Yard survey checklist: 8 measurements to take before you plan
A tape measure, a phone compass and a notebook are enough. Write every number on a rough overhead sketch.
Most garden plans fail on missing inputs, not bad taste. These eight measurements decide where paths and beds can go, which plants survive, and whether a design can be built without surprises. Take them before you choose a style or a plant.
| # | Measure | How to take it | Write down | What changes the plan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Boundaries | Measure every side with a tape; measure both diagonals. | Length, width, diagonals, fence height. | If the diagonals differ by more than about a foot, the yard is not a rectangle: draw the true shape before placing beds. |
| 2 | Fixed features | From two corners, measure to each door, window, tap, downspout, AC unit, meter and tree trunk. | Distance from both corners, plus width of the feature. | Doors need clearance to swing and a path to connect; windows and AC units limit where tall plants can go. |
| 3 | Utilities | In the US, call 811 or request a locate online before any digging. Mark the flags on your sketch. | Location of marked lines and the date of the request. | Buried lines rule out tree planting and footing positions; keep excavation away from marked lines. |
| 4 | Slope | String between two stakes at a known distance, line level on the string, measure the drop at the far end. Drop ÷ distance × 100 = % slope. | Percent slope per direction, high and low points. | About 5% and up is where terraces, steps and erosion control enter the design; steeper sites need a drainage plan first. |
| 5 | Sun hours | Note sun or shade for each area every 2 hours on a clear day. | Hours of direct sun per bed, morning vs afternoon. | Full sun is 6+ hours, part sun/shade 3–6, shade under 3. A bed's light zone sets the plant list. |
| 6 | Drainage | Dig a hole about 30 cm (12 in) deep; fill, let drain, refill and time the drop. | Time for water to disappear; where water stands after rain. | Water standing for many hours means poorly drained soil: pick wet-tolerant plants or improve drainage before planting. |
| 7 | Soil | Squeeze test for texture (gritty, smooth, sticky), then a lab test through a local extension service for pH and nutrients. | Texture, pH, organic matter, test date. | pH decides which plants can take up nutrients; compacted or heavy clay needs a different planting method. |
| 8 | Canopy and views | Measure the spread and height of existing trees; note the views you want to keep and those you want to screen. | Tree spread, trunk position, view lines, prevailing wind. | Canopy shade changes the light map; views determine where tall plants and seating go. |
Field sheet you can copy
| Item | Measurement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Side A / B / C / D | ||
| Diagonal 1 / 2 | ||
| Door positions | ||
| Window positions | ||
| Taps and downspouts | ||
| AC / meter / vents | ||
| Slope % (per direction) | ||
| Sun hours (per bed) | ||
| Drainage time | ||
| Soil texture / pH | ||
| Tree spread / height | ||
| Views to keep / screen |
How the numbers turn into a plan
- Draw the outline and fixed features to scale on graph paper (one square = 1 ft or 50 cm).
- Shade the sun zones and mark the slope direction and wet spots.
- Place hardscape first: patio, main path (about 1.2 m / 4 ft for two people), secondary paths (60–90 cm / 2–3 ft).
- Place trees and shrubs by mature spread, then fillers by the spacing chart.
- Check the plan against the field sheet once more before buying plants.
Sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map for zones, 811 for utility locates, and your state extension service for soil tests and local plant advice.
FAQ
What should I measure first in a garden?
Boundaries and fixed features. Measure each side, both diagonals, then from two corners to every door, window, tap, downspout and AC unit.
How do I measure slope without a level?
String between two stakes, a line level on the string, measure the drop. Drop ÷ distance × 100 = percent slope.
How long should a drainage test take?
Dig a 30 cm hole, fill, drain, refill and time it. Water standing for many hours means poorly drained soil.