Check with your local municipality for landscaping regulations that may apply in your community.

You may want to create a scaled drawing of existing conditions. Mapping the property in a scaled drawing provides key information as to where rainwater management practices can be implemented. In addition, this will help you identify problem areas in the landscape that need to be solved. Then you can create a drawing that incorporates your chosen designs.

Download graph paper to begin making your scaled drawing
Download drawing instructions and an example

Consider including the following in your drawing (click on each topic in the flowchart below to view that section):

What Do You Know About Your Site flowchart

Identify Problem Areas

Identifying problem areas on your property helps determine your goals and indicates choices for specific landscape options to solve problems.

Topography and Flow
Observe the topography of your property and note how water flows during periods of heavy rainfall, as well as where offsite water enters the property. Other potential problem areas to record on your map include steep slopes, ponding in low wet areas, areas of recent construction and utility lines.

Utilities
Be sure to include overhead utilities on your map. In addition, call 1 (800) DIG-RITE to have all underground utilities identified and add them to your map as well.

Continue on to Identify Slope and Drainage

 

Link to Identify Problem Areas section Link to Identify Slope and Drainage section Link to Identify Human Use Areas section Link to Identify Existing Vegetation section Link to Identify Shade/Sun Patterns section Link to Understand Your Soil section Link to Is a Rain Garden Right for Your Site section