Determine the options for where runoff water should be directed if surface drainage modifications are necessary to direct water away from the foundation of a house. If this is not possible, building berms for planting above the water table has been successful in some areas. Soil pH in the range of 5.5 to 6.5 is best for most plants, but some plants can grow on more alkaline or acidic sites. Compacted soil is a common characteristic of a new building site. Take note of areas where heavy equipment and high traffic volume may have compacted the soil.
Soil compaction reduces aeration and water penetration which present problems for plants.
It may be possible to loosen the soil by plowing or rototilling, but generally these practices are effective to a depth of one foot or less. Such cultivation around large trees and shrubs may damage the root system, because most of the actively absorbing roots are located in the surface one foot of soil. Even though smaller cultivars of landscape plants may require more time to reach the desirable size, they will not have to be pruned as frequently and are less likely to need replacing in a few years. A Florida No. 1 grade is a healthy, vigorous plant that is well shaped, branched, and foliated. The Florida No. 2 is healthy, vigorous, and fairly well shaped, with fair branching and foliage density.