Site Analysis & Survey

Every design starts here. Before we draw a single line, we spend time on the site — measuring, observing, and testing — because a garden that ignores its own ground never quite works. What we learn in this stage shapes every decision that follows.

What we measure

A full survey records levels, boundaries, existing planting, and the position of every structure. We map how sunlight moves across the site through the day and across the seasons, noting where frost settles and where wind cuts through. Soil samples tell us what will thrive and what will struggle.

What we look for

• Existing trees and planting worth keeping
• Drainage patterns and problem areas after rain
• Sight lines from inside the house
• Privacy gaps and overlooked corners
• Access routes for construction
• Underground services and root protection zones

Why it matters

Skipping this stage is the most expensive mistake in garden design. Planting fails in the wrong soil. Terraces settle on unprepared ground. Views get framed by accident rather than intention. The survey is what lets us design with confidence — and it's why nothing we propose later comes as a surprise.

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