Starting a new landscape project is an exciting way to improve your home and enjoy the outdoors. However, the success of your new garden or patio depends on the work you do before the first stone is laid. In North Texas, the heavy clay soil and unpredictable weather make the preparation phase very important. Taking the right steps now will save you time and money during the build. Completing a cleanup before renovations is the first thing you should do to ensure the construction team has a clear and safe area to work.
Getting your yard ready is about more than just moving the lawnmower. It involves clearing the ground, protecting your existing plants, and making sure the soil is healthy enough for new growth. Proper planning helps you avoid common mistakes that can lead to drainage problems or dead plants later.
1. Clear Out All Debris and Old Structures
The very first step is to remove anything that will get in the way of the new design. This includes old wooden decks, broken pavers, rusted sheds, or piles of rocks. Construction crews need a flat and open space to bring in their equipment and materials.
If you have old furniture or junk sitting in the yard, it needs to go. Leaving debris in the work zone can hide underground pipes or create tripping hazards for workers. For many homeowners, the amount of waste is too much for a regular trash bin. Using a professional hauling service is the fastest way to get these heavy items out of the way so the real work can begin.
2. Identify and Mark Underground Utilities
Before any digging begins, you must know where your utility lines are located. In the DFW area, many gas, water, and electric lines are buried just a few inches below the surface. Striking one of these lines is dangerous and very expensive to fix.
You should call 811 to have a professional come out and mark your yard with colored flags. Each color represents a different type of utility, such as yellow for gas or blue for water. Once these are marked, share the layout with your landscape team. This allows them to plan their digging and heavy machinery paths without the risk of causing a major utility break.
3. Protect Your Valuable Trees and Plants
While you may be adding new features, you likely have trees or shrubs you want to keep. Construction can be very hard on existing plants. Heavy trucks can pack down the soil over tree roots, which can slowly kill the tree over several months.
You should set up a temporary fence around the drip line of any tree you want to save. This is the area directly under the outer edge of the branches. Keeping people and equipment out of this zone protects the root system. If you have smaller plants you want to keep, consider moving them to a temporary pot until the construction is finished.
4. Address Drainage and Soil Quality
The clay soil in North Texas is famous for being hard to work with. It holds onto water like a sponge and then cracks when it gets dry. Before you build, you need to make sure the land is sloped correctly so water flows away from your house.
Landscape construction often involves moving dirt around to fix low spots. If your yard has standing water after a rainstorm, now is the time to plan for a French drain or a dry creek bed. Preparing the soil also means adding organic matter or compost. This helps break up the heavy clay and gives your new plants a much better chance of surviving the harsh Texas summer.
5. Prepare for the Staging of Materials
Landscape projects require a lot of materials like mulch, stone, and sod. These items need a place to sit until they are installed. Choosing a staging area beforehand will help keep your yard organized during the process.
Pick a spot that is easy for delivery trucks to reach, such as a driveway or a flat part of the side yard. Make sure this area is far enough away from your daily path so it does not block your car or front door. If the materials will be sitting on your grass for more than a day, put down a tarp to protect the lawn. A well-prepared staging area keeps the project moving smoothly and prevents your entire yard from looking like a mess during the build.
