5 Landscaping mistakes
A beautifully landscaped yard is a great part of creating a dream outdoor space, and the good news is that you can do some of the work yourself. Even if you don’t consider yourself someone with a green thumb, you can get some amazing results if you focus on a few basics. Here are some things to avoid to get off to a good start.
1. Buying the right plants
There are a couple of important reasons to talk with a knowledgeable professional when you’re shopping for plants. The first is that some plants thrive in certain climate zones while others will struggle. Your local landscaping companies will carry a wide variety of plants that are well-suited to your area. The second reason is more pragmatic. Some plants grow aggressively and can get out of control quickly. This can cast unwanted shade or create drainage or foundation problems. Buying the right plants in the first place will save you a lot of headaches in the future.
2. Steer clear of symmetrical designs
Symmetry is a beautiful way to instill a sense of balance into your designs, but plants aren’t the most cooperative medium to work with. If your design depends on matched pairs of shrubs or rows of flowers, you must achieve parity at all times. If one shrub grows faster than the other, you'll spend the whole growing season doing extra work to keep them even. Plus, many leading art critics will tell you that asymmetrical designs are bolder and more interesting.
3. Tending to your hedges
Hedges create beautiful natural borders that can help you define property borders and create interesting sections in a larger yard. But there’s a big difference between a well-trimmed hedge and an overgrown hedge. Most hedges should be trimmed at least two to three times a year, and you can always do additional trimmings if you notice they're getting overgrown. You’ll need to also routinely check your hedges for baby trees and weeds.
4. Free from clutter
A dramatic decorative centerpiece such as a water feature or a pergola can really give your yard a touch of class, but “less is more” when it comes to tchotchkes and lawn ornaments. A few decorative pieces add some color and interest, but a cluttered yard can become a bit of an eyesore. If you’re someone who enjoys displaying books on a shelf or collectibles in a curio cabinet, try sticking to just a few of your favorite pieces in your yard.
5. Grass height is important
It might be tempting to cut your grass short so you don’t have to mow as often, but it’s a better idea to raise your lawn mower deck and mow more frequently. Leaving the grass a little longer will give it a better chance to develop into thicker turf and slow the progress of weeds. You should also be sure to keep your lawn mower blades sharp. If the blades are dull, your lawn mower will be much more likely to uproot the grass than cut it. You can always contact a professional yard maintenance company for assistance with your lawn. When the turf’s integrity gets compromised, it can hasten the spread of weeds and disease.
If you find yourself needing help with your landscaping or yard, you can reach out to a local landscaping company like Nelson Landscaping or visit TheHomeMag, click on your location, and then Home Pros to find reputable companies in your area. For more home improvement tips, follow us on Facebook and Instagram!