About Us     Comments  

  

 
  Plant Material
    - shrubs
    - trees
    - ferns
    - vines
    - perennials
    - ferns
    - annuals

  Plant Care
    - soil preparation
    - mulching
    - pruning
    - planting

  Park Design
    - lighting
    - irrigation
    - playground
        equipment
    - volunteer
        programs
  
    
Park Design   Municipal Park Management & Urban Forestry

 
 
Preparation of the soil for shrubs and smaller plants such as annuals and perennials is the key factor in the development of a successful park landscape.
Soil preparation steps:
  • Analysis of the existing soil to determine
    -amount of fertilizer
    -limestone
    -organic matter
  • Assuring proper drainage and creating a raised bed if necessary
  • Removal of all weeds, grass, unwanted vegetation, sticks, roots, and large stones
  • Fertilizer, lime, and other materials the soil test indicate as required,
    should be spread evenly
  • Soil is dug up & turned over by shovel or rototilled into the top 12 inches of loam
  • A 4-inch layer of compost material and a 2 inch layer of peat is spread
    over the soil and tilled again
  • Examples of compost include
    -mushroom compost
    -well-decomposed leaf mold
    -grass compost
    -peat moss
  • Add a 50 percent organic fertilizer, such as 10-10-10 and 0-20-0 prior to planting,
    application rate is 1 pound of nitrogen per 1000 square feet or 1 pound
    of 10-10-10 per 10,000 square feet.
  • Most flowering plants prefer a 5.5 to 6.8 pH and any corrections to reach
    this level should be made prior to planting
  • After laying out the bed with a garden hose, string or other method,
    edge the bed with a spade or edging tool
This ideal soil preparation encourages deep roots and strong growth
and has an ample supply of nutrients, moisture, and air.
 

 

Awards  |   Publishings  |   Location  
 
Copyright © 2000, Park Design.com