Know how to carry out a site appraisal and record essential data

Question 1

State what needs to be recorded when carrying out a site appraisal, including soil type, contour, aspect, microclimates, exposure and drainage

Answer 1

The collection of physical information about the site;

1. soil type - depth, texture, pH
2. drainage
3. the contour( Topography) - extent of slopes
4. aspect
5. exposure
6. microclimate - frost pockets, heavy shade, rain shadows, sun traps and wind tunnels
7. visuall clues to areas with microclimates
8. visual assessment of external features - fine views, eyesores, the style of the house and building materials

Question 2

What is the difference between a site appraisal and a site survey?

Answer 2

Site appraisal: to do with the existing conditions - what affects the garden / how to keep the plants happy / Site Appraisal is the recording of the general nature and condition of a site within its environment to include: soil type, contour, aspect, exposure, microclimates and drainage

Site survey: to do with the exisiting features - what is in the garden / measurements of where things are in relation to each other / Garden survey is the detailed surveying/measuring and recording of a garden together with features and services to include: positions and condition of buildings and trees, site topography, positions of all features such as ponds, watercourses, hard landscaping, overhead and underground services, boundary constraints, access and potential hazards and risks relating to any of the features or services

Question 3

State what needs to be included in a site appraisal - Soil type

Answer 3

Geology / type (texture) (texturing test) / pH (chemical test, look at existing plants / nutrient level (existing plants, chemical tests) / depth of topsoil (dig hole) / structure (observe surface for standing water, dig hole) / contaminants and history of site

e.g. clay slow to drain

Question 4

State what needs to be included in a site appraisal - Drainage

Answer 4

Level of drainage (moisture in the soil) / is there standing water, stream springs etc.. nearby - bog garden more successful / dig holes and pour water at different levels / assess slopes, soil texture and structure / position of manhole covers, septic tanks and drainage pipes / natural drainage patterns

Question 5

State what needs to be included in a site appraisal - contour

Answer 5

changes in level - are there slopes or level changes? / measure slopes / ridges / undulations / terraces / influence microclimate and level of exposure - dips and dells frost pockets / hills intercept rain - W or SW facing slopes are usually wetter / altitude

Question 6

State what needs to be included in a site appraisal - Exposure

Answer 6

Wind most damaging to plants in UK - think about introducing shelter on an exposed site / frost, wind chill and tunnels will impact the plants that can be used according to the level of shelter the site has / assess prevailing wind direction / wind breaks / solid barriers / location within the landscape - in a valley? elevation…

Question 7

State what needs to be included in a site appraisal - Aspect

Answer 7

Aspect: Which way the site faces will influence light durations and levels / level of wind / humidy and rain (slope) and what plants are used as a consequence / effected also by seasons / S facing gets more light and warmth e.g. / shading cast by buildings, walls and plants / use compass to assess / note orientation of each barrier

Question 8

State what needs to be included in a site appraisal - Microclimate

Answer 8

Microclimate: dells and dips more likely to have frost pockets / look at comparative temperatures / where is more windy / walls/fences rain shadows - dry soil / sun traps / heavy shade from walls hedges and trees - could be favourable to woodland plants / large trees offer shelter but soil could be dry and infertile / depending on building aspect can provide shelter or act as wind tunnels if building close together

Question 9

Visual clues to areas with microclimates

Answer 9

Look at surrounding buildings, topography and trees (bent trees, lack top branches) to assess wind exposure

If low-lying, check for water courses and ponds / will cold air come from higher ground - will it escape or collect

Survey existing buildings, hedges, trees and walls to find sheltered warm spots or exposed windy areas, shady

Question 10

State what needs to be included in a site appraisal - External views and features

Answer 10

External views to the garden / need to consider if want to keep or screen / any eyesores / need to consider the style and state of the house / borrowed landscapes / overhanging trees from neighbour’s garden