Bay-Friendly Landscaping Principles and Practices - StopWaste.org

Principles
& Practices
1. Remove and store topsoil
before grading
Description
Topsoil is a valuable resource, yet it is
typically removed or mixed with subsoil
during construction, beginning a cycle of
high water and chemical dependency.
Applications
When grading the soil is unavoidable:
n Identify areas that are to be paved
as a place to store topsoil during
construction.
n Remove the topsoil (at least the top
6 inches if the topsoil is deep) before
other grading and store for future use.
n Do not store in piles larger than 6 feet
high.
n Protect from erosion.
n Send samples for analysis.
n Amend with 20-35% compost,
depending on soil type and analysis,
compost quality and plant selection.
n Re-spread after grading and
construction.
Benefits
Conserving topsoil can reduce the
likelihood of many problems over the
long run, including stormwater runoff.
It can minimize fertilizer and irrigation
requirements and topsoil replacement
costs.
2. Protect soil from
compaction
Description
Heavy equipment can compact soil as
deep as two feet below the surface of
the soil. Compacted soils do not have
adequate space for air or water.
Application
n Before construction begins, specify
a limited construction area. Install
temporary fences to restrict heavy
equipment, including cars. Areas that
will be paved or built over are good
sites for parking equipment.
n Don’t assume you need the biggest,
heaviest equipment.
n If using heavy equipment, select those
with flotation tires or wide tracks to
distribute the load.
n On a longer-term basis, limit foot
traffic, especially during the wet
season.
n Do not work soil when it is too wet
or too dry. Till as little as possible,
and only with a clearly identified goal,
such as incorporating organic matter.
Loosen the soil with a fork instead of
turning it over whenever possible.
Benefits
Soil structure and the soil’s ability to
support the microbes that cycle nutrients
and filter pollutants are protected. The
soil is easier to work.
Why Use Compost for
Erosion Control
n Compost blankets and compost
filter berms are less expensive
when construction, maintenance,
removal and disposal costs are
considered.
n Compost blankets and filter berms
provide chemical, biological and
physical filtration.
n They work better than standard
BMP’s like silt fences or straw bales.
n Berms offer more actual filtration
than coir rolls, silt fences or straw
bales.
n Compost is annually renewable.
n Compost is 100% recycled.
n Compost is all organic and natural.
n It strengthens the market for
compost.
n Aquatic wildlife can negotiate berms
but not silt fences.
n It avoids the use of petroleum
based products like silt fences.
n Construction equipment can run
over it and it still works — and it is
easy to fix.
n The materials can be re-used in
landscaping or seeding after their
use for erosion control.
n Look for specifications from
the California Integrated Waste
Management Board in: Compost Use
for Landscape and Environmental
Enhancement Manual.
SOURCE: rod Tyler, Wake up and Smell the
Compost! Presented at Innovations in
Erosion Control, WA.
Topsoil has been removed and stockpiled
before building construction for later
re-use in the landscape.
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