If you plan to contour or grade areas of your site, now is the appropriate time to complete this task.

Boulders also should be placed at this time, since they probably will require use of the same equipment needed for grading and contouring. It also is a good time to remove rocks and construction debris from the site. Completing this task now will make it easier to install your irrigation system and plants.

In most cases, soil amendments are not necessary for native and desert adapted plants. However, it is beneficial to loosen the soil in planting areas.

If your plans include a vegetable, herb or rose garden, planting beds for annual flowers, or a lawn, now is the time to prepare the soil in these areas. Cultivate the soil and add any necessary soil amendments prior to planting.