Avoid These Common Landscaping Mistakes
Landscaping mistakes happen. Whether you are an experienced, professional landscaper or someone who just likes to spend time in their garden on weekends, some landscaping mistakes are completely unavoidable. Instead of focusing on the unavoidable, we’re going to turn our attention towards the more obvious landscaping blunders, gaffes and complete oversights that can easily be avoided.
At Jovak Landscape & Design, we help clients throughout the Lower Mainland with our landscape design and landscape construction services. By hiring an professional landscaping company like Jovak Landscape & Design, you won’t have to worry about making mistakes again; however, if you choose to tackle your home’s landscaping projects on your own, try to avoid these common landscaping mistakes:
Too many landscape decorations
Decorations are fun and easy to install, although it is important not to get carried away. Too many lawn gnomes, wind chimes, and water features can become distracting and overbearing, turning an otherwise elegant garden into a cluttered mess. Make sure that each decoration has a purpose and helps to improve the overall appeal of your landscape’s design. Quality over quantity is a mantra that holds true in the world of landscape design. Use decorative elements to highlight focal points such as a beautiful tree, a well-curated flower bed, or a calming seating area. Over-decorating can not only detract from the natural beauty of your plants and architectural features but also require more maintenance, creating extra hassle for you in the long run. Always consider the scale and proportion of your decorations in relation to your entire garden to maintain visual coherence and harmony.
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Forgetting to irrigate
Irrigation is essential to a healthy lawn and garden. Forgetting to irrigate will have adverse effects, similar to what would happen to your body if you forgot to drink water throughout the summer. Plants, like people, rely on consistent hydration to thrive and develop. Over-watering, on the other hand, can suffocate the roots of plants, leading to decay and promoting the growth of mould and fungus. Both over-watering and under-watering are bad for your lawn and plants. Avoid these mistakes by doing the following:
- Conduct regular soil testing to determine whether or not the soil needs watering. Soil moisture meters can be valuable tools in assessing your lawn’s watering needs and can help you avoid guessing.
- Pay close attention to your city’s water program and restrictions. Some municipalities have water usage guidelines or restrictions, especially during the summer months, which can affect your irrigation plans.
- Schedule in time to water your lawn and plants each week. Create a consistent watering schedule based on the specific needs of your various plants and the overall climate conditions in your area.
- If you are going away on a holiday, ask your neighbours to take care of your watering while you are away. Implementing an automated irrigation system with timers can also ensure your lawn remains hydrated in your absence.
Designing for aesthetic over functionality
This is a common landscaping mistake among many inexperienced landscapers. Too often, homeowners plan their landscape design for complete curb appeal and aesthetic as opposed to overall functionality. As a result, they end up with a front yard or backyard that looks stylish but cannot be used at all. Landscape design is all about striking the perfect balance of beauty and purpose.
When designing your outdoor space, consider how you and your family will use it. Are you creating a space for entertaining guests? Do you need an area where your children can play? Are you aiming to grow a vegetable garden? Think about practical elements such as pathways, seating areas, and shaded spots to ensure your landscape serves both aesthetic and functional purposes. Remember, a well-designed landscape should enhance your lifestyle and meet your everyday needs while still looking great.
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Lack of planning
A complete lack of planning is the biggest problem that new landscapers face. When walking through a neighbourhood, it is quite easy to tell who planned their landscape design and who didn’t. When planning is neglected, problems begin to occur. A haphazard approach can lead to inefficiencies, higher costs, and a final product that doesn’t live up to its potential.
Before launching into your next landscape project, take the time to plan meticulously. Pick a theme that reflects your personal style, whether it is contemporary, cottage, Mediterranean, or Japanese. Make a comprehensive plan and draw it out on paper. Your landscape plan should include plant selection, placement of structures, irrigation systems, and lighting schemes. This foresight will ensure that each element harmonizes with the others, creating a cohesive and well-thought-out design. If you get lost in your design a couple of months down the road, you can refer back to your plan to get yourself back on track. Planning will also help with the cost management of your landscape project, allowing you to anticipate expenses and avoid costly mistakes.
Have a question about a landscaping project? Want to learn more about how to avoid common landscaping mistakes? Start a conversation with Jovak Landscaping today. Contact us at 604-866-7186 or fill out a form on our website. We specialize in landscape design and construction throughout the Lower Mainland.