Discovering What’s Unexpected On…

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Quick Answer

• Do a thorough walk-through of your property, looking for anything unusual, from old structures to unique plant life.
• Document every discovery with detailed notes and photographs to build a comprehensive record.
• When in doubt, especially with potential hazards or historical artifacts, consult with relevant experts.

Who This Is For

• Property owners who want to gain a deeper understanding of their land’s history and current state.
• New homeowners eager to uncover the hidden features and potential surprises their new property holds.

What to Check First: Discovering What’s Unexpected On Your Land

• Property Deeds and Records: Dig into the paperwork. Your deed, past surveys, and local historical society archives can reveal much about previous land use, easements, or even forgotten structures. This is your first clue to what might be lurking.
• Perimeter Walk: Start at your property line. Look for official markers (iron pins, stone piles), old fence lines, or any inconsistencies that suggest boundaries have shifted or been ignored over time. Anything that seems out of place along the edge is worth noting.
• Outbuildings and Structures: Don’t just glance at sheds or barns. Open the doors, look in the corners, and check for any lingering items, signs of past activity, or structural oddities. These forgotten spaces can hold surprises.
• Above and Below: Look up for old utility lines that aren’t in use or aerial features. Look down for unusual ground depressions, mounds, or areas where vegetation grows differently. These can hint at buried features like old wells, septic systems, or forgotten foundations.
• Natural Features: Pay attention to the flora and fauna. Are there non-native plants that shouldn’t be there? Are there unusually large or old trees that might predate human settlement? Any signs of erosion or water flow that seem unnatural?

Step-by-Step Plan: Uncovering What’s Unexpected On Your Property

1. Action: Schedule dedicated time for a comprehensive property inspection, ideally on a clear day with good visibility.

What to look for: Unobstructed views of all areas, including dense patches of vegetation and the base of trees.
Mistake to avoid: Rushing the process. Treat it like a treasure hunt, not a chore. You need to be patient and observant.

2. Action: Begin at a known property corner and systematically walk your boundaries.

What to look for: Original survey markers (iron rods, concrete monuments, stacked stones), remnants of old fences, or changes in terrain that might indicate property line disputes or historical divisions.
Mistake to avoid: Assuming your fence line is the actual property line. Fences can move or be built incorrectly. Always verify with markers or a survey.

3. Action: Inspect every man-made structure on your property, from the main house to the smallest outbuilding.

What to look for: Signs of previous construction, hidden crawl spaces, old storage items left behind, unusual modifications, or foundations that don’t match current structures.
Mistake to avoid: Dismissing that dilapidated shed or old root cellar as just junk. They often contain forgotten tools, historical documents, or evidence of past land use.

4. Action: Examine the natural landscape for anomalies in topography, vegetation, and water features.

What to look for: Depressions or mounds that suggest buried objects (old wells, septic tanks, foundations), unusual plant species that might indicate past cultivation or soil disturbance, and altered watercourses.
Mistake to avoid: Overlooking subtle changes. A slight dip in the ground or a patch of different-colored soil could be a significant clue.

5. Action: Document everything you find, no matter how insignificant it may seem at first glance.

What to look for: Use your phone camera to take clear photos of the item, its location, and its surroundings. Jot down precise notes on size, material, condition, and any distinctive markings. Sketch a simple map of your property to mark locations.
Mistake to avoid: Relying on memory. The human mind is surprisingly fallible, especially with details over time. Written notes and photos are your reliable backup.

6. Action: Research any historical markers, artifacts, or unusual findings you uncover.

What to look for: Dates, names, symbols, or maker’s marks on objects. Look for patterns in vegetation or soil that might indicate past human activity.
Mistake to avoid: Trying to identify everything yourself if you’re unsure. Misidentification can lead to overlooking something important or, worse, handling something hazardous incorrectly.

7. Action: Consider aerial views and historical maps for a broader perspective.

What to look for: Old aerial photographs from your local library or government archives can reveal features now hidden by overgrowth or development. Historical maps might show roads, buildings, or land divisions that no longer exist.
Mistake to avoid: Limiting your research to ground-level observation. A bird’s-eye view can connect dots you wouldn’t see otherwise.

