SBISD Planting Guide

This guide is intended to provide the campuses with a baseline of information for the planning of a beautification project. Any beautification project undertaken by a campus should be closely coordinated with the Maintenance Department. The Grounds Division of Maintenance can be a valuable resource in selecting the right plants for your growing conditions. Our knowledge of your campuses will prevent the possibility of planting over or damaging underground utilities.

Goal

The goal of any beautification project should be to draw the senses to the area. This can be done by varying the height of plants, by color combinations, by mass planting of a single color, or by using highly fragrant plants. Plantings must take into consideration the background, which is often the building itself. What works very well at a home is often ineffective against a large building.

Non-Acceptable Practices and Plants

Raised beds are a normal practice in preparing a site for planting. However, a bed must be kept several inches below the vertical wall of the building or water will wick back into the structure. This is a very common problem.

Plantings should not be around or block access to utilities or equipment. Air conditioning equipment requires an unobstructed air flow to work properly.

Only low maintenance, disease and drought tolerate plants should be used. Irrigation systems are usually unnecessary if proper planning is used and the plants are cared for during their shock period.

Examples of Plants that are not to be used include;

Trees:

Landscape Plants:

Acceptable Practices and Plants

Raised mulched beds provide a good growing medium and help to contain weed growth. They can act as the focal point to make a dramatic presentation.

Where beds are impractical or even messy, such as the center area of a narrow double sidewalk, containers are effective. These can be sunk into the ground or placed in strategic locations.

When planning your project don't just look down. While the plants do have to be in the ground they are going to be growing skyward. Just how big is this tree going to get? How close am I to the overhead utility lines? Take everything into consideration. Take pictures, do sketches, use colored pencils, try to visualize what it will look like a year from planting day.

Use flowering perennials wherever possible. Some last for generations or provide color through the summer.

Examples of Plants that should be used include;

Trees

Landscape Plants

This is just a short list of your landscape possibilities. Our knowledgeable staff looks forward to working with you on your projects.