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Landscapes & Grounds 15 min read

Landscape & Grounds Assessment Guide

Comprehensive methodology for evaluating site drainage, hardscape, softscape, and grounds systems to protect facility infrastructure and maintain curb appeal.

Landscape Assessment Overview

Landscape and grounds systems protect building foundations, manage stormwater, ensure safe pedestrian access, and contribute to property value through curb appeal. Neglected landscapes cause drainage problems, trip hazards, and infrastructure damage that can cost 10-50x more to repair than prevent.

Property Value

5-15%

impact from landscape condition

Drainage Issues

#1 Cause

of foundation problems

Trip Hazards

25%

of slip/fall claims from exterior

Site Drainage Systems

Proper drainage is the most critical landscape function. Poor drainage causes foundation damage, pavement deterioration, erosion, and landscape failures.

Surface Grading

Function: Direct water away from buildings

Common Issues:
SettlementErosionNegative drainagePoor slope
Inspection:

Visual observation during/after rain, survey measurements

Storm Drains & Inlets

Function: Collect and convey surface water

Common Issues:
CloggingSettlementGrate damageCapacity issues
Inspection:

Visual inspection, flow testing, video inspection

Underground Piping

Function: Transport water to discharge points

Common Issues:
Root intrusionCollapseJoint separationBlockages
Inspection:

Video inspection, flow testing, ground observation

Retention/Detention

Function: Manage stormwater runoff rates

Common Issues:
Sediment buildupOutlet blockagesErosionVegetation overgrowth
Inspection:

Visual inspection, capacity testing, sediment measurement

French Drains & Swales

Function: Subsurface and surface water management

Common Issues:
SiltingErosionVegetation issuesOutlet problems
Inspection:

Visual inspection, excavation testing, flow observation

Hardscape Elements

Sidewalks & Pathways

20-50 years depending on material

Materials: Concrete, Pavers, Asphalt, Gravel

CrackingSettlementTrip hazardsADA non-compliance

Curbing

25-40 years

Materials: Concrete, Granite, Asphalt

CrackingDisplacementImpact damageRoot damage

Site Walls

30-75 years

Materials: Block, Stone, Concrete, Brick

LeaningCrackingEfflorescenceCap deterioration

Fencing

15-30 years

Materials: Chain link, Ornamental metal, Wood, Vinyl

CorrosionRotLeaningGate malfunction

Site Furnishings

10-25 years

Materials: Metal, Wood, Concrete, Composite

CorrosionVandalismWeatheringAnchoring failure

Softscape & Vegetation

Trees

Assessment Points:
  • • Species identification
  • • Health assessment
  • • Structural integrity
  • • Clearances
  • • Root impact
Key Concerns:
  • • Disease
  • • Storm damage risk
  • • Foundation impact
  • • Infrastructure conflicts
Maintenance:

Annual inspection; pruning every 3-5 years

Shrubs & Hedges

Assessment Points:
  • • Plant health
  • • Size/density
  • • Sight line clearance
  • • Building clearance
Key Concerns:
  • • Overgrowth
  • • Pest/disease
  • • Fire risk
  • • Security sight lines
Maintenance:

Trimming 2-4 times annually

Turf Areas

Assessment Points:
  • • Coverage
  • • Health
  • • Drainage
  • • Weed presence
  • • Compaction
Key Concerns:
  • • Bare spots
  • • Disease
  • • Poor drainage
  • • Irrigation issues
Maintenance:

Regular mowing, annual aeration, fertilization program

Ground Covers

Assessment Points:
  • • Coverage density
  • • Health
  • • Erosion control effectiveness
Key Concerns:
  • • Invasive spread
  • • Die-off
  • • Pest harboring
Maintenance:

Seasonal trimming, periodic replanting

Mulched Beds

Assessment Points:
  • • Mulch depth
  • • Decomposition
  • • Weed barrier condition
  • • Edging
Key Concerns:
  • • Improper depth
  • • Fungal issues
  • • Erosion
  • • Pest harboring
Maintenance:

Annual mulch replenishment (2-3" depth)

Irrigation Systems

Controllers

  • Programming accuracy
  • Weather sensor function
  • Battery backup
  • Zone operation

Valves

  • Operation
  • Leakage
  • Solenoid function
  • Manual operation

Sprinkler Heads

  • Coverage patterns
  • Alignment
  • Blockages
  • Head condition

Drip Systems

  • Emitter flow
  • Clogging
  • Filter condition
  • Line damage

Backflow Prevention

  • Annual testing
  • Compliance
  • Winterization

Piping

  • Leak detection
  • Pressure testing
  • Depth adequacy

Retaining Walls

Wall TypeMax HeightMaterialsKey Concerns
Gravity WallsUp to 4'Stone, block, concreteOverturning, sliding, settlement
Cantilever WallsUp to 25'Reinforced concreteStructural cracks, drainage, soil pressure
MSE WallsUp to 50'Geogrid reinforced soilPanel alignment, drainage, facing condition
Segmental WallsUp to 15'Interlocking blocksSettlement, bulging, cap condition

Maintenance Planning

Seasonal Tasks

  • • Spring: Cleanup, mulching, irrigation startup
  • • Summer: Mowing, trimming, irrigation monitoring
  • • Fall: Leaf removal, winterization, pruning
  • • Winter: Snow removal, ice management

Annual Assessment

  • • Complete site walk-through
  • • Drainage evaluation
  • • Tree risk assessment
  • • Hardscape condition survey
  • • Capital planning forecast

Assessment Checklist

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