Ecological Landscape Management check list

An ecologically healthy landscape

Soil Health

• How is the soil health over all?
• Compaction?
• Over or under watered?
• What % of organic matter is in soil ?
• Are leaves allowed to create natural mulch when possible?
• What type of soil is on site?
• Mycelium inoculation needed?
• What is the health of the Soil Food Web ?
• Jar soil test conducted?
• Is there a need for a soil test?
• Is there sufficient mulch to cover soil?

Water management

• Irrigation controller schedule?
• Irrigation efficiency?
• Coverage uniform?
• Hydrozones? Is the irrigation plant appropriate?
• Leaks?
• Graywater system in place?
• Rainwater Catchment ?
• Stormwater management?
• Bio-swales?
• Rain Garden?
• Mulch in place to prevent evaporation?
• Has the site had a water/irrigation audit performed?

Weed management

• How is weed management working?
• Are weeds controlled before going to seed?
• Is sheet mulch being employed?
• Are weeds: hoed, pulled and mulched often enough?
• Non toxic herbicides being used? Vinegar, Burn Out (product), etc.

 Plant health

• Are plants in the right place for sun and shade requirements?
• Is appropriate pruning being employed?
• Irrigation: over or under watering?
• Nutrient deficiencies?
• Pest problems?
• Damaged foliage?

Is the landscape serving best needs for all users?

• Humans? Pets? Wildlife?

How is it looking?

• How are the aesthetics of the site. Is it consistent with the intent of the design?
• Overall?
• Individual elements? ie, the plants, water features and other design features, the hardscape and the mulch?
• Is there a need for re-design?
•  Has the site had a Sustainable Landscape Audit performed?

– Terra Nova Landscape Management Team