Which of the following is an example of good maintenance during planning?

• A. Planting species that require frequent pest control.
• B. Building large hardscape areas and minimizing lawn.
• C. Installation of an efficient irrigation system.
• D. Starting without soil testing.

Answer: (C)

Establishing an irrigation system that is efficient during planning sets up maintenance for success by controlling how water is delivered and when. Installing an efficient irrigation system allows you to tailor watering to different plant needs and microclimates, use zoning to avoid overwatering, and incorporate controllers or soil moisture sensors. This reduces water waste, promotes uniform soil moisture, lowers plant stress, and minimizes future maintenance tasks like disease and weed problems that can arise from improper watering. The other options would either increase ongoing maintenance (plants that require frequent pest control), focus on design shifts rather than maintenance planning (large hardscape with less lawn), or neglect essential site information (starting without soil testing), which leads to poorer plant performance and more work down the line.