Xeriscape Bank Renovation in San Marcos: Pre-Emergent, Terraces & Nursery Resources

33×60 ft cleared bank in San Marcos (North San Diego County). Want drought-tolerant groundcover, succulents, 15–20 ft privacy trees at base. Plan: water weeds, Roundup, plant.

Better Weed Protocol

1. Pre-emergent herbicide (not Roundup) – stops seed germination without waiting period.
2. Weed fabric – blocks up & down. Pin well.
3. Newspaper sheet mulch (if slope <10%) – cooks weeds, biodegrades.

Terrace First

Cut level pads into the slope. Makes planting, maintenance, and enjoyment 10× easier. Leave the terraces—they become paths.

Plant Sources: 78 Corridor Goldmine

Deer Springs Exit (7 mi N of Escondido): two killer succulent/xeriscape nurseries, one each side of hwy. Best is on the right heading north.

Plant Ideas

See: russel-ray.com/articles/0025-vegetation.pdf – all from San Diego properties.

• Groundcover: Drosanthemum, Malephora, Sedum spp.
• Succulents: Aloe, Agave, Euphorbia accents.
• Privacy trees: Afrocarpus, Podocarpus, Tristaniopsis – 15–20 ft, evergreen, clean.

Irrigation: Don't Skip It

Inline drip on each terrace. Santa Ana winds desiccate fast. Night pulse saves plants.

Want company? Email russel@russel-ray.com. Might swing by next trip north.