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Landscaping can be a great way to make your home shine, but it’s pretty easy to make a mess of things in the process. Thankfully, there are simple ways to think ahead and anticipate any issues you may have. Here are five of the most common landscaping mistakes and how to avoid making them.
1. Not putting it on paper first
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Most people have done this at some point or another, and often times, it can work out just fine. However, if you’re thinking about a complicated layout or features like a working fountain, lawn lights, or a walkway, then it can just as easily go horribly wrong. Be sure to plan out what you want, and put it on paper. Envision your layout in three dimensions and think about how it’ll look once it’s done from multiple angles. If it doesn’t work on paper or in your head, then it won’t work on your yard.
2. Thinking one season at a time
Avoid thinking of how your new yard will look during a specific season. If you live in a typical climate, your lawn renovation is going to look different at different times of year.
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Factor in how these new plants and features will look in all four seasons, and make sure that you’re not creating a mess for fall while you build a paradise for the spring.
3. Failing to look at the big picture
Landscaping should make your house look better, but homeowners have a tendency to not consider how their changes will affect the overall look of their home. This can often result in arrangements that garishly overpower the look of your home, blend into a bland tableau, or even clash with the aesthetics entirely. Think about whether that new fountain really works with your home or if you just think it’s cool. You may be able to find an alternative that works better and doesn’t wreck your curb appeal.
4. Going over budget on the project
It’s not uncommon to find yourself spending way more than you can afford in the early stages of a landscaping project, which lands you in a half-finished yard and an empty pocket.
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When you’re in the planning stages, don’t stop at laying out how you want the yard to look; itemize all of the expenses that you expect to incur. This includes any materials and specialized labor along with odds and ends like bricks, pots, and other miscellanea. Even the smallest things can drag your project into the red. If your planned materials exceed your budget, then try to see if you can find less expensive alternatives that still achieve the look you’re going for.
5. Forgetting the backyard
Just because you can’t see it from the street doesn’t mean it isn’t important, especially if you’re looking to sell. Chances are, you’ll spend more time in your backyard than you ever will in the front. After all, it’s an outdoor living space that plays host to your pets, your kids, and any outdoor get-togethers or barbecues you have for your friends, family, and neighbors.
Remember to also include the back of your house for any renovations or updates you may have planned as a whole. Happy landscaping!
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