BobTheBuilder
10-28-2004, 03:23 PM
Is there a septic tank where you'd like a pool? A group of trees where you'd like to open up a view? Getting a handle on what is possible for your property is easier when you take a methodical approach.
Steps:
1. Make a scaled plan of your property to record your notes. (See "How to Make a Scaled Plan of Your Property" under Related eHows.)
2. Take note of any special soil conditions such as damp spots, steep slopes or rock outcrops. Note any rises or low spots in the ground elevation.
3. Locate any unmovable obstructions such as utilities, septic tanks or natural features. Be sure to take advantage of your local power company's free utility-locating service.
4. Identify any obvious problems such as noise sources on adjacent properties, unappealing views, or a lack of privacy. Be sure to investigate what might be visible beyond existing obstructions such as fences, hedges and shrubs - these could be there for a reason.
5. Note where the sun and shade are on your property. Your house casts a shadow that is different in winter and summer. Note where other features such as trees are casting their shadows. Do any rays of sunshine peek through?
6. Identify the positive attributes of your property. Take note of appealing views, outstanding trees or interesting natural features such as rocks, streams or ponds.
7. Sketch a number of different landscape improvement alternatives you might like onto tracing paper laid over your site plan, making sure to be realistic about scale.
8. Compare each of the existing conditions you've just identified with the requirements for the kind of improvements you would like to make. Many interesting design features originate as attempts to solve a problem. If your property has a steep slope, consider terracing. Is afternoon sun too intense? Consider a pergola.
Steps:
1. Make a scaled plan of your property to record your notes. (See "How to Make a Scaled Plan of Your Property" under Related eHows.)
2. Take note of any special soil conditions such as damp spots, steep slopes or rock outcrops. Note any rises or low spots in the ground elevation.
3. Locate any unmovable obstructions such as utilities, septic tanks or natural features. Be sure to take advantage of your local power company's free utility-locating service.
4. Identify any obvious problems such as noise sources on adjacent properties, unappealing views, or a lack of privacy. Be sure to investigate what might be visible beyond existing obstructions such as fences, hedges and shrubs - these could be there for a reason.
5. Note where the sun and shade are on your property. Your house casts a shadow that is different in winter and summer. Note where other features such as trees are casting their shadows. Do any rays of sunshine peek through?
6. Identify the positive attributes of your property. Take note of appealing views, outstanding trees or interesting natural features such as rocks, streams or ponds.
7. Sketch a number of different landscape improvement alternatives you might like onto tracing paper laid over your site plan, making sure to be realistic about scale.
8. Compare each of the existing conditions you've just identified with the requirements for the kind of improvements you would like to make. Many interesting design features originate as attempts to solve a problem. If your property has a steep slope, consider terracing. Is afternoon sun too intense? Consider a pergola.