Debbie Your landscaping can make a significant difference in the value of your home, up to a fifteen percent increase! That’s why great landscaping makes a perfect return on investment.
The last thing you want to do is invest thousands in a landscaping project only to make a mistake that ruins the final result. Luckily, this is avoidable with just a few simple tips.
Want to up your landscaping game? Here’s a list of the most common landscaping mistakes to avoid when getting started on your next landscaping project. Read on to learn more!
Design Before You Plant
The first thing a smart homeowner does to avoid landscaping mistakes is to plan plantings ahead of time. Going in and planting without any kind of design in mind usually results in dead plants and wasted money.
You should begin with the tallest and most visually-striking plants first. This includes your trees, shrubs, and large ornamental plants. Choose the locations of these based on sun exposure and soil quality.
After the main visual plants, look for plants of a medium height and visual interest. These will immediately surround your “centerpiece” plants. Make sure to keep their shade requirements in mind as well!
Finally, you’ll select your “filler” plants. This includes smaller flowers, grasses, and groundcover. These will fill out the edges of your planting design.
Following this process will ensure that plants will not be competing for visual attention or resources such as sunlight and water.
Know Your Yard’s Needs
Every yard is different. What your yard can sustain depends on your climate, the orientation of your property, and even your soil quality. If you want Lush Green Landscapes, make sure to take a thorough inventory.
If you have issues with plants and grass lacking color or vigor, you might want to consider testing your soil. This will help you figure out what fertilizers to use and where.
Have a major drainage issue? Consider having your yard re-leveled or planting plants that tolerate being inundated with water for long periods of time.
If you are installing grass, be sure that the grass is appropriate for your climate and the amount you are willing to water it. If for example you’re in a hotter climate and you find the summer months can become quite dry, it could be worth considering measures like fitting a drought resistant groundcover in place of traditional grass turf. This will stand up better to the summer conditions and leave you with a beautiful looking space, without all the added hassle of constantly watering to keep it in good condition.
Don’t Skimp on Maintenance
Even a “wild” yard full of native plants needs upkeep. For example, certain species of grasses must be “dead-headed” before the winter to ensure they grow back healthy in the spring.
Make sure to keep your shrubs and trees trimmed. This keeps them growing properly and avoids issues such as nutrient deficiency from growing too many branches.
Grass should also be regularly maintained. This means regular mowing as well as re-seeding annually to avoid bare spots.
Hiring professional landscapers is always a good idea. They can evaluate your yard and suggest changes and additions that will keep things looking healthy and vibrant for years to come.
Avoiding Landscaping Mistakes
Most of the challenge with avoiding landscaping mistakes just comes down to planning.
If you come in with a plan for planting and long-term maintenance, you can use your outdoor space year-round and spend less time fixing problems. This means more time to enjoy your backyard oasis!
For more articles on home care and maintenance, be sure to check out the “Home Life” section of my blog!
