Site Notes
The following measurements are missing and must be confirmed before final quantities and costs can be calculated:
Spa Planter — Section 2: Length TBD (width confirmed: 1'-7")
East Planter: Width TBD (length confirmed: 10'-10")
Pool Planter — Section 2: Width TBD (length confirmed: 7')
All three affect pebble/mulch tonnage, weed barrier sq ft, and total cost.
2× Carrotwood (existing) in West Parkway — bender board 1' from trunk, 1.5" black mulch ring
1× Strawberry Tree (existing) in South Parkway — same treatment
1× Strawberry Tree (new, 24" box) in South Parkway — same treatment, complements existing
New Strawberry Tree Staking: 2 lodge pole stakes driven 24" into soil, positioned perpendicular to prevailing wind. Secure with flexible tree ties — no wire, no zip ties. Allow slight trunk movement. Remove all stakes and ties after 1 year.
| Pool + Spa | San Quintin Mexican Pebbles, 1" (match existing) — 2" depth |
| East + Carport | Black Mulch — 3" depth |
| Parkways | ¾"–1" Gray Gravel — 2" depth |
| Tree Rings | Black Mulch — 1.5" depth |
Commercial-grade landscape fabric under all pebble and gravel zones. Cut X-slits for plant placement — do not leave gaps. Overlap seams 6" minimum. Not required under mulch zones (mulch itself suppresses weeds and decomposes into soil).
Parkway Edging: 14-gauge steel landscape edging, 4" height, set ½" above grade to contain gravel without creating a trip hazard. Stake every 3–4 feet with 10" steel stakes. Both sides of West and South parkway gravel strips.
Bender Board (Tree Rings): Recycled plastic bender board, 4" height. Form a circle 1' from trunk of each existing tree and new Strawberry Tree. Secure with 12" wooden stakes every 18". Fill ring with black mulch at 1.5" depth.
Drip irrigation recommended for all planted zones. Low-flow emitters at each plant — ½ GPH for succulents, 1 GPH for Podocarpus and Lomandra, 2 GPH for Strawberry Tree. Timer with seasonal adjust. Parkways should be on separate valves from interior planters.
Podocarpus hedge planters (East + Carport) and Lomandra parkway zones (West + South) may need soil amendment if existing soil is heavy clay or compacted fill. Mix 50/50 with well-draining planting mix at time of planting. Budget ~$50/cubic yard of amendment.
All 13 Podocarpus (East + Carport) must be male grafted stock only. Verify the tag at the nursery before purchase. Female plants produce staining purple fruit. Male-grafted stock is specialty — not all nurseries carry it. Call ahead or special order. Expect $50–75 per 5 Gal plant.
Staking: 2 lodge pole stakes per plant, driven 18" into soil, positioned perpendicular to prevailing wind. Secure with flexible tree ties (not wire or zip ties). Ties should allow slight trunk movement. Remove all stakes and ties after 1 year.
| Spa Planter (Sec 1) | ~$643 |
| East Planter | ~$275–425+ |
| Pool Planter (Sec 1) | ~$247 |
| Carport Planter | ~$444–669 |
| West Parkway | ~$879–929 |
| South Parkway | ~$2,063–2,113 |
| Known Total | ~$4,551–5,026 |
Excludes TBD sections (Spa Sec 2, East width, Pool Sec 2) and irrigation. Prices are LA area averages as of March 2026.
Follow this order to avoid rework:
1. Demo / Clear — Remove existing material, weeds, and debris from all zones. Cap or mark any existing irrigation lines.
2. Soil Amendment — Amend planting areas before anything else goes in. Till and mix 50/50 where needed.
3. Irrigation Rough-In — Run main lines and set valve zones before planting or ground cover. Much harder to do after.
4. Bender Board / Edging — Set all metal edging and tree ring bender board. Establish containment before any ground cover is placed.
5. Plant — Set all plants, stake Podocarpus and new Strawberry Tree per spec. Do not backfill with unamended soil.
6. Landscape Fabric — Lay weed barrier over all pebble and gravel zones. Cut X-slits around planted stock. Overlap seams 6" min.
7. Ground Cover — Install pebbles, gravel, and mulch last. Rake to uniform depth per zone spec.
8. Irrigation Final — Set emitters, test all zones, adjust heads. Program controller with seasonal schedule.
Lomandra (72 total): At this volume, wholesale nurseries will discount — expect $8–9/plant vs $12 retail. Potential savings: $200+. Order all at once.
Podocarpus (13 total): All male-grafted, all 5 Gal. Single special order from one nursery ensures consistency and better pricing. Not all nurseries stock male-grafted — call ahead.
Gravel (~10.7 tons): One bulk delivery for both parkways. Significantly cheaper than multiple trips or bagged product.
Pebbles: Confirm total tonnage once TBD dimensions are resolved, then order in one delivery.