Title: Analyze the landscape site.
Course: Landscaping I (18054-I) > Section: Designing the Landscape

Analysis should include

- explaining the purpose of a site analysis
- sketching a base plan
- locating and recording utilities
- identifying and recording orientation
- observing plot topography
- determining soil characteristics (e.g., texture, drainage, depth, soil pH, nutrient analysis)
- identifying and recording existing vegetation
- identifying pest history and current or potential problems
- identifying areas of environmental sensitivity
- making linear measurements by pacing
- interpreting United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) hardiness zone maps for heat and cold
- identifying microclimates
- identifying and recording pleasant views and unpleasant views from the site.

Process/Skill Questions:

- Which existing features of a landscape site have to be considered when planning a landscape?
- How do soil characteristics affect plant selection?
- How do microclimates affect a landscape?
- Why is it important to determine and record site conditions, including areas of environmental sensitivity?
- What sustainability practices need to be considered when analyzing the site and developing the landscape plan?

Teacher Resource:

- Google Earth Pro