More Information

At Canepa Landscaping, we bring life to your outdoor spaces using our reputable design and construction services. If your landscaping site analysis leads you to seek out professional landscape design Santa Rosa, we invite you to reach out for more information. Contact us at (707) 322-7007 or request a quote online to get our help with your next landscaping project.