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Soil Preparation and Irrigation Systems

Healthy soils grow healthy plants. A well drained soil, generally defined as one that can absorb a 1/2 inch of water or more per hour, creates a good environment for grass, plants, and trees to set deep roots and take advantage of deep water and nutrients. In the long run this makes for healthy, steady growth with reduced fertilization and irrigation needs. Of course a soil can be too well drained, such as a sandy soil, and need some help to better hold water and nutrients for plants.

The addition of the proper soil amendments can either help a soil drain faster or slower. Well composted organic material is an ideal amendment that can serve both these purposes. Additionally, a good compost provides a source of slow release nutrients for plants. The balanced growth encouraged by these conditions can reduce pruning maintenance as well as disease and pest pressures.

Having a soil tested for organic and nutrient content is a good idea before the addition of any amendment. The test results can indicate what nutrients are lacking in addition to how much compost or other organic material should be added. Additionally, knowing the attributes of the compost or amendment is wise. Ask the producer of the product for an analysis, or have the material tested by a soils lab. Finally, obtain advice from a horticultural expert regarding the soil types in your area and the needs of specific plants.

For amendments to effectively enhance soil properties, thorough blending or tilling is important in any area that roots will initially grow. The deeper that amendments can be blended into the soil, the better. For lawns, a minimum of six inches is recommended. For most shrubs, digging a donut-shaped ring approximately three or four times the width of the root ball which extends down an additional six inches below the bottom of the root ball is a good idea. The root ball itself should sit on an intact or well stabilized soil platform.

For most trees, the planting hole preparation is the same as for shrubs, except that minimal amending of native soils is recommended. Rather, after planting, start a program of nutritious surface mulching to slowly improve all soil within the tree's drip line. Stake a tree on either side and loosely tie it as low as possible for support during it's first year to protect and help the tree get established.

Water efficient irrigation systems are also waste efficient. By providing water in moderation, and only to where a landscape requires moisture, excessive plant and weed growth can be avoided. Recent advances in irrigation technology allow for precise delivery of water with very little waste. Drip systems and micro-emitters have become very cost effective when evaluated against water restrictions and rising water costs. The real solid waste benefit of these systems is that water and fertilizer go toward growing the plants desired, preventing nutrient-consuming and waste-generating weed growth in other areas.

Remember to always amend and blend a soil prior to installing the irrigation systems to avoid damage to the system.

Do your part by designing, installing, or converting landscapes to be low waste, water efficient, easily maintained xeriscapes.