2 Boundaries on the site need to be located. These are both real, such as property lines, fences, and easements, and perceived boundaries such as trees, apartment building looming over you next door etc.
3 Utilities located such as gas, electric, telephone, and cable lines. There is locater service offered by Public Service of Colorado that will help you locate gas and electric lines. Cable and telephone lines are of more concern since burying these lines usually entails scuffing dirt over the lines and calling it good and we all know how much telephone and cable repair service can cost. Note other eyesores and obstructions such as clothes lines, dumpsters, trash can storage, fire wood storage as well. These are almost obsolete if you have bought a new home built after 1982.
4 Location of house in relation to property boundaries and any relevant info on the neighboring properties as well that could affect your site planning. Use your plot plan to determine these boundaries and then measure to assure correct dimensions. If your house is existing, and a plot plan was not in the closing papers, the county planning office should have this on record, as will your lender.
5 Covenants and rights-of-way, easements, and any other legal information should always be noted so that you can proceed with your plan in an effective matter.
6 Site data such as sun orientation is of particular importance because Colorado has such a varied and extreme climate. Note the orientation of front entry and where the entertainment area is in relation to the sun. How will you gain sunlight for warmth in the winter as well as cool the house in the summer against that same heat? The sun occurs on a track of almost due east to west, straight overhead in the summer during the long days. In the winter, the sun will track much lower on the southern horizon and more of the sunlight will be lost to the north side of the house in the short days of winter.
7 Drainage is one of the most important, if not the most, site considerations. Having expansive clay soils will require strict adherence to site run-off in order to protect your house foundation, as well as your future landscape investments. Where is the water running to on the site? Is the foundation protected? Do you have adequate downspouts and diversion of water away from house, patios, and walks? Is there a low spot and will those spots need to remain? Be a good neighbor and work with your adjacent properties to restore proper drainage.
8 Grade changes - differences in the level of the site - must be noted. Do these grade changes enhance the look of the yard, and not cause other problems such as blocking views or drainage? Can contours or grade be changed to enhance the site?
9 Views of the property are essential to maintain value and enjoyment. Not only should you take note of the standard views when standing in the back yard but also from sitting in the yard at various spots. What do you see from inside the house out into the yard, what do people see of the inside and landscape of the house when driving by, or from their backyard or deck? What are good views that are keepers, and what are the views needed to be screened.
10 The wind can be extreme at times here along the Front Range of Colorado. It is extremely ironic that we live in such a windy place with no water (such a cruel joke if you are a sailor). The wind can make being outside very unpleasant. Note where the prevailing winds are both in the summer and the winter.
11 Soils and particulars to your site should be noted. Do you have a predominance of clay in the soil, particularly the expansive type, or sand? Does the soil change drastically from each area in yard?
12 Paths, walks and parking area are important to note so that physical movement works on the site. What is not in good repair or will no longer answer your needs should be noted to be taken out.
Part II: Owner's analysis: What do you want for your yard?
1 How many people live in the house and their ages and hobbies?
2 How will the yard be used?
3 Who will do the maintenance on the yard, and what is their skill level as well as realistic time available to maintain the yard.
4 Entertaining; How often, what time of year, what time of day, how many people at one time, how frequently, what type of entertaining? Do you barbeque or have formal dinners with drinks on the patio beforehand? Do you have friends with children?
5 Do you have dogs or other animals that will be outside?
6 Who will use the grass areas and how? This will help determine the type of grass and how much of it you need.
7 Do you have adequate parking? Do you need a space for recreational vehicles, such as boats or RVs and what do covenants say?
8 Are there specialty gardens that you want such as water feature, herb garden, vegetable garden, sitting area etc.? Will there be a pool or spa in the landscape at some point?
9 Will there be other utility structures such as sheds, clotheslines, compost bins?
10 Play areas such as sport court, swing or fort, horseshoe pit?
11 Will there be any additions to the house or a garage added?
