Question
Mark

Hi, I have a neighbor with a number of dogs and their place
is messy and I can hear the dogs, I dont want to use a fence.
The problem that Im having is the area that I want to put bushes
on has some very large trees. I need bushes that will grow fast,
6ft or more in height, live in a somewhat shady area and will do a great job blocking my neighbors property -

Do you have any ideas, how would you landscape my property, I live on Long Island NY

thanks for your help

Ken

Answer
Hello:


The following shrubs would be a good choice for your site,but they will not do much to block noise from the dogs.

Holly

Privet

Azalea


Although not ideal,landscape design can be done without the designer visiting the site. Basically, a base map and photos are required. The map of the site can be done by a surveyor or other technician or by the owner of the property. This can sometimes give you all you need to complete your project and would save you the cost of the designer visiting the site. Here are some guidelines:

Show an arrow pointing north on the map. You can use an ordinary hand held compass but magnetic north varies from true north,so please indicate that the north arrow was determined by compass. Moss growing on a tree is also a reliable indicator of the general north direction. Moss always grows on the north side,which is the direction providing the least sunlight.

Measurements can be taken by walking at a normal pace. To determine your pace stride,place a tape measure on the ground and walk at a normal pace along it and then divide the number of paces into the measure shown on the tape. This will give your pace measurement,which is normally about 2 feet. Just walk at a normal pace along whatever is desired to be measured on your property to obtain the dimensions.

You can also use an ordinary tape measure or a plastic,metal or cloth surveyors tape. Hold the tape level and taut and perpendicular to objects measured. Measure off to objects on the ground at a perpendicular angle from a building or other structure whenever possible. A large carpenters square can help keep the angle at 90 degrees.

Take photographs of whatever you consider to be important to the project as well as copious photos of the property in general. If you have any hint that the photo may be important to the project as a whole,take the picture. Particularly,take photos of areas you feel may be a problem,such as a bad drainage area. For instance,a photo of an eroded slope or an outlet pipe may be helpful for the design of the project.

In general,here is what you should show on your map:

Dimensions of the property with boundary lines and their approximate angles and distances.

North arrow.

Location of walks,streets,driveways,curbs,fences,gutters,steps,paved areas and all other site construction pertinent to the work.

Easements.

Existing buildings.

Drainage patterns.

Slopes.

Spot elevations if available. These are points indicating the height of the ground measured from a datum point.

Location of all trees having a trunk diameter of 4 inches or more at waist height.


Mark Harshman
http://www.mahdrafting.com
Email: [email protected]