The following checklist will help you analyze what exists on your site and think about what changes or additions you need to make. As you go through the exercise, keep notes on a separate sheet of paper. Also, use either a photocopy of your base plan or lay a piece of tracing paper over it and make notes as appropriate, see sketch below. This will help you to remember what needs to be done and where. Be sure to title and date your tracing paper. 
Answer Yes or No to the following questions: A Yes answer means the condition needs improving or that it will be an important consideration in your design.
A No answer means nothing needs to be done about the item. Drainage
Drainage problems occur both above and below the ground surface. Water should run away from all structures and activity areas to create a water harvest area where it can move through the soil and be used by plants. At a minimum channel the water away from structures. If you have severe drainage problems, you may need to consult a professional. Is drainage poor from the house or from other structures and areas? Does water drain or puddle near your house foundation? Do your neighbors have drainage problems on their property? Is there drainage from a neighbor's property? Is there drainage onto a neighbor's property? Are there low spots you may need to grade and fill? Do areas of your property show signs of erosion? Does water stand on the surface in any area? Is your property below the surrounding properties? Are there sloped areas that are difficult to irrigate or grow plants?
See the Slopes, Grades, and Berms fact sheet for more information on how slopes affect planting. Soil
Landscape design for every site is affected by the soil type as it relates to drainage, erosion control, slope stability, irrigation design and plant selection. - Do you need more information about what kind of soil you have (sand, clay, gravel, etc.)?
- Is your soil too loose (blowing away)?
- Is your soil too compacted (hard to dig)?
- Is there a rock or clay sub-layer?
- Is the soil currently covered with another material, such as grass, weeds or mulch?
- Should your soil drainage be improved? (Fill holes with water and check the next day to see if it has all soaked in.)
- Should you have your soil tested?
- Is your soil high in salt?
- Do you regularly add fertilizers or other chemicals to your soil?
- Do you need more information?
Contact the El Paso County office of the Colorado State Cooperative Extension at 719-636-8920 for more information on soil testing. Macro-Climate
Look at the general climate for your geographic area. Do you know the prevailing wind direction? Do you know the temperature extremes in your area? (USDA Zone?) Do you know the rainfall patterns and seasonal characteristics in your area? Do you need to add supplemental irrigation to your landscape?
Micro-Climates
Now look at the areas of variation of climate for your individual property. - Are there areas that are shaded by buildings, plants or other structures like fences? (Each side of a structure usually has a different micro-climate.)
- Are there low spots in your landscape where cold air pools?
- Are there sunny areas or 'hot spots' near buildings and fences?
- Are there wet areas?
- Are there dry areas?
- Are there south or west facing slopes?
- Are there areas with strong wind patterns, i.e. between house and fence.
- Are there areas where the snow remains longer than in the surrounding areas?
- Are there opportunities to conserve energy in your home by improving the landscape?
Contact the El Paso County office of the Colorado State Cooperative Extension at 719-636-8920 for more information on energy conserving landscape design. Existing Vegetation
Evaluate the native vegetation or existing ornamental plantings in an established landscape. Do some trees need to be removed or changed? Are there problem areas in your lawn? Do you have too much lawn? Are the existing trees, shrubs, groundcovers and flowers in poor health? Is the general quality of each existing plant high enough to justify saving it? Are there more plants than you need? Are plants too close together? Are there areas of native plants? Will the native plants combine with new plantings if this should be necessary? Are plants grouped together by water requirements or hydrozones? Is your site in a fire-prone area?
Contact the El Paso County office of the Colorado State Cooperative Extension at 719-636-8920 for more information on landscape design considerations in fire-prone areas. Natural Features
Existing soil, rock and water affect your planning. - Are there rock outcroppings on your site you may want to feature or need to work around?
- Are there sunken areas you may need to grade and fill?
- Are there eroded areas that need attention?
- Are there opportunities for water harvest in your landscape?
- Do you have steep slopes that require retaining walls or special plantings?
- Are there bodies of water on your site you may want to feature or work around?
- Does your neighbor's ground elevation affect your landscaping?
- Do you have a slope that prevents using the yard for lawn games?
See the Evaluating and Improving Your Slope fact sheet for more information on measuring slopes. Structures
Look at what patios, fences, walls, paths and other structures you already have. - Can the locations of existing hardscape and structures be improved?
- Do the locations of hardscape and structures affect plantings?
- Are there paths that improve access to hardscape and structures?
- Is there protection needed against sun and wind?
- Are any of the structures too large or too small for the site?
- Are there dry, stacked boulders or other retaining walls?
- Do utility meters, air conditioning units or other structures have screening?
- Do you have permanent seating in any areas of the yard?
- Is there a children's play area?
- Is there an entertainment area? Does it have enough shade, paving or decking?
- Is there a service area? Does it have enough paving or decking?
- Are steps provided for access between different levels?
- Is there a storage structure in the service area?
- Do you have a compost area?
- Have you called the Utility Notification Center of Colorado at 1-800-922-1987 to locate underground utilities?
Walks and Drives
Walks and drives control circulation or movement into and around the landscape. - Does the walk or driveway need to be relocated for greater convenience or attractiveness?
- Does either need to be made wider?
- Does water drain onto them?
- Can the walk be arranged in a staggered or curved pattern for greater interest?
- Would expanding or modifying the walk at the entry allow for a courtyard?
- Do you need off-street parking?
- Is there adequate lighting along the walks and drives?
- Can stepping stones be used to carry the traffic around the house?
- Do you have walks or paths from the rear entry to the service area or to other activity spaces in the outdoor living area?
- Do you have an area to pile snow?
Extensional Landscape
These are things that are not on your property but affect you or your property. Do you want to change your neighbor's view of your property? Do you have a good view or possibly a bad one? Are noises from a nearby boundary road a problem? Are there pleasant adjoining areas you can take advantage of in your plan (parks or other open space for instance)? Do you have enough protection and privacy in the front yard? Do you have enough protection and privacy in the backyard?
Back to Step 2: Site Analysis. | 
