Steps to Build a Backyard
Here at Colorado Custom Landscaping, we take pride in being able to turn a blank landscape of a backyard into a scene you love and are proud to show off. To ensure the work is done most effectively, there are a few routine steps we follow when building your dream yard.
Layout
Following the approved site plan and design rendering, we begin our landscape installation by measuring and marking out where any and all material will be located such as sod, artificial turf, decorative rock, plants (trees, shrubs, grasses, perennials), mulch beds, pathways and more.
Irrigation Lines
Once we have a general layout, we identify the appropriate locations for the irrigation control clock, backflow unit, manifold box and the sprinkler heads. When these are established, we then pull the irrigation lines through the ground with our Dingo TX-1000 (if a French drain is necessary, we install that prior to pulling lines). Once the irrigation lines are pulled, we attach swing pipe (funny pipe) in the locations where the sprinkler heads will be installed (the sprinkler heads are installed later on in the project). For any plants that will be incorporated in the landscape installation, we add a drip line to the necessary areas for future access of water once the plants are installed.
Starting to Build
Generally, a site plan requires a decorative rock border around the perimeter of the landscape. Focusing first on the side of the house farthest from our access point, we install metal edging and landscape fabric where any decorative rock will be applied (pre-digging holes for plants to be installed later). We then start bringing in the desired rock and evenly spreading it around the perimeter, keeping in mind to leave space around the pre-dug holes and easy access to the drip line for the coming plant installations.
Halfway There
After all the appropriate rock is brought in, we move on to installing plants. To better guarantee the plants are able to thrive, we mix the existing soil with new soil and just enough fertilizer to boost healthy establishment. We surround the plants root ball with this soil mixture, packing the soil down just tight enough to ensure proper drainage. Once the planting is complete, we attach the spaghetti line to the drip trunk line and establish it at the base of the plant. Finally, we spread the rest of the rock around the area and bring in the mulch to surround the plants base. Upon completing the plant installation, the whole border of the landscape should be complete and beginning to look like a backyard!
Time for Sod
Once the perimeter of the landscape is complete, it is time to apply the sprinkler heads and the sod. The sprinkler heads come first, installing them raised enough to protrude perfectly over the soon-to-come sod. Once they are installed the system gets tested, to ensure all the dirt (soon sod) is getting full coverage and no areas are left dry. New soil is then brought in, spread evenly and covered with a healthy layer of fertilizer. Just like the first few steps, we begin installing the sod on the far side of the house, working towards the access point. After all the sod is laid and cut just right, voila! You have a new backyard!
Access Point
The only work left to complete your landscape installation is to build the side with the access point. This generally includes creating a pathway, a pad for trashcans and incorporating the rest of the decorative rock around those. The metal edging for the pathway and pad gets put in first, followed by the breeze used for the pathway and pad. After the first layer of breeze is brought in and leveled, we bring in a plate compactor to solidify the base, then bring in another layer and compact that the same way. This double compaction guarantees a sturdy, walkable space. The last step for this area is applying the rest of the rock around the edges of the breeze pathway.
Finishing Up
Last but not least, we finish the job with a detailed clean-up of both the yard and where the materials were delivered in the street. Our goal is that once we have installed your new backyard, there is no trace that we were there other than the beautiful change of landscape. Before we leave, we will walk you through the process of how to set up and use your irrigation control clock, how to properly maintain your new plants, and answer any questions you might have.
