1. The Site Landscaping Chapter 4

2. Objectives*  Define the word site and explain its significance in the development of a landscape  List the typical features that must be evaluated on most sites  Describe sources of site information  Explain the geographic information systems  Define the following terms: setback, zoning regulations, property lines, right of ways, easement, zero lot line  Describe the limitations that the terrain imposes upon human activities  Understand the basic concepts of land grading  Describe how to prepare a base map

3. Site  A piece of land that has the potential for development  No two sites are identical  Each has its own personality that must be identified  Determines what the landscape designer can and can’t do

4. Site Features and Characteristics  Natural Features  Man Made Features  Cultural Features  Physical  Cultural  Visual  See p. 61-62

5. Sources of Site Information  Topographical Maps- US Geological Survey  Soil Survey’s- Natural Resource Conservation Service  Weather Data- Local Weather Records  Property Lines- County Clerks Office  Other cultural characteristics of the site

6. Geographic Information Systems  Computerized systems that combine both hardware and software to provide mapping data about geographic regions of the country  Different than aerial photography because it provides more information about the site  Not commonly used in residential design

7. Reading the Terrain  Topography-the rise and fall of the land  Topographic maps will represent vertical changes in the terrain as broken lines called contour lines  The lines represent a vertical rise or fall over the horizontal distance measured from the maps scale  Each contour line connects all the points of equal elevation on the map and each is labeled to indicate its elevation  The vertical distance between contour lines-the contour interval is always stated on the map  Steep slopes are identified by closely spaced contour lines, gradual slopes by more widely spaced lines

8. Things to Know Regarding Contours and Contour Lines  Existing contours are always shown as broken lines  Proposed contours are always shown as solid lines  Contours are labeled either on the high side of the contour or in the middle of the line  Spot elevations are used to mark important points  Contour lines neither split nor overlap, except in overhangs  Contour lines always close on themselves. The site map may not be large enough to show the closing but it does always occur on the land  Runoff water always flows downhill along a route that is perpendicular to the contour lines

9. Slopes  Measurements that compare the horizontal length (measured from the map’s scale) to vertical rise or fall (as determined by the contour lines and contour interval)  Rise over Run  Expressed as Ratios or Gradients and Percents

10. Ratios and Gradients  The horizontal space required for each foot of vertical change in elevation is compared as V:H=R  V is the vertical distance  H is the horizontal distance  R is the ratio or gradient  Commonly expressed as 1:3, 1:4 and so forth  Fig 4-4 p.67

11. Percent  Vertical distance is divided by the horizontal distance and the answer is expressed as a percentage  Fig 4-5 p. 67

12. The Need for Terrain Information  Answers these basic questions  Where the does the surface water flow?  Will water collect in puddles anywhere?  What types of human activities can take place?  Will grass grow on that slope?  Can a car be parked safely on that slope?  Land that has a 5-10% slope is usually acceptable for human activity  Fig 4-6 p. 68

13. Preparing a Base Map  Base Map: a graphic depiction of the site features that were collected, measured, and inventoried  Enables the designer to look at the big picture  Plan view drawing that locates existing buildings, their windows, doors and other significant features, existing hardscape, all existing plants and other physical items noted during the site inventory  Can also plot out the location of setbacks, easements, underground utility lines and overhead wires  Prevailing wind directions, surface water patterns and attractive or offensive off-site features that impact the site may also be noted here  Must be done first so the rest of the design process can take place  Usually followed with a drawing developed as an overlay that eliminates all existing features that will not be included in the new landscape

14. Assignment  Complete Achievement Review A, B, C, D, p. 71-72