Restoring & Amending Soil
Soil amendment is a cost-effective practice for restoring and preserving the permeability of soils.
When Is this Practice Used?
When converting compacted soils (after depaving or removing grass) into plant areas
Stormwater Benefits
Improves rainwater infiltration
amended soils can absorb rainwater, acting like a sponge
Other Benefits
Allows for deeper root growth in turn resulting in healthier plants
How to implement
Identify utilities by calling #811 or http://call811.com/before-you-dig
Prepare the bed (remove weeds and dead vegetation)
Decide if soil will be amended with Sheet Mulching (a more passive tactic that takes more time to see soil restoration benefits) or Soil Restoration (an active tactic that more quickly restores damaged soils and incorporates organic material into compacted soils to allow for quick replanting)
For sheet mulching, see guidance below under Lawn replacement
If restoring soils please follow steps below
Till in compost (add 3" compost and till 8" deep into the existing soil)
Avoid compaction
For detailed instructions see the Restoring & Amending Soil pdf below
Install native plants
Mulch bed if needed
All stormwater stars recommendations are voluntary. The landowner or project manager is responsible for its own actions and for any damage or third-party liability arising from the their activities related to recommendations provided. It is the responsibility of the landowner or manager to pursue and secure any required permits.