
Jan 28, 2025
How Soil Sets the Foundation for Landscaping in Surrey Homes
Table of Contents
Soil is more than just dirt and often sets the foundation for landscaping. Surrey’s natural environment offers plenty of opportunities to create a lush great garden or an outdoor oasis. But at the bottom of it all, literally and metaphorically, is soil. This earthly element can make all the difference in creating a landscape for success.
Soil Composition
Soil is essentially made of minerals, organic material from the earth, water, and air. Due to Surrey’s soil being dense with clay, it absorbs water and can cause drainage problems. On the other hand, areas with sandy soil don’t absorb water enough and can prevent the soil from retaining nutrients due to faster draining. The ideal soil for landscaping is a mix of dense and sandy soil, one that can retain water and nutrients, as well as provide efficient drainage. Before they carry out the project for landscaping, Surrey professionals test the soil composition first. Understanding the pH level and soil texture offers an understanding of the soil’s strengths and weaknesses, the first step in creating the outdoor space of your dreams.
How Organic Matter Helps
Organic matter enhances soil structure, allows the soil to absorb water well, and provides the nutrients plants need for survival. For durable landscaping, Surrey’s alternating rainy or dry weather requires adding compost or mulch to the soil. With organic matter, soil benefits from microorganisms that decompose nutrients for plants to absorb them. Soil requires consistent addition of organic matter, allowing the soil to become rich and able to support different plants.
Surrey’s Climate and Soil Challenges
The city’s heavy rainfall can result in soil that’s almost drowning, while constant dry weather can compact the soil. Both scenarios are stressful for the plants and can inhibit growth. To combat these issues, sand or perlite may improve drainage in areas with dense soil. On the contrary, areas with sandy soil may benefit from the addition of organic matter to enhance its water and nutrient retention capacity.
Soil erosion is an additional concern. It can be prevented with ground covers and mulching which retain moisture and prevent the soil from being washed away. This protects the landscape while adding to its beauty.
The Importance of Soil Testing
Soil testing offers a more thorough understanding of the soil’s health than a visual assessment. The testing includes checking pH levels, nutrients, and any presence of contaminants that can inhibit plant growth. Because of the different soils on different city properties, testing is crucial to ensure the right landscaping work is carried out for each soil composition. Soil testing also allows professionals to understand the work needed for each soil type. Acidic soils require lime applications to increase the pH levels, whereas soils with excess alkalinity may need sulphur to neutralize plant growth.
Sustainability in Landscaping
Sustainability has made its way into landscaping for soil management. Crop rotation, cover cropping, and tilling reduction are methods used to prevent soil from degrading and allow it to flourish longer for landscaping. Surrey is at the forefront of these sustainable practices, incorporating native plants in landscaping projects. These plants are well-adjusted to Surrey’s soil and climate, requiring less water and chemical interruptions. Because of their self-sufficient nature, native species are a visually pleasing addition to landscapes and minimize one’s environmental impact.
With the help of our experts at Pro Green Turf and Design, we can develop the perfect landscape that brings your vision to life and protects the soil and environment. If you have a new project in mind or need a refresh, reach out to us and we’ll create a landscape that will flourish!
