Recording a garden survey 1.1-2.1 Flashcards
Distinguish between garden survey and site appraisal
A garden survey is an assessment and record of the location, position and measurement of features which could have an impact on the further design/use of the garden. It may include: existing plants, trees, buildings, garden levels, boundaries, underground and overhead services and can include an assessment of health and safety issues
A site appraisal is an assessment and record of the general conditions of a site. This includes physical, aesthetic and environmental characteristics which could affect the design eg. soil conditions, drainage, aspect, microclimates, and the surrounds, including views
See June 2021 Q1
Define hazard and risk and risk assessment
A hazard is any source of potential danger, damage, harm or adverse health effect to humans
A risk is the probability/likelihood that a person will be harmed if exposed to a hazard
A risk assessment identifies hazards and the associated risks. Risks are evaluated to determine ways to minimise their effect (risks categorised high, medium or low)
8 hazards and associated risks
Access to Site
Pathway dark and slippery under trees causing slips, trips, sprains and broken bones
Overhead & Underground Electric Cables
Overhead cables being in contact with metal ladder, tall machinery or cut by long handled pruning equipment Damaging or cutting through underground cables not buried deep enough or placed in conduit causing electrocution
Sockets near water or children’s play areas
Unsafe Buildings/walls
Falling masonry causing head injuries and broken glass causing cuts, unstable foundations, crumbling mortar
Location and condition of Features
Large urn on a plinth may fall off and cause injury or death. Water feature near path may wet path and cause slips and trips.
Check for cracks and fractures on statues or fountains
Trees
Debris, fallen leaves and branches causing slips, trips and head injuries (check for disease)
Roots above ground - trip hazard
Topography (degree and extent of slope)
Slipping and falling injury, cuts, bruises or broken bones if slope is steep esp if wet and slippery
Undulations may present trip hazards
Low lying areas may be boggy
Existing Features
e.g. flight of steps slips or falls if steps too steep or surface is too smooth
Watercourses & Ponds and water features
Slipping in, drowning, being bitten by mosquitoes, risks from electricity powering pump
methods to minimise risk (steep slope, paths, trees)
Steps need deep treads and shallow risers. Long flights broken up with landings
Create terraces with retaining walls and winding path with shallow gradient
Use non slip surfaces (not gravel)
Remove overhanging trees (avoids fallen debris, moss, weeds, water in shade)
Prescribe maintenance programme (scrubbing, sweeping)
Level ground
Use of lighting
Bury cables deeply and overlay with hazard tape or tiles - mark on plans.
Overhead cables should be clearly visible and not obscured by trees and above height of normal access working requirements
Sockets near water are waterproof and are enclosed near children’s play areas
Site restrictions
Financial constraints: staged work to suit cash flow, strict budgeting with contingency, smaller plants and reclaimed materials
Access difficulties for plant, equipment and materials - sow seed for lawn, butyl liner instead of fibreglass for pond, smaller plants and alternative access - through neighbour’s garden, re-use on site material, usual manual tools or small machinery
Topography (degree and extent of slopes)
Boundary constraints: negotiate with neighbours
Restrictions of time works can be carried out (seasonal and legal)
TPOs
Overhead and underground services hazards/risks
Electricity: electrocution
Water: flooding
Mains gas: explosion
Oil line from tank: pollution, fire
Drainage: water logging, sewer damage
Internet cables: disruption to service
Damage can cause disruption to service, inconvenience, disruption to on-site work, damage to soil and cost implications from repairs as well as health and safety concerns
Presence of underground services may restrict where excavations can be made and overhead cables may restrict site access fr equipment and large plants
Identifying existing garden features
Trees and shrubs - type and size and whether to be retained
Hard landscape features - sheds, ponds, paths, decking, pergola and whether to be retained
Doors, windows and gates and which side they are hinged
Linear survey (exc triangulation)
Draw an outline of the plot and house (mark corners ABCD)
Take measurements of the house from one side boundary to the other (marking doors, windows)
Check it is the same as the width of the plot
Complete remaining house measurements
Measure the length of each of the other boundaries
Measure diagonals (a form of triangulation that helps locate corners)
Base line - off sets
A baseline is fixed between two known points (often along the wall of the house)
Cumulative measurements are taken to show the positions of doors, windows, etc along its length. This includes the points from which offsets are taken
Offsets two measurements along baseline and from the baseline
Triangulation
Plotting of points within the garden by taking measurements from two known points (such as the ends of the house)
Can be used to establish location of plot corners or garden features eg. trees
Site appraisal
Aspect - record direction of north affects light duration and levels and informs choices regarding planting and location of seating areas and other landscape features
Also consider shading from trees, buildings, walls and potential advantages of south facing slopes, shady/sunny areas
Exposure to wind, frost (pockets and tunnels), shelter belts - check for wind pruned trees or wind damage
Boundaries - open or closed
Soil - structure, texture, pH and fertility. Depth of topsoil, soil profile and presence or lack of drainage - all affects plant selection
Contour - topography of the site assists decision relating to hard landscaping - areas may require terracing or inclusion of a rock garden
services - electricity cables, gas, sewage, water and internet cables
Views - to the site, from the site and within the site (fine views, eyesores, style of the house)
Statutory restrictions - TPO conservation area
Atmospheric conditions - seasonal temps, pollution, salt laden air
Microclimate - effects of walls or other solid screens, suntraps, wind tunnels low lying areas may be frost pockets, as will be slopes with a solid barrier at the base or rain shadows may be created by the house or other structures including trees. Dense canopies can cast deep shade and cooler temps. Influences plant choice and position and design of hard landscaping features
Altitude
Factors on site appraisal that would affect siting a patio
Exposure - strong winds or areas exposed to frost and cold are not suitable
Aspect - s/w facing receive max light and warmth, north facing cooler and lower light levels
Contours - sloping sites be involve terracing
Poor soil drainage - areas prone to flooding unsuitable
Views from the patio - make use of borrowed landscape or avoid unsightly view (pylon or neighbour’s windows)
Soil testing and design choice
Drainage: bog garden in damp patches
pH: ericaceous in acid soils, lime tolerant in chalk soils
texture: hard landscaping on poor/stony soil
Equipment for survey
30/50m of landscape tape
Pegs, canes,
string line
paper
pencil
