New Construction Soil Prep: Amend Planting Holes Only, Test pH, Plan from Views

Soil Strategy

• Trees/shrubs: Mix 50% compost with native soil in each planting hole.
• Lawn: Till 1–2 inches compost into top 6 inches of entire lawn area. Roll before seeding.
• pH test: Target 6.5–7.0. Lime if acidic; sulfur if alkaline.

Design Approach

Don't plant along property lines. Stand at key viewpoints (street, kitchen window, deck, front door) and decide what you want to see. Place plants to fulfill those views. Copy successful neighbor landscapes.

Compost Math

Lawn area (sq ft) ÷ 162 = cubic yards for 2-inch depth. One yard ≈ one pickup load.