Common Landscaping Mistakes to Avoid

Looking to spruce up the outside of your home by planting a garden, or create a backyard oasis perfect for hosting family gatherings and summer pool-side days? You don’t need to have a “green thumb” or be a gardening expert to create a beautiful extension to your home. However, it is helpful to be aware of some of the most common landscaping mistakes, which both newbies and experienced gardeners can fall victim to, and how to avoid them. Below we will discuss seven of the most common landscaping errors, so you’ll know how to avoid these potential disasters, before you begin planting.

1. Not considering the climate when choosing plants

Unfortunately, you can’t just plant whatever you want to in your yard. You must take into consideration the needs of the plants that you select and whether your climate can support them. Otherwise, your plants will not thrive and all your hard work will have gone to waste. So, do your due diligence and research before you start planting. You can do this by determining your particular climate zone, also known as a gardening or plant hardiness zone. You can also research the native plants in your area – these are plants that grow naturally in your particular region and are therefore guaranteed to thrive.

2. Not preparing the soil properly before planting 

Topsoil is extremely important for landscaping and plants. Topsoil is the upper, outermost layer of soil, and typically runs four to twelve inches deep. Not only does topsoil nourish your plants, it protects them, as well as seedlings. It will provide nutrients your soil is lacking, as well as correct toxins that will ruin the pH or create a chemical imbalance that will harm your plants. Other benefits of topsoil include boosting soil drainage, correcting depressions and erosion, regrading a landscape, and it can even be used for landscape cosmetic purposes. We sell both topsoils – to correct issues and provide nutrients. Since topsoil is one of our specialties, we can help you figure out what topsoil mixture is best for your lawn. Click here to learn more about how going with Hawkins Landscape Supply is the most convenient way to order quality topsoil, delivered right to your driveway.

3. Not using mulch to protect the roots and conserve moisture 

Mulch is absolutely essential to home landscaping, providing both aesthetic and functional value. Mulch can be either organic or inorganic, and traditional mulch is made of wood chips or bark shreddings. Below is a list of the many benefits of proper mulching:

• Suppresses weeds
• Retains moisture
• Insulates soil
• Reduces soil compaction
• Enriches soil
• Increases soil fertility
• Prevents erosion
• Enhances your “curb appeal”

We carry several varieties of mulch, in an assortment of vibrant colors, for all of your landscaping needs. And again, ordering from Hawkins Landscape Supply means not having to worry about renting your own truck and hauling bags back from the store – It’ll be conveniently dropped off at your driveway. Shop our mulch products. 

4. Over-watering plants

Another very common landscaping mistake to avoid is over-watering. Many homeowners over-water their plants and lawn. Despite what you may think, most lawns only need approximately one inch of water per week. One way to reduce water waste and avoid over-watering is to invest in a sprinkler with an automatic timer. As mentioned above, it’s important to do your research first and find out how much water your plants actually need to thrive.

5. Fertilizing without first testing the soil

This is a big one. You must test your soil before fertilizing so you know what you’re dealing with. Knowing the existing acidity, or pH, and fertility is essential for determining how much fertilizer to apply for optimal plant growth. Overfertilization can lead to excessive plant growth and increase the chances of disease.

6. Planting too close together

Another important fact you should make yourself aware of to avoid this common mistake is what the mature size will be of the plants you purchase. Without knowing a plant’s mature size, you may plant them too close together, resulting in overcrowding, roots invading the foundation of your home, and other potentially expensive maintenance issues. Therefore, as the moral of this article has been, do your research in advance and choose the right-sized plants for your home’s landscape. 

7. Not trimming or pruning plants regularly

Last but not least, neglecting to trim hedges regularly can lead to the hedge, and the individual bushes that comprise the hedge, growing out of control. It’s also important to check for and remove any weeds for optimal growth. Another unfortunate mistake is failing to prune shrubs at the right time, which can result in inadvertently removing the buds that produce the fabulous blooms in the spring. In general, flowering shrubs should be pruned right after they finish pruning.

Now that we’ve explained and shown you how to avoid some of the most common landscaping mistakes, you should have a good working foundation for getting started on planning a beautiful native plant garden for your front yard, or another landscaping project you’ve had in mind to turn a sterile backyard into an outdoor haven. Call Hawkins Landscape Supply to shop and order today!