Recommended planting procedures should always be followed to help insure long-term success. Guidelines are extensive and not covered in this guide. Numerous general gardening books offer information on how to plant, or contact UC Cooperative Extension San Bernardino County for printed information.

Mulch

Right after planting, it is useful to apply mulch to the top of soil around trees, shrubs, and flowers. Mulch reduces soil evaporation, provides weed control, and buffers soil temperature. Many materials are suitable, including fabric cloth (alone or beneath other products), rocks, gravel, wood chips and compost. High Desert winds may blow mulch away. Use mulch under a rock layer or cover with landscape netting to reduce erosion.
Mulches should be placed several inches away from tree trunks, and should extend several feet outward. Remember to irrigate for a long enough time to allow the water to penetrate into the soil through the mulch.

Fertilizers

Do not fertilize at planting time! Wait until plants are established. Then follow the recommendations in the maintenance section of this publication.

Table of Contents

Home
Introduction
Know your Local Ordinance
Desert Climate
Analyze Your Site
Landscaping a New Home
Soil Amendments
Planting Your Landscape
Make Your Own Compost
Designing and Installing
       your Irrigation System
Relandscaping for the
       High Desert
3 Year Guide for
       Relandscaping
Maintaining an Established        Landscape
Maintaining Your Irrigation        System
Water Budget Method of         Irrigating Trees and
        Shrubs
High Desert Lawn
        Watering Guide
Do You Have a Fire Hazard?
Erosion Control
The High Desert Seasons
Turf Grasses for the
        High Desert
Plant Lists
     Shrubs
     Vines
     Groundcover
     Plants for Color
     Trees

Acknowledgments