[stb]

I am wondering if it matters what order I do some things in? We've stripped the yard bare and are rebuilding. This is what is left and what I think is the right order. Or does it matter?


1. We have most of the hardscape in - new driveway, flagstone patio, stone path.

2. We have all the dirt(clay) from the driveway excavation in the backyard. Now we need to spread it along the back fence and create a long, curvy berm for planting the screening.

3. Bring in some organic matter to mix in with the clay. (Then topsoil on top of that? I don't know.)

4. Finish digging the dry creekbed.

5. Add rocks to the dry creekbed.

6. Place boulders around yard.

7. Plant the plants.

8. Install drip in the few places we are going to use it. (Native plants, most will not be irrigated.)

9. Spread fir bark/mulch everywhere.

Thank you.

[cklandscapingorlando]

Finish all the hard scape first.Be carefull working with clay especialy on a berm because it sheds water as does the berm and thats not good for the plants.Do the drip before the plants.At least get your lines run you can add the emitters later.All plants needwater for the first year or so.You only save water once the roots are established

[Inspired]

You might try some sand to mix with the clay and the mulch. A 1/3rd mix of each works well here in Phoenix. I’m not familiar with SJ soils.

Grading / berm sculpting / creek bed digging
Then trees
Then boulders
Drip mains and major lateral lines (Lighting mains as well)
Complete creek beds
Then plants
Complete drip system
Complete lighting
Then gravel / mulch / fir bark / top dressing, whatever you call it in SJ.

Good Luck

[AZTLANLC]

anything that you use to mix with clay has to be in the whole area and not just on the whole where the plat will be installed I did this couple of years ago and many of my plants died since it creates a water bucket.
For us we usually just add a little bit of organics minimal and that has give me great results also depending on the type of plants the requirements will be different

[Inspired]

Originally Posted by AZTLANLC

anything that you use to mix with clay has to be in the whole area and not just on the whole where the plat will be installed I did this couple of years ago and many of my plants died since it creates a water bucket.
For us we usually just add a little bit of organics minimal and that has give me great results also depending on the type of plants the requirements will be different

This sounds like an excellent suggestion. I agree, amend the whole yard or just minimal surface mulching.

[stb]

Thank you all very much for the feedback. It helps me sort through things. I was feeling a little overwhelmed. This weekend is all about the dirt. :-)

Thanks again.

[stb]

Okay, we finally have the backyard all prepped. The dirt we excavated from the new driveway has been spread around to make berms, mixed with compost and some other stuff.

We have some of the plants but not all yet as we are still making decisions on plants/shopping/ etc. but we need to get some wood chips down everywhere soon before it gets rainy. (One puppy + rain = much mud) Other than having to move the chips out of the way as we plant, is there any reason NOT to lay all the wood chips now?

The other reason for doing it first is that I will need to hire help to move it to the backyard and spread it around and I can get that done during the week and than have the weekend for planting.

Thanks.

[TrickyDick]

If by wood chips you mean mulch you will be adding a lot of work by doing it first. It is a pain to pull it away when you plant and you will never keep from mixing it up some with soil so it won't be as clean when your done. It's not that big a deal but I'd wait.

[stb]

Thanks, TrickyDick. I was thinking that the dirt mixing with it was the main thing. That's what I wanted to make sure of. I'm probably willing to deal with that since we are also just going to let the leaves and stuff fall where they do.