Site Preparation

Site preparation is the most important part of a successful Xeriscape planting.

If You Have Existing Sod

If you have existing areas of unwanted turf, pasture, or undesirable native vegetation, it must be physically or chemically removed. In larger windbreak or shelter-belt plantings it is recommended that the site be chemically and mechanically fallowed for one growing season to control vegetation and store moisture.

1. Physical Sod Removal:
   Completely remove sod and discard or utilize elsewhere.
   
   or Chemical Control:
   Apply a non-selective herbicide such as glyphosate to green growth that has 3 to 4 inches of height. Spraying during active early growth may require multiple applications. Glyphosate is most effective when applied in September.
   
2. Incorporate Organic Matter.
   Deep roto-till or disk to incorporate dead sod following chemical treatment, or remaining roots after sod removal, into the top 6 inches of soil.

If You Have Bare Soil

Construction activities may completely disturb the soil profile and eradicate all existing vegetation. The necessary site treatment is determined by the extent of disturbance.

1. Intact Soil Profile:
   If there is minimal impact to the topsoil, or if at least 2 to 4 inches of topsoil remain, there is adequate growing media.
   
   or No Topsoil or Mixed with Subsoil:
   Re-surface with salvaged topsoil or weed-free introduced topsoil. Rough up the surface of the subsoil so that the subsoil–topsoil interface is not smooth.
   
   To build a more favorable topsoil, organic matter and fertility must be added. Amendments such as composted manure, straw, and lawn clippings can be used. Incorporate organic material into the top 4 to 6 inches of soil.
   
   

2. Weed Control.
   Control perennial weeds or unwanted plants well in advance of landscaping. Do not use any chemicals having a harmful residual effect on planned landscaping plant material.

Caution: Apply all chemicals according to label directions.

Planting

1. Seedbed Preparation.
   If compaction has resulted from heavy traffic during construction, the site should be ripped and tilled to improve soil tilth and moisture percolation. Site preparation will have significant impact on the ultimate success of any planting. Following tillage, the seedbed should be firmed, but not compacted. A firm seedbed helps control planting depth and facilitates good seed–soil contact. If possible, the site should be irrigated well in advance of seeding or planting to allow settling of manipulated soils. Reshape or contour as needed after soil dries and prior to planting.
   

2. Seeding:
   Seed should be planted at a depth of one-fourth to one-half inch, with some of the very small-seeded species planted just below the soil surface. Planting with a double-disk drill assures proper seed placement, but may result in undesirable rows in a landscaping situation. A Brillion^TM-type drill will uniformly dribble and cover the seed. Broadcast seeding requires light roughening of the soil surface prior to scattering seed and raking or dragging to cover seed.
   
   or Transplanting:
   Many accent or specimen plants must be transplanted as containerized material into beds, rock gardens or borders. Containerized plants are usually started from seed and are well established before planting.

   Successful plant salvage from native sites is generally limited. Rhizomatous and stoloniferous plants can be easily transplanted. However, only young or smaller bunchgrasses and taprooted plants are moved successfully. Any transplanting of wildland material should be done while plants are dormant.

   
   Many native grasses and flowers are available from commercial nurseries.
    

This information is also available for downloading as Chapter 4 of the publication, Creating Native Landscapes in the Northern Great Plains and Rocky Mountains. This document requires Adobe Acrobat.

Site Preparation (PDF; 2.1 MB)

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