Landscaping Q: Can I plant shrubs, trees, flowers, etc. before I install our drip irrigation system in the front yard?
As a landscape professional I want you to consider this. While hiring a professional will certainly cost more up front the payback in results and less aggravation may be worth it. A person who knows what plants to pick, how to plant them, how to install irrigation can lead to a more beautiful, carefree landscape with lower cost in the long run of maintenance and replacements. Most companies guarantee their irrigation systems and plantings. We run into landscapes that are a mess every year due to misplanting and watering that could have been avoided and are costly to correct. With that said, plant first, then place the drip around the plantings. This will allow you to get the water where it is needed. Consider members of professional organizations such as Planet(http://www.landcarenetwork.org/cms/home.html) Irrigation Association (www.irrigation.org ) Tree Care Association (
