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Soil Preparation A basic life-support system of the landscape, soil is the medium for root growth and a reservoir for water and nutrients. Properly conditioned soil is of vital importance to the health or landscapes. Creating a good soil environment from the start will bring great dividends in the future. A good soil is porous and will drain freely, yet retains water and nutrients in a form available to plants. Soils that are hard and compacted do not allow water and air to penetrate to the root zone, and irrigation water is often wasted as runoff. Sandy soils dry out quickly, and water and nutrients usually drain away before plants can use them. However, it is important to note that not all soils need amending. Many soils in the Southeast are already suitable for plant installation. Addition or organic matter to the soil is the single most important method of improving soil structure. Organic matter increases water and nutrient-holding capacity, aeration, and drainage. Plants establish more rapidly when planted in well- prepared soils. They are healthier and more vigorous, and they have greater disease and drought resistance. Types of organic matter for soil amendment include pine bark, decomposed wood chips, and composted materials. One of the most common mistakes in amending the soil is failure to incorporate sufficient organic matter. As a rule of thumb, a minimum or four inches of organic matter should be tilled into the planting bed to a depth of 12". It is important to amend the entire shrub or flower bed, not just the individual planting hole, so that plants can more easily form extensive root systems and achieve greater drought tolerance. Trees and lawn areas, in general, do not receive as extensive amendment as shrub and flower beds; however, lawns establish more rapidly and grow stronger root systems when some attention is given to improving the soil. The type of tree to be planted dictates the level of soil improvement; for example, many flowering trees, such as dogwood, prefer a "richer" soil than pine trees, which can usually grow well with no soil improvement. Plant Selection Lush, green landscapes and seasonal color provided by a variety of plants are a hallmark of the Southeast. Xeriscapes can achieve this beauty while reducing water consumption. Xeriscaping does not require that landscapes become cactus gardens. However, careful planning and plant selection are important to insure the investment and longevity of landscape plants in a Xeriscape. Any plant is a candidate for use in a Xeriscape; the key to success is how the plant is used. In general, the greatest success is achieved when plants are placed in an environment most similar to the plant's native habitat. However, many plants are adaptable and will perform equally well in different situations. River birch (Betula nigra) and bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) are 46