Maintenance activities can greatly affect soil
structure in a positive or negative way. A solid plant
cover is the best defense against erosion and invasive
species. Routine maintenance activities can help build
the soil to support vigorous plant growth.[N]
- Plants suffer from nutrient deficiencies in the
soil. Contact the Landscape Architect for recommendations
before amending soil. The Landscape Architect can
provide information on appropriate fertilizers or
soil amendments.
- Allow organic matter to remain on the ground where
it will not jeopardize safety or visual quality. Logs
and brushpiles enrich the soil and provide habitat
while decomposing. Such decomposition can reduce the
need for additional fertilization or soil amendments
and reduce maintenance expenditures.
- Fresh wood chips can use up available nitrogen
and affect plant growth. To avoid this problem, spread
wood chips thinly over a large area or add nitrogen
to aid in decomposition.
- Avoid driving vehicles or operating equipment on
saturated soil and in vegetated areas.
- Reseed, cover, or mulch bare soils as soon as possible
when they have been exposed by maintenance activities
or errant vehicles .
With regard to control of soil tracked by equipment
onto pavement or other inappropriate areas:
- Substantially visible sediment should be swept
or vacuumed from the maintenance activity site.
- If not mixed with debris or trash, consider incorporating
the removed sediment back into the maintenance activity
site.
- Washing and rinsing of equipment should be performed
in designated areas and the resulting runoff shall
not be discharged to the storm drain system.
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