Awkward or neglected landscaping can hurt the value of your property and even make it difficult to sell your home. With a bit of planning, you can avoid these six landscaping mistakes and make sure your property looks its best. Here's what to look out for:
1. Crowded clusters
Planting shrubs and perennials in clusters is more attractive than scattering single plants around your yard. But, it's important to make sure your plants have ample room to grow. Before you plant, find out the height and width of the mature plant and check the spacing recommendations on the label. Your garden bed might look a bit sparse at first, but it will fill in over time.
2. Wild weeds
Weeds compete with your expensive greenery and creep into cracks in your patio and paved walkways. Stop weeds before they start with a pre-emergent weed killer. Spray the herbicide around weed hotspots several weeks before germination.
3. Critter problems
Rabbits and deer can turn your yard into an ugly mess of mangled plants and headless perennials. Use deer repellent and electric fencing to keep unwanted critters at bay. You may also want to research rabbit- and deer-resistant plant varieties that won't attract quite as many visitors.
4. Forgetting fall and winter
Many homeowners choose landscaping that only looks good in the spring and summer. For year-round curb appeal, mix things up with a variety of plants that provide interest during different seasons. Balance your summer perennials with deciduous shrubs and evergreens for an intact winter garden.
5. Too much mulch
Mulching around a newly planted shrub or tree is a good way to protect the trunk and improve the surrounding soil. Some homeowners pile a small mountain of mulch around the tree trunk, creating a slope. Sloping mulch can actually cause moisture and rot issues that harm trees. A loosely packed layer of mulch is all you need.
Conclusion
Whether you hire professional landscapers or do the work yourself, avoiding these common mistakes will help ensure that your property is beautiful all year long.