To ensure the overall process is done efficiently and effectively, proper preparations of your yard are vital.

• If you need to remove bermudagrass as part of your project, plan to do this well in advance. Bermudagrass is tough. The best time to kill it is when it is growing vigorously, from June to September. It will take several weeks to complete the process and ensure it has been eradicated.
• If you plan to contour or grade areas of your site, now is the appropriate time to complete this task.
• Boulders and similar items should be placed at this time, since they probably will require use of the same equipment needed for grading and contouring.
• Remove unwanted rocks and construction debris from the site. Completing this task now will make it easier to install your irrigation system and plants later.
• 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.