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Landscape architect may dream out the design and carry out their thoughts and dreams on a site plan, but but it comes down to the landscape contractor or installer to make the landscape plan become a reality. Proper installation of all the turf, irrigation systems, plant material and hardscape features are necessary for long term success.

Planting Trees Pointers – A Major Expense In The Landscape

One of the largest component going on landscape projects are the trees. They are expensive, usually require special equipment to handle and replacement is difficult and costly if not done correctly. For this reason, extra time and attention needs to be taken when planting or installing trees.

The old saying when planting is to dig a 10 gallon hole for a 5 gallon pot! When planting trees it’s best to not plant the rootball deeper than the tree has been growing. Many people plant trees too deep.

When planting a tree the planting depth should be slightly less than the size of the roots ball. Where a trees roots transition to the trunk the tree roots flare. These roots should be within the top 2 inches or so of the soil surface. If a tree is plantedt oo low the time to correct it is at planting time when people and equipment are available. Pull the tree up and pack more soil in the bottom of the hole.

Once the tree is in the ground and before back filling with soil – stop and step back. Look at the tree from a few sides and angles to make sure the tree is straight.

After the tree has been adjusted for straightness backfill the hole. Unless the soil is very poor, research has shown no need to incorporate any additional soil amendments. Don’t cover the rootball with soil but place a thin layer of mulch over the rootball.

If the tree will be hand watered create a berm by mounding us the mulch to keep the water around the tree to get established.

Large trees or container grown tress often need support by staking them. Trees may require different methods depending on the tree type.

Getting Sod and Turf Right!

The grass, sod or turf is a very important part of the whole landscape design. Depending on the size of the project it is often the first landscape feature to go on the job. Laying a lawn of sod or sodding creates an instant lawn, whereas sprigging or plugging takes much more time for a yard to become established.

Sites need to be prepared before any grass is laid down or the grass can die as fast as it was installed. Any area to be planted with sod needs to have any debris removed, raked, smoothed, and the soil watered or moistened prior to laying the sod.

When sod is placed, pieces should be fitted as tightly as possible. Any cracks should be filled with soil.

To ensure the sod makes good contact with the soil a sod roller can help remove any air pockets. Once the sod has placed and rolled do not fertilize. Water twice per day until the roots become established and actively growing.

Irrigation – Top Priority of a New Landscape

All the design, planning, materials and labor of a landscape can be wiped out without a irrigation plan. Someway to get water to the landscape. Irrigation is not about running sprinklers. A regular irrigation schedule will help establish the landscape material but also reduce plant stress.

When the landscape lacks water, plant material can become stunted, growth can be uneven and plants can even die. The best results of a new landscape is to irrigation lightly but more often. As plants and the lawn becomes more established, irrigation cycles can be increased and frequency lowered. This will encourage more aggressive root growth.

To make a landscape plan become real, take the time to handle each phase of planting correctly and know what the next step will be… and do not forget the irrigation!