Golfweek Features Jerry Pate Design and Teeth of the Dog - Read More
What makes each landscape design project unique is the site on which it is developed. Designing landscape architecture to fit the site may seem like common sense, but important elements are all-too-often overlooked. There is an art to landscape site analysis, and it encompasses more than you might think.
As we mentioned in our recent post, your landscape should tell a story. Landscape site analysis helps to uncover the setting and theme for that story. It involves gathering and analyzing information about a site’s natural features, existing vegetation, hardscaping, permanent structures and the surrounding context. Topography, soil condition and microclimates must also be analyzed.
Thorough landscape site analysis helps to ensure that a design is not only beautiful, but functional and long-lasting, as well. The information gained from site analysis helps designers to make informed decisions about plant selection, hardscape placement and overall layout. Finding the right plants for the right space contributes to a sustainable landscape that stays attractive for years to come.
Important Elements of Landscape Site Analysis
Landscape architects examine a number of factors which influence the context of a site. Landscape site analysis is essential and should be the first step in a landscape project. Significant elements in the landscape site analysis include:
Topography
The slopes and contours that represent the topography of a site have a large influence on the final design. They may present constraints on what can be implemented, but just as often provide opportunities for eye-catching design. Understanding the land’s contours and creating a landscape design that harmonizes with them requires skill and artistry.
Sloping sites may require terracing or retaining walls that can create appealing views while serving a functional purpose. Analyzing topography will also help to identify water flow and drainage issues that may need to be corrected. Preventing pooling, erosion and flooding will help to ensure a long-lasting implementation.
Existing Vegetation
Identifying and documenting the trees, shrubs and plants that are present can offer vital clues to what works and what might not on a site. As with topography, understanding the existing vegetation can also help ensure that the landscape design seamlessly blends with the surroundings. It also can lead to the integration of native plants, which better supports sustainability and biodiversity.
Soil Composition
Existing vegetation (even weeds!) offer insight into the state of the soil, as well. The soil composition of a site influences plant selection and determines whether soil amendment is needed. Analyzing the drainage, texture and fertility of the soil allows a designer to choose the best options.
Climate
When it comes to landscape site analysis, an understanding of the climate is critical. Along with regional climate, the microclimates on a site matter as well. Average temperature and precipitation for each specific area will inform decisions regarding plant selection and the need for irrigation systems.
Documenting sun exposure is a critical step in landscape site analysis. It directly influences plant selection, placement and overall design success. Landscape architects carefully observe and record how sunlight moves across the property throughout the day and across seasons. Whether an area gets full sun, partial shade or deep shade determines which plant species will thrive. Sun exposure data also guides the orientation of features like patios, seating areas and pathways, ensuring they receive the desired balance of warmth and shade.
Conditions can vary in areas of a site, depending on such factors as temperature, humidity, wind, frost and evaporation. Such microclimates can be influenced by proximity to buildings, trees, large open areas or nearby bodies of water. Even the soil type can influence the microclimate. Sandy and loose soils are subject to higher temperature fluctuations than other types of soil, for instance.
Existing Water Features
Ponds, streams and wetlands certainly have an effect on the overall appeal of a landscape. That appeal makes them an important part of the landscape site analysis. A landscape architect must carefully evaluate existing water features and seek to integrate them into the design. Done well, water features will become a centerpiece of a beautiful design.
Designers also consider water quality and ecological significance during the landscape site analysis. Strategies for water conservation, erosion control and habitat protection become part of the plan. Water features can offer important ecological benefits while serving as a focal point for the landscape design.
Cultural and Historical Significance
In addition to the conditions of the site, a landscape site analysis will include any cultural and historical factors that may influence the design. Designers can use the information to create a design that reflects the identity of a community or honor the legacy of the site’s past. Statues, ironwork, topiary and trees may be preserved to retain a historical and cultural connection.
Physical Features
Along with historical and cultural elements, the landscape site analysis will also document additional physical characteristics of the site. Existing structures such as buildings, walls, fences and walkways must be considered. The significance, materials and condition of these existing features are noted so that they can be best integrated into the design.
Enhancing User Experience
Creating a layout that is inviting and accessible is an inherent part of the design process. Understanding a site’s limitations and visitor circulation patterns helps the designer create an optimized and usable space. A landscape site analysis will also identify potential safety hazards and risks that should be corrected during the project.
Harmony Begins With Landscape Site Analysis
Achieving the goal of a beautiful and inspiring landscape is an artistic endeavor. The best designs capture the viewer’s attention while being functional, meaningful and sustainable. A thorough landscape site analysis is an important tool that helps a landscape architect to achieve those goals.
Thorough documentation during the landscape site analysis process ensures that the final design harmonizes with the site’s natural rhythms and maximizes both aesthetic and functional outcomes. The process guides decision making, resulting in landscapes that accentuate a site’s unique qualities while meeting the needs and desires of property owners and visitors.
At Jerry Pate Design, we understand the value of tailoring landscape design to each individual site. It all begins with a landscape site analysis. Please get in touch to see how our expertise can help you create a landscape that is as unique as your property.
