It’s easy to find ideas when designing your landscape, but it’s also important to be aware of what not to do.
Below is a list of the top 10 landscaping mistakes seen throughout the state. Don’t worry if you’ve made any of these mistakes; you have the tools to fix them.
Putting the Wrong Plant in the Wrong Place
If only landscaping was as easy as putting a plant where it looks nice. Instead, the light, moisture and soil conditions of the planting location need to match the plant’s needs.
For example, hydrangeas enjoy shade and soil that is rich and well drained. If the desired planting location is full sun, high in clay and tends to stay wet, your hydrangea will quickly deteriorate.
Failing to Prepare the Site Before Planting
This is especially problematic when installing landscaping at a newly constructed site.
Construction soil around the foundation of newly built houses may contain concrete, paint, adhesives and grout. This type of soil needs to be prepared or amended before planting.
The site also needs to be graded for proper drainage. Grade the slope away from the house and direct the water into swales or redirect water with in-ground drain pipes.
Planting Without Considering the Plant’s Mature Size
This mistake goes hand in hand with “wrong plant, wrong place.”
The plant you pick from the nursery may be the right size at the time, but it likely won’t stay that way. Make sure you research the max height and width for each plant you are considering and allow space for it to grow.
We often see plants that have been excessively pruned to keep a certain shape or size. Not only does this make maintenance more difficult, but this practice can also be detrimental to plant health.
Unknowingly Planting Invasives
Unfortunately, not all nurseries are responsible about keeping invasive plants off their shelves. You can check the invasive status for each plant you find by looking it up in “UF/IFAS Assessment of Non-Native Plants in Florida’s Natural Areas.” You can also shop at native nurseries to avoid this issue entirely.
Lack of Theme
A successful landscape design has a consistent theme. Without unification, the landscape can look messy and disorganized.
Your theme can be as simple as choosing to follow a general shape or form, or as complex as building a Mediterranean garden.
The Ask IFAS publication “Landscape Design: Finding Inspiration for a Design Theme” has more information.
Forgetting Resource Efficiency
A higher water bill can dampen the excitement of a newly installed landscape. Choosing drought-tolerant plants can lower the amount of water required.
Other inputs should be considered as well. Does this plant likely require fertilization or pest protection? Selecting low-maintenance plants that require few to no inputs lessens the amount of time you spend working in the garden and cut costs.
Choosing the Wrong Groundcover
Turfgrass is thought of as the default groundcover, but it isn’t ideal for every situation. For instance, it is not recommended for shady spots, on steep slopes or in small areas that are difficult to maintain. Use an alternate groundcover in these situations.
Planting Too Close to Your Foundation
It can be tempting to plant right up to the foundation of your house, but this is not the best practice.
This doesn’t allow enough room for the plant to grow, which leads to the mistake of excessive pruning. It also makes maintaining your home more difficult. Pest problems are also exacerbated because of reduced airflow. Plant shrubs beyond the roof drip line.
Not Designing With Maintenance in Mind
Aesthetically pleasing doesn’t always equate to low maintenance. For example, trendy curved pathways give a playful feel to the landscape, but they are difficult to mow around.
You should be creative with your landscape design, but don’t forget about maintenance.
Replacing Groundcovers With Rock or Artificial Turf
For those who want a low-maintenance landscape, replacing groundcovers with rock or artificial turf seems like a great idea. However, these replacements don’t support wildlife and significantly increase heat in your yard.
Many HOA landscape codes also don’t allow gravel or artificial turf. Instead, choose groundcovers that don’t require much maintenance. Many groundcovers also support pollinators and improve the soil, unlike rock or artificial turf.