Every homeowner takes great pride in their home’s appearance and enjoys spending time outdoors landscaping their yard. However, even the keenest of homeowners can run into landscaping problems from time to time. With a few simple precautions, you can easily avoid the most common landscaping problems. Here are eight of the most common landscaping problems and how to avoid them.
Poor Choice of Lights
When it comes to landscape lighting, less is more. Many homeowners make the mistake of installing too many lights, which can create an overwhelming and unnatural look. Some also go for high-voltage lights, which can be dangerous and challenging to maintain. Instead, choose a few well-placed lights and low voltage landscape lighting to highlight your landscaping features without being too overpowering.
Improper Planting
One of the most common landscaping problems is planting plants in the wrong place. For instance, you might put a tree too close to your house, which can cause damage to both your home and the tree. When planting trees and other plants, read the instructions carefully and plan for future growth.
Poor Drainage Planning
Poor drainage is another common landscaping problem. If water doesn’t drain properly, it can cause plants to rot and die and lead to flooding. When planning your drainage system, be sure to consider the slope of your land and the type of soil you have.
Over- or Under-Watering
Taking good care of plants can be challenging when it comes to watering. Add too much water, and you end up over-watering your plants, do the opposite, and your plants end up withered and dry. To avoid these situations, be sure to read the instructions carefully and water your plants according to their needs.
Hardscaping Mistakes
One mistake can make or break your design when it comes to hardscaping. Choosing the wrong material or using too little material can quickly turn your beautiful garden into an eyesore. Every outdoor space has a specific set of hardscaping materials that can bring out the best outcome when installed. You need to do your research and consult with a professional before starting your project.
Failing to Mulch
Mulching is one of the easiest ways to keep your garden looking beautiful. It protects your soil from erosion and helps keep your plants healthy by retaining moisture and regulating the temperature of the soil. Mulching also helps to suppress weed growth and makes your garden look well-maintained.
Cutting the Grass Too Often and Too Short
Cutting the grass too often and too short can do more harm than good. Frequent mowing can damage the grass, and if you cut it too short, you’re exposing it to the sun and wind, which can cause it to dry out and die. Try only to mow your lawn when needed, and don’t cut it shorter than three inches.
Hiring Unqualified Staff
If you’re hiring someone to help you with your landscaping, make sure you do your research and find qualified professionals. Unqualified staff can do more harm than good, and they can cost you a lot of money in the long run.
Landscaping can be a seamless and stress-free process if you avoid these eight common problems. By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your lawn looks great all year round and save a lot of money that you could have spent on rectifying such mistakes.