Landscaping repair to front yard area...?
Question:The previous homeowner did no landscaping. The area is about 4 ft by 20 ft that runs the side of the garage up to the front door. We have pulled up all of the dead bushes but now there is a lot of gravel/rocks. Under this is a plastic sheet and then dry dry dirt. What do I do with the gravel? Do I need to remove the plastic sheet? Do I need to add nutrient-rich dirt? I am planning on planting some small alberta dward spruces along this area. Any help is appreciated...I have a black thumb!
Answers:
Here's a chance to turn that black thumb green-
I would tear out all of the existing landscaping, rocks and plastic included!
Start with the dry soil that's under the plastic.. it's dry because the plastic is keeping it that way. Get rid of it! Most soil can benefit from the addition of organic materials.. particularly backfill soil (like that next to your walk and driveway). Get some organic material like compost, potting soil, sphagnum peat, etc. and add that to the poor soil. Mix it in by rototilling or spading it in. It will work wonders in improving that crappy soil.
For plant selection, Alberta Spruces should be fine, but check with whomever provides your plants whether they are appropriate to the conditions that exist at your home (sun/shade??). There may be some better options.. rely on a pro for some recommendations.
After planting, use mulch around your plants. If you still have rock left, you could use it as an accent in the landscape. You can install a weed barrier fabric under it to help keep it easier to maintain. Don't use sheet plastic, though. It's not water permeable and you'll wind up with the same problem that you have now.
Don't be afraid to talk to your local plant people.. they generally like to give good advice and your gardens will look better as a result.
Good Luck!
Leave the fabric, that is there to prevent weeds from growing in the area. If you don't want the gravel, then remove it, it was probably there for decoration because it is easy to maintain and doesn't blow away like mulch. As for the dirt, check with the nursery to see what they recommend for the spruces you intend to plant and see if they need any special nutrients. Some plants will require feeding and watering.
take out part of the tarp/sheet. take it out the rock/gravel and put down as sheeet that will prevent weeds. fill up the space where the rock was with dirt and then put an extra 3-5 inches of drit on top and then plant the spruces. dont plant them too clase to the house `cause the roots could cause foundation problems. it will take some time, but it will be worth it in the end. good luck !
You're gonna get some whacky answers on this!
First, I would tell you to GET RID of the plastic landscape fabric. As you see, it doesn't keep out the weeds, but it DOES keep out the water and fertilizer, so that the soil below stays dry and barren. NEVER use the landscape fabric.it's a gimmick.
As far as the gravel.if it's not TOO much of it, you could just till it into the soil mix. It won't hurt anything. While you are tilling, add in some humus and peat moss and Black Cow (manure)..Pine Bark mulch should be a good cover for everything. If you have more specific questions, I'd be happy for you to email me.
Picea Glauca Conica (dwarf Alberta Spruce) may be planted in Zones 2-7 (some experts say 2-8). It tolerates a variety of soils and likes a bit of moisture in its soil. One drawback to this beautiful little tree is that spider mites love it. You do not need to add nutrient-rich dirt for your dwarf Alberta Spruce trees. Here is a fact sheet about them: http://plantfacts.osu.edu/pdf/0247-849.p...
It is an extremely dense plant, so if its "backside" is right up against a building, its foilage may retain moisture and cause the tree problems. Ideally you should leave room around the tree for air circulation. These trees grow slowly to 7-10 feet tall and 4-5 feet wide.
The pastic sheet:
1. Will it leave room for the tree roots?
2. Is it permeable? If it is nonpermeable, tree and plant roots may be forced to grow horizontally .
3. If it is impermeable and if this area gets runoff from gutters or roofs without proper drainge from the bed, rainwater may sit in the bed.
The gravel/rocks:
1. Is your soil clayey? The owner may have tried to break up the clay soil with gravel.
2. The owner may have put the gravel there to promote drainage.
3. Removing the gravel/rocks is probably necessary only if there are enough of them to compromise your soil (i.e., you'll have more rocks than soil).
You do not mention whether your planting area is in a sunny or shady area, has adequate drainage (very very important!), or your soil type, so the information I'm giving you is very general!
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