You've just put the finishing touches on your new home or renovation and now it's time to put your statement into your landscaping. You've got a few ideas from friends, family, and online, but you're not quite sure where to start. What are the most common mistakes people make when landscaping their homes? How can you avoid them? Keep reading for the 5 most costly mistakes in landscaping – and how to avoid them!
1. Not having a plan before you start landscaping
Planning can help you avoid costly landscaping mistakes! Planting invasive species can lead to costly removal and replacement if the plant invades other areas of the landscape. Improper mature size selection or inconsistent style or foliage color can also cause costly fixes later as you struggle to find replacements that fit your landscape and provide your desired look. Finally, investment in native perennials or plants that require minimal maintenance will lessen your recurring annual costs and excessive maintenance. Long-term planning will also ensure your landscape has a consistent feel year-round, no matter the season—you don’t want to discover an entire feature turns dull and dreary when winter comes ‘round. Planning is key!
2. Choosing the wrong plants for your climate and soil type
When it comes to landscaping, one of the most costly mistakes you can make is failing to consider sun, shade, wet and dry conditions when selecting your plants. Not only will choosing the wrong plants lead to expensive fixes down the line, but they simply won't survive! So don't let yourself get stuck with a face full of weeds - do your homework beforehand and select plants that are well-equipped to thrive in the specific locations you have selected (sun or shade, wet or dry.) Take our location as an example: here in 7b, individuals should stick to native trees, shrubs, and other plants that have been naturally conditioned to survive in our environment. Not only will this support native pollinators while saving you cash on unwarranted repairs - it's always good to leave the guesswork up to Mother Nature!
3. Not considering drainage and irrigation when planning your landscape
Planning a landscape isn't all fun and games, it’s serious business. Whether you decide to go wild with native plants or explore exotic options, you have to make sure all your choices won't do you wrong in the future, especially when standing water or drought are more likely than not. The specific selection and location of your plantings must be matched with the drainage and or irrigation that is available - additional care needs to be forked out for non-native leafy buddies. Taking into consideration how you will ensure proper watering during a long-standing drought is something every prudent homeowner must consider from the get-go - from distance from the water source to maintaining hydration during those first critical years when plantings need their roots established. Even once these are established, chances are they might still require some help in extreme droughts - so don't forget – Plan Ahead!
4. Installing features that are too large or too small for your space
Don't be fooled by its size - when it comes to landscaping, picking a feature that's too big or too small can damage more than just your wallet. Choosing a feature with a mature size totally disproportionate to the space can damage your home's foundation, unintentionally block windows and views, and even become a security risk. As for underwhelmingly small features? Well, let's be honest, those are about as eye-catching as you want to be when you run to the grocery store for emergency coffee at 7:00 am in your sweatpants and hoodie - not exactly picture perfect. (Been there, done that! Haha) So if you want to avoid an expensive fix in the future, make sure you consider the mature sizes of plants and trees in your landscape plans. That way you'll have an end result that will leave the neighborhood green with envy.
5. Failing to maintain your landscaping once it's done
Maintaining your landscaping isn't just a luxury; it's an essential part of keeping your natural oasis intact and thriving. Many people make the costly mistake of failing to maintain their landscapes, which can lead to an overgrowth of weeds and potential damage or diseases. But don't worry, mulch, pruning, and weeding can help you avoid these issues! Native plants require less maintenance due to their resistance to disease and pests. Mulching with native groundcover or wood mulch aids in minimizing weed growth while also significantly enhancing moisture retention. To reduce potential damage and disease caused by neglect or harsh weather conditions, proper pruning techniques should be utilized regularly. Bonus Tip - native perennials ensure blooms every year without replanting - making for a vibrant garden experience without breaking a sweat! Make sure you don't skimp out on the upkeep if you want that perfect outdoor space.
It's easy to make costly mistakes when landscaping your home, but with a little bit of knowledge and planning ahead you can avoid these common pitfalls. Our expert advice will help you create the perfect outdoor oasis that will be the envy of your neighborhood - and best of all, it can increase your homes value and be low-maintenance!
~Christy
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