5 Steps to Building Healthy Soil
Best management practices (BMPs) during construction:
1. Retain and protect native topsoil & vegetation where practical
2. Restore construction-disturbed soils, to restore healthy soil functions, by:
Stockpiling & reusing good quality site soil, or
Tilling 2-3" of compost into poor site soils, or
Bringing in 8" of compost-amended topsoil.
3. Loosen compacted subsoil, if needed, by ripping to 12" depth
4. Mulch landscape beds after planting
5. Protect restored soils from erosion or re-compaction by heavy equipment
Soils for Salmon: Building Soil
Builders, developers, and landscapers are adopting practices that preserve and improve the soil on building sites, to grow healthier landscapes and protect our waterways.
Local codes now require these practices.
Why Build Healthy Soil?
• More marketable buildings and landscapes
• Better site erosion control
• Reduced need for water and chemicals
• Less stormwater runoff, better water quality for salmon, orcas, and people
• Healthy landscapes = satisfied customers
Washington State's Stormwater Permits Require These Soil BMPs. That requirement is taking effect locally as towns and counties around Western Washington update their stormwater codes (as required by law). Many jurisdictions already require these soil BMPs – all will soon.
The Good News Is, It's Easy, and Customers Want It. New home buyers say they are happy to pay more for a healthy, easy to care for landscape – and that starts with the soil.
Learn More – Background, science, specs, codes, and resources for building, design, and stormwater professionals are in Why, How, Resources and factsheets in Tools for Designers & Builders
Examples: Successful Projects
amending existing soil with compost
placing compost amended topsoil
preserving vegetation, stockpiling topsoil
Healthy soil makes healthy landscapes, for satisfied customers!
Tools for Designers and Builders
Slide show (PDF 5MB) Why, how-to tips, and successful projects, or brochure
Video (on King County's website)
Compost Erosion Control and Amended Soils for Construction Sites (video, 14 min.)
Building Soil Manual
the builder's guide:
– summary (PDF) with links to compost calculator, suppliers, specs, and more
– full Building Soil Manual (PDF, 4MB)
Soil BMP requirements in state and local codes, or text of State BMP (PDF)
Landscaping guide (PDF) Design, building, and maintenance tips for professionals
Managing Stormwater Onsite (PDF) Soil BMPs as part of the "Low Impact Development" toolbox
When to amend? (PDF) Construction sequencing for soil protection and restoration
Erosion control with compost (PDF) Meet your TESC requirements, build healthy soil, work faster, and save money. Get more details in the EPA-erosion-control-specs (PDF)
Homebuyer factsheet (PDF) Print and use to promote your healthy soil and landscape practices to your customers. It sells!