This document provides guidance on conducting a site assessment for garden planning. It emphasizes the importance of a methodical and thorough review of the site through questionnaires, notes, and sketch plans to record key features and areas. The assessment should consider views, aspect, climate, soil, existing features, services, and other physical, environmental, and legal characteristics of the site that will influence the garden design. Taking careful measurements and notes of slopes, drainage, microclimates and more will ensure all relevant details are captured to inform the eventual design plan.

1. RHS Level 2 Certificate
WEEK 26
GARDEN PLANNING – SITE ASSESSMENT.

2. Site appraisal
A methodical review of the site
Use questionnaires to gather the information so that points are not
missed.
Use a sketch plan so that the location of key features and areas can also
be recorded graphically.
Consideration of the views, aspect and climate, soil, existing features and
services.
In a site appraisal it is important to assess the existing features that will
remain so that these can be incorporated into the eventual design.

3. Site characteristics - physical
Make a sketch plan and take notes – keep careful records.
Location and physical character– aspect, climate, micro-climates, views,
slopes, drainage
Views – out from the garden, into the garden?
Existing features – to keep or to remove?
Existing plants – to retain or remove?
Location of services – both buried and overhead.
Soil – pH, depth, structure and texture. Several samples needed across
the site as it will not be uniform.

4. Site appraisal - topography
‘Topography’ : the configuration of a surface and the
relations between its man-made and natural features.
Particularly in the design context, the mapping of the
changes in surface level of the site.
Slopes and hollows should be noted on the appraisal
drawing – they will need to be surveyed as part of the
measured site survey in due course.

5. Site Characteristics - Environmental
Aspect – south facing? North facing? Track of the sun across the
design area during the day.
Prevailing wind – direction? Exposure? Surrounding buildings –
shade and turbulence.
Height above sea level
Sources of air pollution – adjoining roads, industrial uses
Is the site overlooked – adjacent properties or from public roads
and paths?
Scents and sounds – positive and negative

6. Legal and Regulatory issues
There may be a number of these that are relevant to a particular site. For example:
1. Planning and building regulations – new construction may require planning permission and
building regulations clearance. The property may be Listed or in a Conservation Area.
2. Restrictions in the title on building, planting etc – these may be found in Restrictive
Covenants on the title. Note that obtaining planning permission will not give consent to breach
a restriction on the title.
3. Boundary issues – ownership and maintenance obligations.
4. Tree Preservation Orders – any works to a tree that is subject to a TPO will need to be
authorised, otherwise a criminal offence may be committed.
5. Building over services – new garden buildings that are built over the route of drainage or
water supplies will need a ‘build over agreement’ with the utilities provider. Not impossible but
onerous and therefore best avoided.

7. End of Introduction
Now consider the reflection question and the appraisal
questionnaire before moving on to the next page.