Discovering What’s Unexpected On Your Land: Common Mistakes

• Mistake: Failing to document findings thoroughly.

Why it matters: Without clear notes and photos, you’ll forget crucial details, making it impossible to accurately recall or share your discoveries later. Valuable information can be lost forever.
Fix: Always carry a dedicated notebook and pen, and keep your phone’s camera handy. Take multiple pictures from different angles and zoom levels. Be specific in your descriptions.

• Mistake: Overlooking overgrown or inaccessible areas.

Why it matters: These neglected spots are prime candidates for hidden features, forgotten artifacts, or potential hazards that have been shielded from view.
Fix: Equip yourself with tools like a machete, loppers, or a sturdy stick to carefully clear brush or probe suspicious areas. Don’t be afraid to get a little muddy; that’s where the best finds often are.

• Mistake: Misidentifying plant, animal, or geological features.

Why it matters: You might mistake a harmless plant for a poisonous one, or a minor soil anomaly for something requiring urgent attention. Incorrect identification can lead to safety risks or unnecessary alarm.
Fix: Use reliable field guides, plant identification apps, or consult local experts (botanists, geologists, extension agents). Take clear photos for online forums if you’re still unsure.

• Mistake: Ignoring subtle changes in terrain or ground cover.

Why it matters: Depressions, unusual mounds, or sudden variations in vegetation can be indicators of buried objects, old wellheads, sinkholes, or areas with poor drainage.
Fix: Look for anything that breaks the natural uniformity of the landscape. Pay attention to where water collects or drains unusually.

• Mistake: Assuming all old structures are documented or safe.

Why it matters: Old barns, sheds, or even foundations might not be on any current maps and could be structurally unsound, contain hazardous materials (like asbestos or lead paint), or house dangerous wildlife.
Fix: Approach all old structures with caution. Don’t enter unstable buildings without professional assessment. Research the typical materials used during the era the structure might have been built.

• Mistake: Not considering the property’s history of use.

Why it matters: Was it farmland, an industrial site, a residential area, or something else? The past use heavily dictates what you might find – from old farming equipment to industrial waste.
Fix: Research historical land use records, old maps, and local archives. Talk to long-time residents if possible.

FAQ

• What are the first signs of unexpected findings on my property?

Keep an eye out for anything that deviates from the norm: unusual ground contours, non-native or unusually vigorous plant growth, man-made objects that seem out of place or time, old or deteriorating structures, and unexpected animal habitats.

• How can I research the history of my property?

Start with your property deed and any existing surveys. Visit your local county recorder’s office for historical land records and tax maps. Contact local historical societies or libraries for old photographs, newspapers, and community histories. Online resources like Sanborn fire insurance maps can also be invaluable for tracking building footprints over time.

• When should I call a professional to assess a discovery?

You should call a professional if you find anything that appears to be hazardous (e.g., buried drums, suspicious containers, asbestos siding), could indicate an environmental contamination issue, looks like an old well or septic system, or resembles a historical artifact that requires expert identification and preservation. Also, if you suspect it might be a human burial site, stop immediately and contact authorities.

• Can old property surveys reveal hidden features?

Yes, absolutely. Older surveys often meticulously documented features like wells, springs, roads, significant trees, and property boundaries that may no longer be visible or have changed over the years. They are a crucial tool for understanding what was on the land.

• What if I find something that looks like an old septic tank or well?

Do not attempt to open or investigate it yourself. These can be extremely dangerous due to potential gas buildup, structural collapse, or deep water. Mark the area clearly, keep people and pets away, and contact a qualified professional (like a septic service company or a well contractor) or your local health department for guidance.

• How can I identify unusual plants I find on my property?

Take clear photos of the entire plant, including leaves, flowers, and stem. Use reputable plant identification apps like PictureThis or Seek by iNaturalist, or consult a local cooperative extension office. Knowing if a plant is native, invasive, or potentially toxic is important for land management and safety.

• What are the legal implications of finding something on my property?

Generally, what’s found on your property belongs to you. However, there are exceptions. If you discover artifacts of significant historical or archaeological value, or items related to environmental hazards, there might be reporting requirements or regulations to follow. It’s always wise to research local ordinances or consult with legal counsel if you find something of major consequence.