Site Assessments

Question 1

The purpose of a site assessment is to measure and observe what three things?

Answer 1

1. Natural Elements
2. Human-made features
3. Dimensions of site & structures

Question 2

What are the nine main natural elements to consider in a site assessment?

Answer 2

1. Temperature
2. Sun Exposure
3. Soil Fertility
4. Wind Exposure
5. Water (including rain, features)
6. Soil type & Drainage
7. Terrain
8. Existing Plants
9. Insects & Diseases

Question 3

What questions should you ask about the site’s temperature?

Answer 3

1. In what USDA hardiness zone is the site?
2. Are there features that alter microclimates?

Question 4

What questions should you ask about the site’s wind exposure?

Answer 4

1. Is the site sheltered from wind or exposed to it?
2. Which direction do the winds come from?
3. Would wind screens help, and where?

Question 5

What questions should you ask about sun exposure?

Answer 5

1. What provides shade?
2. What direction are the hills and structures located on the site or nearby sites?

Question 6

What are the four levels of sun exposure and what do they mean?

Answer 6

1. Full Sun: The Site has 6+ hours of direct sunlight daily.
2. Partial Sun: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
3. Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of sun daily, but shaded during midday
4. Full shade: less than 3 hours of sun daily.

Question 7

What questions should you ask about water on the site?

Answer 7

1. What is the average rainfall?
2. Are there seasonal fluctuations in rain?
3. Is irrigation possible?
4. Are there naturally occurring water features?
5. Are there ornamental or artificial water features?

Question 8

What questions should you ask about soil type & drainage on the site?

Answer 8

1. Is the soil rich and moist, or dry?
2. Are there low spots where water pools or high spots with thin soil?
3. Is there topsoil?
4. Is the soil sand, silt, clay, or loamy wax?

Question 9

What are the four soil types you are likely to encounter and how do you determine this?

Answer 9

1. Sand
2. Silt
3. Clay
4. Loamy Wax

You can determine this by doing a soil ribbon test, which requires a testing kit and soil probe.

Question 10

What questions should you ask about the terrain on the site?

Answer 10

1. Is the land flat or hilly?
2. Is the site on a slope? What is the direction and angle of that slope?