The Registry of Nature Habitats

2. PRODUCING A DRAWING OF THE PROPERTY

As discussed earlier, a plan is the key to a successful landscaping project. The backbone of your plan which will be referenced many times throughout the upcoming years is a drawing.

You can make your own drawing with use of your property plat map or you can have a landscaping company or local engineer produce this product. The main thing to remember is that the drawing is to scale. This will be important when you begin adding vegetative components and other structures.

Begin drawing in existing features including buildings, power lines, buried cables, septic tanks and drain fields, trees, shrubs and other features.

Determine how much area you want to enhance, remembering you may have to consider the family's need of playing area, benches, walking paths or gardens.

Identify and map special conditions including shady or sunny areas, low or poorly drained areas, and areas that will be preserved as is.

The soil should also be tested to determine soil type. This will determine which plants would be best suited for the plot and how they should best be managed. The US Department of Agriculture's Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) is an agency that can help in determining soil types.

Create a photo record of your backyard Taking photographs from the beginning of your project until the end is a great aid in monitoring progress and a fun way to see changes that otherwise go unnoticed. Choose photo points around the yard and keep these same locations every time you want to capture the moment. Mark the photos with dates for future reference.

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