As warmer temperatures approach, you might already be getting a start on updating or fixing your lawn. And with good reason – Good landscaping can add up to 28% to the overall value of a home. But, landscaping can offer plenty of potential for disaster.
Here are some landscaping mistakes to avoid :
Planting “mulch volcanoes”
Don’t suffocate your newly planted trees with dreaded mulch volcanoes-piles of the insulating organic matter that rise as high as a foot up the trunk. Mulch is designed to control the soil temperature and keep it moisturized – but to do so properly, it must be applied loosely. Tight packing and strangles the tree and softens the root collar, a nonwaterproof section of the tree’s trunk. The result : rot, invasive insects and suffocated roots. Mulch mounds may look like the norm, but it’s a harmful practice.
Choosing wrong or dangerous plants
One of the biggest mistakes an amateur landscaper can make is choosing an invasive plant, which can quickly grow out of control. The biggest offender? Bamboo – it’s almost impossible to control. Without your own giant panda to do the trimming, you’ll find your yard overturn with tall, tough stalks that take years to full remove. Other offenders? The plants often found in “drought-tolerant” sections of big-box nurseries. In particular, beware of Mexican feather grass, fountain grasses and pampas grasses, which can be fire hazards due to their dry leaves and flowering stalks.
Poor planning
Before you even put your hands in the dirt, carefully work out a design on paper to understand your space requirements. Measurements are key! For small areas, stick with flowering perennials and skip large shrubs. As a general rule, taller plants should go toward the back and smaller plants in the front. Once you know what size foliage can fit without overcrowding, research specific plants and sketch them into your design. And even if it can fit, don’t plant too big. Large foliage might look impressive, but it has a hard time taking root. Small foliage grows nicely and has a better chance at survival.
Using too much gravel
With drought tolerant landscaping, you can have too much of a good thing. Enter gravel, landscaping’s double-edged sword. Gravel does save water, but it also reflects heart toward any plants nearby, damaging all but the hardiest plants. And that’s to say nothing of future plantings. Gravel can get mixed into the underlying soil, making it too hard to absorb rainwater. And it’s impossible to add more foliage to hard, dry soil – meaning you’ll be stuck with the plants you already have.
Installing artificial grass improperly
There’s nothing wrong with choosing fake grass over the real stuff, especially if you live in a drought ridden region. Today’s artificial turf is almost indistinguishable from a live, lush lawn, minus the upkeep. The key is to make sure you’re installing it correctly – not just plopping it on top of your dirt. You’ll want to consult an expert, but generally you should excavate 3 inches below the finished grade and install a sub base. Because native soil expands and contracts depending on its water content, it can create wrinkles, dimples or soft spots, and a very uneven surface. A sub base will ensure an artificial grass installation will continue to look good for the duration of its 15-20 year life. If you’re using multiple pieces of turf, you’ll want to make sure they’re properly seamed. Discuss the best way to lay out your turf with your supplier, who can help you create a clean, unnoticeable line.
Building out near trees
Are you wanting to add on to your house or maybe making your garage a man cave? That would be great, but if your yard features large trees, you’ll need to protect them before embarking on any construction that might touch the roots. You might not see the dire effects of damaged roots for a quite a while – until a storm causes the rotting trunk to come crashing onto your roof. Or, if you put your home on the market, a giant dying limb, for example, could knock off thousands of any offer. Hire a tree specialist if you’re planning any construction projects in your yard. Experts can ensure your work doesn’t touch the delicate root system, which causes irreparable and expensive damage.
