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Sanctuary School & Studio
Welcome to our School & Studio! Where you can Learn "how It's Done" and pick out options via our studio below within the sub service you have selected to view:
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School: Knowledge on how the sub-service is done.
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Studio: Options on all materials/colors for selected sub-service.
Landscaping & Softscaping
Planting
What Planting Services Do We Offer?
- Sanctuary Design & Build provides comprehensive planting services to transform your Orange County landscape. We install a wide variety of plants, from small shrubs and flowers to large trees, creating vibrant and functional outdoor spaces. Whether you're looking to add privacy with a lush hedge in your Laguna Beach yard or create a shady oasis with a mature tree in your Irvine garden, our experienced team can handle all aspects of the planting process. We source high-quality plants from local nurseries and ensure proper planting techniques for optimal growth and health. Explore our extensive selection of plants and let us bring your Orange County landscape vision to life.
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School
Our official "How It's Done" section to help educate our clients to understand our industry leading installation process!​​
Course: A guide to proper planting techniques!
Process - Our Planting Process Explained
At Sanctuary Design & Build, a leading design-build firm in Orange County, we understand the importance of proper planting techniques for creating thriving landscapes in Southern California. Discover our step-by-step guide on how we bring your landscaping to life. Unless otherwise stated in your contract, all installations pertaining to any planting are performed in the exact outlined method! From selecting the right plants in our Sanctuary Studio to providing expert post-planting care, we ensure the long-term health and beauty of your Orange County landscape. Our unique Sanctuary Sequence, a comprehensive site assessment and planning process, sets the stage for successful planting projects throughout Orange County, including cities like Irvine, Newport Beach, and Laguna Beach
Phase 1: Plant Preperation
This phase focuses on preparing the chosen plants for optimal establishment in the Orange County climate. As part of our Sanctuary Sequence and Studio consultation, plant selection has been finalized, matching plant needs (light, water, etc.) to your specific Orange County property.
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Inspecting the Plants: We inspect the plants upon arrival for any signs of disease, pests, damage (broken branches, cracked pots), or overall poor health. We ensure the plants match the specifications outlined in the Sanctuary Sequence site plan.
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Root Ball Preparation: We carefully examine the root ball. If the roots are circling or girdling (growing in a circular pattern around the root ball), we gently loosen them by hand or make several vertical cuts (1-2 inches deep) with a sharp knife or pruning shears to encourage outward growth. For container-grown plants, we may gently tease out the outer roots to prevent them from continuing to grow in a circular pattern. For balled and burlapped trees, we loosen or remove the burlap and any twine or wire from the top of the root ball after the tree is placed in the planting hole. This is important to allow the roots to expand freely.
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Hydration: We ensure the plants are adequately hydrated before planting by watering them thoroughly if the soil is dry. This helps to reduce transplant shock.
Phase 2: Planting
This is the actual planting process. The precise location for each plant, determined during our Sanctuary Sequence, is marked on the site plan.
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Digging the Hole: We dig a hole that is wider than the root ball (typically 2-3 times the width, or as specified by the plant’s mature spread) but no deeper than the root ball. The sides of the hole should be sloped slightly inward to prevent settling.
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Placing the Plant: We carefully place the plant in the hole, ensuring that the top of the root ball is level with or slightly above the surrounding soil grade. Setting the plant too deep can lead to crown rot. For balled and burlapped trees, after the tree is in the hole, we fully remove any remaining burlap, twine or wire. For container plants, we ensure no part of the container remains.
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Backfilling: We backfill the hole with the amended soil (as prepared during the Sanctuary Sequence), gently firming it around the root ball to eliminate air pockets. We use our hands or a shovel to gently tamp the soil, but we avoid compacting it too tightly, as this can restrict root growth. We ensure the soil is in full contact with the root ball.
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Watering: We thoroughly water the newly planted plant immediately after backfilling to settle the soil and hydrate the roots. This initial watering is crucial for establishing good soil contact.
Phase 3: Post Planting Care
This phase focuses on ensuring successful establishment in the Southern California environment. Post-planting care is tailored based on the plant’s needs, as determined during our Sanctuary Studio consultation.
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Mulching: We apply a layer of organic mulch (2-4 inches deep) around the base of the plant, creating a "donut" shape and keeping it a few inches away from the trunk or stems. This prevents moisture buildup against the plant’s base, which can lead to rot. Mulch helps to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Click here to see our MULCH options.
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Staking (If Necessary): If the plant is a tree or a large shrub that is susceptible to wind damage or has a weak root system, we may stake it for support. We use flexible ties that won't damage the bark and remove the stakes after the plant has established a strong root system (typically after one year).
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Ongoing Watering: We provide regular watering the day after installation, however continuous watering is paramount especially during the first few weeks or months after planting, to help the plant establish its roots. The watering frequency and amount will be determined based on the specific plant's needs as determined in our Sanctuary Studio consultation, soil type, and weather conditions. We advise clients on proper watering techniques for long term care.
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Fertilization (If Necessary): We may apply a slow-release fertilizer or other appropriate fertilizer to promote healthy growth, depending on the plant’s specific needs and soil conditions. This is often determined during the Sanctuary Sequence soil analysis and Studio selection process.
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Studio
Our Official Studio will guide you through all options we carry within the selected category to expertly guide you in your decision making process!
Studio Display: Our Selection of Trees, Hedges, & Plants!