We follow all sorts of rules when designing home interiors. The TV is placed a certain distance away from the couch, the rug size is carefully calculated according to square footage, and the fridge is located conveniently in the kitchen. Similar rules exist when landscaping, but many homeowners inadvertently make mistakes that can lead to major headaches later. Landscapers understand the lay of the land—and all that can go wrong—so we asked a handful of them to call out the biggest landscaping mistakes to avoid.
Planting Trees Too Close to the House
One of the most common landscaping mistakes people make is planting trees too close to their home. As nice as it may feel to have that shade and a pretty view, this can result in all sorts of issues.
“I’ve lost count of how many property inspections I’ve done with a darling little tree stuffed up against the foundation,” says Tammy Sons, landscaper and founder of TN Nursery. “People don’t realize it won’t remain that small for long. Roots grow against concrete and branches scrape shingles. Next thing you know, you’ve created unwanted shade and moisture where you don’t want it.” It can also create an issue with certain pests, allowing them easy access to your roof.
Sons says to consider how the tree will sit once it reaches maturity and to give it ample space to grow. Read the specs closely and measure the space before digging. When in doubt, call in a pro.
Not Spacing Plants Correctly
Take a look at the care label on seeds, seedlings, and mature plants, and you’ll see very clear instructions on how far apart to space them. This advice is meant to be taken literally to promote healthy growth. Resist the urge to “fill the space” for instant impact.
“When plants are spaced too tightly, they compete for sunlight, water, and nutrients. Over time, this competition weakens them, increases the risk of disease due to poor air circulation, and can lead to overcrowding that requires costly removal later,” explains Karen Musgrave, a horticulturalist at Hicks Nurseries. “Always check the plant tag or research the plant’s mature height and width, and not just its current size. You must plan for how large it will be in 5 to 10 years and space accordingly.”
Foregoing Soil Tests Before Fertilizing
As they say, knowledge is power. This is true where your yard is concerned, too. Soil tests allow you to understand what nutrients are available, which are lacking, and how to create ideal conditions.
“Without a soil test, odds are higher you won't apply the right amount or kind of fertilizer,” says Greg Cuoco, landscaping expert and CEO of The Difference Landscapes. “This could lead to over-fertilization and brown, dead streaks in your lawn, or under-fertilization, which might produce patchy or minimal lawn growth, a pale green- or yellow-colored lawn, and greater likelihood of weeds.”
Before fertilizing, he says to take a soil test to determine your soil's pH and essential nutrient levels. Simple DIY kits are available from garden and home improvement stores, or you can send a soil sample to a professional lab for in-depth data on your soil’s nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels. This should be done annually.
Cutting Grass Too Short
This one’s a much easier fix than some of the others, but it’s still a common mistake people make week after week when tending to their lawns. “People think cutting their grass super short means they won’t have to mow as often. It actually stresses out the grass, weakens its roots, and welcomes weeds to settle in," Sons says.
Her advice is to raise the mower blade higher. This way, grass can shade its own roots and hold in moisture. "Always keep your mower blades sharpened so you make clean cuts that heal faster and help your lawn stay lush and thick," she adds.
Piling Too Much Mulch
Mulch is a landscaping champ, protecting plants from the elements and helping them hold onto moisture. You can go too far, though, Musgrave says.
“Piling mulch against the base of a plant, often called ‘volcano mulching,’ can trap moisture against the stem or trunk. This encourages rot, pests, and disease, and can eventually kill the plant,” Musgrave explains. “Apply mulch two to three inches deep around planting beds, but keep it a few inches away from the base of trees and shrubs to allow proper airflow.”
She also suggests refreshing mulch annually instead of piling more on top. And before adding new mulch, loosen or remove excess buildup to maintain proper depth and prevent compaction.
Keeping Eyesores in the Open
You spend time pruning your trees and filling your flowerbeds and keeping the lawn trim. And then a giant eyesore comes in to distract from it all. Think trash cans, hoses, cables, utility boxes, and other necessary items that aren’t exactly pretty. These may become visual white noise to you, but others do notice them and they can affect curb appeal.
“Rather than ignoring them, hide them with shrubs or decorative fencing and allow for intentional space to store these necessary but unsightly items,” Sons suggests. “A row of border plants and layered landscaping can help soften lines and make everything look intentional.”
Working Against Your Ecosystem
Cacti don't grow everywhere, and neither do redwoods. Hydrangeas may be gorgeous, but you either live somewhere they’ll thrive or in a place that’ll lead to constant struggle. When landscaping, Cuoco says to always consider the best types of plants for your soil and environment.
“Select native plants whenever possible, as they are proven to grow in your environment,” he advises. Along with nurturing the local ecosystem, you’ll find that native plants translate to way less maintenance and lush, thriving plants.
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