Are you thinking about giving your yard a makeover? Smart move because not only does good landscaping make your home look amazing, but it can also boost your property value by 6-7%! Before you get started, below are some common landscaping mistakes to avoid so you can make the most out of your outdoor space care of the experts at Bradley Mowers.

 

Common Landscaping Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

 

Mistake #1: Not having the proper equipment

Fix: Take time to research and find the best equipment such as lawn mowers, weedeaters, shears, tiller, etc. for your lawn. Having the right tools available makes doing the yard work much easier and ensures you get the best results.

 

Mistake #2: No budget in place

Fix: The first step should always be to create a budget, and once you have a number, you can allocate funding to different areas (mulch, shrubbery, equipment, flowers, etc.) and phases (preparation, purchasing, planting, upkeep, etc.). Having a budget in place helps you stay on track and avoid overspending. With this, you can prioritize what’s most important without breaking the bank!

 

Mistake #3: Starting without a plan

Fix: Having a plan ensures everything fits together and looks cohesive. Plus, it saves you from costly mistakes and makes the whole process way less stressful! When starting the landscaping process, you should lay out the design including having a focal point and consider the type of plants and placement of plants. Instead of having plants in straight lines, group the items in clusters or plant them in circular designs to make it visually appealing. More tips on arranging plants here.

 

Mistake #4: Lack of color scheme

Fix: Deciding on a color scheme helps your garden feel more put-together and makes choosing plants and decorations a lot easier! Before you begin purchasing any shrubbery or flowers, you need to create a color scheme so you don’t have either a bland landscape design or one that has too many colors that will not match. 

 

Mistake #5: Not matching plant types to your lifestyle

Fix: If you’re not into constant maintenance, you’ll want low-maintenance plants that thrive on their own. It makes your garden enjoyable rather than a chore! You need to consider the upkeep on each type of plant, what type of soil the plant thrives in, and if the plant is harmful to any animals in your area (including pets). 

 

Mistake #6: Placing trees and shrubbery too close to the house

Fix: Like other natural elements, trees and shrubbery will grow and develop long roots so it is important to plant these far enough away from the house where the plants have room to flourish and the roots will not affect the foundation of your house. Plus, it can block light and airflow, making your home feel darker and less airy.

 

Mistake #7: Excessive lawn decorations

Fix: While lawn decorations add flair to an area, too many can distract people from the actual landscaping; be sure to space them out throughout the design and make sure they are consistent with the design and color scheme. Keeping it simple helps highlight the beauty of your landscaping and maintains a more polished, inviting look.

 

Mistake #8: Ignoring maintenance and care

Fix: Having an upkeep schedule is important in landscaping because it keeps the look uniform and consistent; you should make sure to schedule watering the lawn and plants, pruning, mowing the grass, replenishing mulch, and raking leaves. 

 

Mistake #9: Cutting the grass too short

Fix: Doing this can weaken the grass roots and make the lawn more susceptible to weeds, pests, and diseases. You should research specifics for the type of grass you have, but a good rule of thumb is that grass should be around 2 1/2 inches high. 

 

Mistake #10: Not hiring a professional

Fix: To ensure your outdoor space looks its best, hire a professional landscaping company. They can handle the planning, planting, and care phases, saving you time and stress.