Landscaping can do wonders for your home's curb appeal, property value, and outdoor enjoyment. But without the right planning and care, even the best intentions can lead to costly or frustrating mistakes.

Here are five landscaping mistakes many homeowners make and what you should do instead:

1. Overwatering (or Underwatering) the Lawn: Water is essential, but too much or too little can ruin your lawn.

Tips: Use a sprinkler system or timed irrigation based on your local climate. A general rule: Lawns typically need about 1 inch of water per week. Water early in the morning to prevent evaporation and disease.

2. Planting Too Close to the House: Planting trees or shrubs too close to your home can cause long-term damage to siding, gutters, or even the foundation.

Tip: Follow spacing guidelines for each plant type. Consider the mature size of plants, not just how they look at the nursery.

3. Neglecting Soil Quality: Poor soil drainage, compaction, or lack of nutrients can ruin even the best landscaping design.

tips: Before planting, test your soil (your local extension office can help). Add compost or organic matter as needed, and consider aerating your lawn yearly.

4. Choosing the Wrong Plants for Your Zone: Choosing plants that don’t fit your region’s climate leads to wasted time, money, and effort.

Tips: Use the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map to select the right trees, shrubs, and perennials for your area.

5. Forgetting Maintenance: It’s easy to get excited about the big landscaping install and forget the long-term care. Weeds, pests, and overgrowth can creep in quickly if left unchecked.

tips: Create a seasonal maintenance plan. Regular mowing, pruning, fertilizing, and clean-up go a long way to keeping your landscape beautiful year-round. Don’t have time? That’s what we’re here for!

Ready to improve your landscape?

Call us to see what we can do for you: expert advice, custom service, and dependable service from start to finish.

Conctact Us

Sources & Further Reading:

University of Minnesota Extension – “Landscape Design and Plant Selection”

UMN Extension – “Living Soil: Healthy Garden” (soil compaction & compost)

Better Homes & Gardens – “6 Way‑Too Common Gardening Mistakes…” (soil, watering)

Better Homes & Gardens & Homes & Gardens – plant spacing, design, overcrowding

Living Etc & BHG – maintenance, design flow, avoid planting too close to structures