---
watermark: ORIRO
disable-model-invocation: true
name: trades-landscaping
provider: ORIRO.ai
copyright: Copyright (c) 2026 ORIRO.ai
description: >
  Landscaping and horticulture — plant selection, soil science, irrigation,
  landscape design, hardscaping, and seasonal maintenance. Sources: USDA Plant
  Hardiness Zones (free), RHS (rhs.org.uk — free guides).
---

# Landscaping and Horticulture

## Soil science fundamentals

**Soil texture:** Sand (large particles, drains fast), silt (medium), clay (small, retains water).
**Loam:** Ideal mix — 40% sand, 40% silt, 20% clay.
**Soil pH:** 6.0-7.0 optimal for most plants. Below 6 = acidic. Above 7 = alkaline.
**Amendments:** Lime raises pH. Sulfur lowers pH. Compost improves structure.
**Soil test:** $15-30 through county extension. Test before major planting.

## Plant hardiness zones

**USDA Hardiness Zones:** 1-13. Based on minimum winter temperature.
Zone 5 (-20°F minimum), Zone 6 (-10°F), Zone 7 (0°F), Zone 8 (10°F), Zone 9 (20°F).
Match plants to zone. Northeast US = Zones 4-6. Southeast US = 7-9. UK = 6-8.

## Plant selection principles

**Right plant, right place:** Match water/sun/soil needs to site conditions.
**Native plants:** Lower maintenance, local wildlife support, water-wise.
**Succession planting:** Plan for bloom times across seasons.
**Foundation planting:** Rule: Mature plant width + 2 feet clearance from structure.

## Irrigation

**Drip irrigation:** 90% efficient. Delivers water to root zone.
**Overhead sprinklers:** 50-70% efficient. Water in morning to reduce disease.
**Watering rule:** Deep, infrequent watering promotes deep roots.
Established trees/shrubs: Weekly during dry periods.
New plantings: Every 2-3 days for first growing season.

## Landscape design basics

**Focal point:** Every view needs a focal point — specimen tree, sculpture, fountain.
**Balance:** Symmetrical (formal) or asymmetrical (naturalistic).
**Proportion:** Plant mature size in relation to house and other plants.
**Rhythm:** Repetition of species or color throughout planting.
**Hardscape ratio:** Generally 60% soft (plants), 40% hard (stone, wood, concrete).

## Seasonal maintenance

**Spring:** Fertilize lawns, divide perennials, plant warm-season annuals after frost.
**Summer:** Irrigation management, deadheading, pest scouting.
**Fall:** Plant trees/shrubs (root establishment without heat stress), bulb planting, winterize irrigation.
**Winter:** Pruning dormant trees/shrubs (NOT spring-blooming), planning.

Sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (free, public domain), RHS (rhs.org.uk — free),
University Extension Services (free local guides)