The landscape assessment begins with site analysis and careful consideration of how you use your outdoor space
Landscape Assessment, Site Analysis
During the landscape assessment phase, our landscape designers will ask a lot of questions and listen carefully to your answers. The landscape design will be created to accent your unique lifestyle, within the natural constraints of environmental variables of the property, such as sun and shade, sights and sounds, typer of soil, the lay of the land, and so on.
Sun and Shade
The way the sun affects your house and site at different seasons will greatly influence the overall design. By knowing the direction of the sun at different times of the year, you can determine where trees will be needed to provide shade in the summer (and hopefully reduce your electric bill) and where you will need open areas to allow the winter sun to heat the house and outdoor living areas.
Sights and Sounds
A walking exploration of your property will tell us many things. When you are standing on the front porth, do you have a nice view? What do you see from the deck in the back yard? Is there significant traffic noise coming from one or more directions? We'll note your views of neighboring properties to determine whether to recommend a living barrier or other shielding. We'll take note of any good (or bad) views and other sources of noise during our site analysis. We'll also take into consideration the views from the other direction -- those looking at your property from the outside.
Soils
Occasionally, Middle Tennessee soil needs both physical and chemical amendments before trees and shrubs can be planted. If necessary, we will test the soil and note the soil type and topsoil depth on your site analysis. We will carefully consider any poorly drained areas that may need underground drainage and make recommendations on drainage correction issues. Does water stand in low areas after a rain? Do these areas remain wet for several days?
Assessment of Family Needs and Preferences
Identifying the personal needs and desires of you and your family will help us design a landscape that is aesthetically pleasing, enjoyable, and functional for your family. Here are a few items pertaining to landscape needs that will be considered in the Nashville Landscapes assessment process.
Access to the house
- Walks -- width, drainage, appearance, and lighting
- Driveways -- type of surface and amount of turnaround space
- Parking -- for family, guests, a camper, a boat, or bicycles
Family Activities
- Outdoor entertaining -- grilling, seating, deck and patio access
- Children's play areas
- Sports and other recreation
- Extra parking for guests, boat, motorcycles, or other vehicles
Maintenance Requirements
- Do you enjoy doing your own landscape maintenance or yard work?
- Storage for garden equipment
- Specific gardening interests (for example, growing vegetables, roses, herbs, fruit trees, or bulbs)
Other Space
- Garbage cans
- Dog area
- Firewood storage
- Equipment storage