Lawn Care Landscaping Soil Perc (Percolation) Test

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In this instructional video we are going to demonstrate a landscaping soil perc (percolation) test.

For this test, you need two basic instruments.
1) A tape measure to measure the hole.
2) A Shovel to dig the hole.

A perc test is handy to give your customers an idea of the types of flowers, plants, shrubs, and trees to install into their beds and other landscaping areas.

Dig a hole 1' deep x 1' in diameter. Fill the hole with water and wait for the water to completely drain from the hole. Then, fill the hole with water again and start your stopwatch. Our example flower bed is in an area of Tennessee where a good drainage time for a 1' deep x 1' diameter hole filled with water is considered to be 3 hours.

Drainage time of more than three hours is considered longer than average. Plants in this type landscape need the ability to thrive in very moist soil.

Plan Drainage time of less than three hours is considered slower than average. Plants in this type landscape need the ability to thrive in dry soil.

If your soil test show your ground is not condusive to the types of plants you desire you have two options.

1) Amend the soil to give a better perc rate. If your drainage is too slow, you can add a drainage system such as a crushed gravel subsurface layer or perforated corregated piping several inches below planting depth slanted to drain away water. Or, you can amend the soil.

2) If your perc rate is too quick, you can try container gardening, amend the soil to lower the sand consistancy, or add an irrigation system.

Thank you for watching this brief instructional video. For more detailed information on starting your own lawn care and landscaping business, visit the website at:
http://www.StartALawnCareBusiness.com

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• lawn care business
• start a business
• small business
• landscaping
• lawn care
• planting
• soil tests
• perc
• percolation
• flower beds