Ten Common Landscaping Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Landscaping is the foundation for how your home looks throughout the year. A design you don’t enjoy can impact how you and your guests perceive the property prior to walking inside. Sculpting the yard of your home or business is exciting, but there are several pitfalls that can prevent you from loving your landscaping.

To achieve instant curb appeal, avoid these top ten common landscaping mistakes:

1. Research the Plants You Purchase

Plants are a reflection of your property’s style. Be sure to research your choices prior to planting and arranging. Some plants require more shade, space or regular maintenance. If you’ve already planted trees, shrubs or flowers, it’s easy to trim, remove or transplant your selections to a new location.

2. Create Symmetry With Plants, Trees, and Shrubs

Proper landscaping is all about working with open spaces. If you’re planning to plant larger trees, keep symmetry in mind. Shrubs and trees tend to look their best when they match in size, shape, color, and design. Consider how much sunlight your property receives and plant trees where you can regularly monitor their appearance.

3. Prepare Your Planting Area

Before placing your plants, spread organic soil and eliminate any weeds in the planting area. For regular maintenance, avoid weed-eating chemicals. Instead, pick them out by hand and add organic matter around your investments. Plus, fresh soil looks fantastic from a landscaping point of view.

4. Maintain Your Hedges

Hedges grow like crazy. If you leave them unattended, they can push through fencing and grow unevenly. Correct wild hedges early with a wireless hedge trimmer. This tool gives you the freedom of sculpting your hedges without the tripping hazards of a cord.

5. Minimize Outdoor Decorations

Decorations such as wind chimes, fixtures and fountains can be tasteful in moderation. But too many outdoor ornaments can distract from the beauty of your home or business. Placing objects sparingly gives them the attention they deserve.

6. Cut Grass at the Right Length

The time of year and level of sun exposure impact how short you should cut your grass. Cutting grass shorter in the heat of the summer can leave your property prone to browning spots that require treatment for restoration. Gauge the settings on your lawnmower throughout the season based on grass growth, thickness, and color.

7. Think Ahead With Your Design

Landscaping is a guide for how to navigate and enjoy your yard. Ask yourself questions and have a design in mind before purchasing. For example, if I plant a few trees, will my kids and pets still have room to play outside? Landscaping will influence how you use your yard for years to come, so make a pros and cons list during the brainstorming stage.

8. Consider the Local Wildlife

Depending on your location, consider the wildlife around your home. Do your plants attract unwelcome animals or insects? Do you want your yard to be a safe haven for wildlife? For instance, tall trees often attract squirrels, chipmunks, and birds. Regular landscaping will help reduce wear and tear on your property due to wildlife.

9. Think About Privacy

Do you want your neighbors to see your gorgeous yard? An open landscaping concept makes a property look large, but keep in mind how much privacy you’d prefer. Trees, shrubs and a fence can create a beautiful yet still private landscape.

10. Recycle Yard Scraps

One of the most fulfilling aspects of landscaping is fueling your yard. Rather than throwing out branches, clippings and flowers, create a compost pile. Then, you can make natural fertilizers using the materials from your yard.

Contact Shearer Patio & Landscape Services

Feeling inspired to begin your next landscaping project? Shearer Patio & Landscape Services is here to give your home a beautiful outdoor space. We specialize in brick paver walkways, patio installation, seasonal cleanup, mulching, and more, all at your convenience.

If you live in Columbus, contact us today for a free quote!

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