Common Residential Landscaping Mistakes to Avoid
It’s easy to fall into the trap of making simple mistakes when it comes to your home’s landscaping. After all, you want something that looks good and is functional while not breaking the bank. That said, some mistakes are more costly than others in terms of time or money. Here are some common residential landscape mistakes to avoid, so you can keep your yard looking great without having too many regrets later on.
1. Hiring the Wrong Residential Landscaper
There are so many residential landscaping companies out there, but not all of them are right for your needs. You may need someone who specializes in hardscapes rather than plants or vice versa. Talk to friends and family about their experiences with different companies before settling on one because the experience can be costly if it’s a bad one.
2. Choosing a Landscaper Based on Price Alone
Sometimes you get what you pay for, and other times you don’t. Even if the cheapest quote is from a company you’ve never heard of, they may do a great job for a fair price. It’s also possible that your low bid comes from a company that does lackluster work at high prices. Decide what you want and need before settling on a price, then hire someone based on the package they offer rather than just their rates alone.
3. Focusing Too Much on Expensive Plants
You may be tempted to go all out with high-end plants that cost hundreds of dollars each, but you can often get just as good results with less expensive, common plants. It’s the landscaper’s job to create a pleasing design, not necessarily an expensive one. Also, keep in mind that you may not even like the expensive plants you buy.
4. Failing to Plan Your Residential Landscaping Project
If you just hire a company and show them the property, there’s no guarantee they will create exactly what you want. Discuss your vision with the landscaper so they can create a design that fits it and adapts to your site. Otherwise, you may have a garden that doesn’t meet your needs and desires.
5. Forgetting About the “Little” Things
The little things are what define your landscape. They may be small plants, mulch, lights, fencing, or any number of other components that make up your yard. Skip them at your own risk because you might end up with a great design but no lights to see it by at night or an uneven lawn that becomes a tripping hazard.
Time to Invest in Residential Landscaping
Residential landscaping can increase the value of your property by 14% (per Ken Matthews Garden Center). That’s why you mustn’t just hire any landscaper but the right residential landscaper for you. A landscaper who offers a fair price and attention to your needs will help ensure that you get the most for your money.
