Question
I have a new home, the yard is nothing but dirt which I would like to plant grass, some trees and shrubs. What I would like to know is how and what I would need to economically till/treat the soil? The Equipment that I may need to hire and any additional do it yourself tips that may be important for me to do?
Thank you and I hope to hear from you soon.
Art

Answer

Art,

Regarding the planting & soil:

Economically, and practically for good results, I would mix compost into the soil only where I was going to plant.  For trees and shrubs, just amend the soil (1/2 compost, 1/2 soil)  you fill back into the hole as you plant.  For lawn, just cover the area actually that is actually going to be lawn with about an inch or two of compost, and till it in.  (You'll then need to roll the area before seeding.)  Compost should be available from a local recycling place.  It will provide nutrients, helps soil structure, and will help retain moisture so you'll have to water less when that becomes necessary.

To figure the amount of compost you need:  
Get the area of the lawn in square feet and divide that by 162.  That will tell you how many cubic yards of compost it will take to cover the area two inches deep.  It's usually sold by the yard (cubic yard), and a yard is about 1 pickup load.

For the lawn area, you should check the pH (the acidity) of the soil.  Turf grasses generally prefer about a neutral pH (7).  pH test kits or electronic testers are available cheap at most garden stores.   Here in Oregon, I have to annually spread lime to raise the pH.  Our soil naturally goes acidic because of the rain.  If the pH is right, the grass can get all the nutrients out of the soil that it needs.  If it's wrong, even if the nutrient are there, it won't help.

Regarding the planning:
When I have had new landscapes like this to plan, I start the plan from specific points of view..."What do I want to see from here (and here, and here, etc.)?".

I do not start by  saying "what do I plant around the edges of everything?"

I stand across the street...and look...how do I want my place to look as people drive up?
I stand at the kitchen window...what do I want to look at during the long hours I'll be doing dishes?  Front door, deck, living room window, etc. I repeat this process  from all the places that people will likely be standing and looking over time. Consider neighbors too.

Now I get the answers down on a map of the lot.  This is the puzzle.  
How can I see this from here and that from there... but that's the fun.   Put plants where they will be seen, not where they look good on an overhead landscape map.

One good way to come up with a plant list, is drive around your area and spot landscape areas that you like...(I like that tree, I really like  that bed there, etc.), and copy.  Look for places with similar conditions to yours, and copy what you'll like.  You'll be benefiting from their experience.

For what it's worth,
Mark in Portland