Site Evaluation Form
BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES
(walls, walks, fences, decks, patios, etc.)
Can structures be relocated to improve the site?________________________________________________
Do structures have poor access?____________________________________________________________
Can plantings be used to protect or shade structures?___________________________________________
Are structures proportional to the lot size?____________________________________________________
What type of construction material will best blend with existing structures?__________________________
Can retaining walls be used to reduce slopes?_________________________________________________
Are there structural areas or utilities that require screening?______________________________________
Are paved areas needed to make areas more functional?_________________________________________
Can steps or ramps be used to give better access to any areas?____________________________________
Is additional storage space needed?_________________________________________________________
Other?_______________________________________________________________________________
TOPOGRAPHICAL FEATURES
(hills, water, woods, etc.)
Are there water features on the lot?_________________________________________________________
Are there steep slopes that need to be reduced?________________________________________________
Are there rocky areas that will affect plantings?________________________________________________
Are there rock features that you would like to incorporate into the design?___________________________
Are there areas that need to be raised or filled?________________________________________________
Are there erosion prone areas?_____________________________________________________________
Are adjacent lots at the same level?_________________________________________________________
Other?_______________________________________________________________________________
DRAINAGE
Is there adequate drainage away from structures?_______________________________________________
Does drainage flow onto neighboring properties?______________________________________________
Do neighboring properties drain onto the lot?________________________________________________
Are there low spots that can be filled to improve drainage?_______________________________________
Are there erosion areas that can be eliminated with better drainage?________________________________
Is there standing water?__________________________________________________________________
SOIL PROPERTIES
Is additional topsoil needed?______________________________________________________________
Does the pH of the soil need to be altered?___________________________________________________
Does the soil drain fast or slow?____________________________________________________________
Can drainage be improved with soil amendments?____________________________________________
Is there adequate organic matter in the soil?___________________________________________________
Has a soil test been done on the site?________________________________________________________
Will fertilizer need to be added to help plantings?______________________________________________
VEGETATION
Is there existing vegetation on the lot?_______________________________________________________
Will trees or plantings need to be removed?_______________________________________________
Is there existing turf that can be improved?___________________________________________________
Does the existing turf need to be larger or smaller?_____________________________________________
Can existing vegetation be incorporated into a new design?______________________________________
Can native areas be incorporated into the design?___________________________________________
Are there areas where plants other than grass can be used as a ground cover?__________________________
CLIMATE
Are plantings needed to shade structures?____________________________________________________
Are windbreaks needed to reduce wind?_____________________________________________________
Are there heat sinks on the lot that will affect plant selection?_________________________________
Does the region get enough rain to provide adequate irrigation?___________________________________
What is the general climate in the area? _____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________
Does the region get enough snow for winter protection?_________________________________________
Is snow removal a problem on the property?__________________________________________________
Are there areas where snow piles or drifts?___________________________________________________
WALKS, PATHS, & DRIVES
Do walks and paths provide proper access to buildings and areas on the property?_____________________
Can walks or paths be relocated to provide better access?________________________________________
Are walks, paths, and drives the proper width?________________________________________________
Can any walks, paths or drives be widened to make them more functional?__________________________
Can walks, paths, or drives be given more interest?_____________________________________________
Do walks, paths or drives have water or ice problems?_______________________________________
Can additional areas be created to provide off street parking?_____________________________________
Is lighting needed along any of the areas?____________________________________________________
Do walks and paths provide adequate access to all areas?________________________________________
Do traffic paths form across any of the turf areas?______________________________________________
EXTENSIONAL LANDSCAPE
Are there views that need to be changed?_____________________________________________________
Is a screen planting needed to block a poor view?______________________________________________
Is a screen planting needed to reduce noise?__________________________________________________
Are there views that can be framed or added?_________________________________________________
Are public and service areas adequately screened?_____________________________________________
Adapted from: Landscaping Your Home WM. R. Nelson Jr. CHP, pg. 22.23