Installation

Plants and Pipes

Installation is getting the selected plants into the ground and then setting up an irrigation system to keep the landscape watered. This is where paper plans come to life.

The planning done in previous steps will make what might seem like the hard part really quite easy.

With only low-water plants chosen during the selection process, it will be simple to group plants into similar water use hydrozones. Also, the soil tests and preparations previously done will make getting the selected plants planted and established in healthy soil easy too.

Here are a few key points:

• The irrigation system should be tested prior to plant installation.
• Trees should be staked and guyed as appropriate for the topographic and wind conditions to ensure proper vertical form as roots take hold and develop.
• Compost should be incorporated into planting areas. Compacted soil should be treated.
• Any invasive plant species should be removed and properly disposed of.
• All disturbed ground should be stabilized against soil erosion before, during and after landscaping installation.
• Organic mulch should be placed on exposed soil areas. Mulch should be at least two inches deep in order to preserve moisture, moderate soil temperature and prevent weed growth. Mulch should not be placed directly against tree trunks.
• Plants should be thoroughly watered immediately after planting.