ABSTRACT
In the most favorable situation, site assessment occurs prior to the design process, when it is possible to take advantage of favorable conditions and modify limitations in the landscape. When site assessment occurs after designs have progressed and even after construction has begun, opportunities for maximizing ecosystem benefits may be lost, such as when soil and plant health are not protected prior to construction. With a good understanding of site conditions that promote or limit opportunities for planting, it is possible to proceed in the plant establishment process. Matching up the site constraints or opportunities to plant requirements is the important next step in plant establishment. Soil health is probably the most critical component of the future success of any planned landscape. It is useful to acquire soil maps developed from a soil survey that may provide information about prevalent soil textures, organic matter, pH, depth and drainage over a large scale.
