OREM, UTAH · XERISCAPING GUIDE
Soil preparation & drainage for your Orem xeriscape
Start below the surface.
Call about your yard ↗Understand the starting point
Soil and drainage influence which plants will thrive. A soil test can help identify soil characteristics before choosing amendments. Match preparation to the plants and site instead of assuming every yard needs the same treatment.
Notice how your yard behaves
Where does water collect? Which areas dry out first? Are there slopes, compacted paths, or spots where previous plants struggled? These observations make a useful starting point when discussing a landscape conversion.
Learn more: Utah State University Extension
Describe what happens below the surface
Before choosing a new landscape finish, note where water collects and where it travels after irrigation or rain. Photos of standing water and the surrounding area can be more useful than a description taken on a dry day. Include nearby paths, foundations, slopes, and existing planting beds.
Discuss the finished ground level and the preparation needed before plants or surface materials are installed. If you have an existing soil test, bring it to the conversation. Ask what is included in soil preparation and which concerns need a separate assessment before the landscape work can be planned.
Contact Xeriscaping Utah of Orem at (385) 412-9220 to discuss your property. For connected work, see our lawn conversion planning guide.
Questions before you begin
Will new gravel fix a drainage problem?
Do not assume a new surface material resolves the reason water collects. Discuss the existing conditions and the intended water path before choosing a finish.
What information should I bring?
Bring photos, approximate dimensions, and notes about when the problem happens. Mention recent construction, landscape changes, or irrigation issues.
XERISCAPING UTAH OF OREM
Let’s talk about your yard.
Tell us what you would like to change. We’ll help you take the next step.
Call (385) 412-9220 ↗