How to Avoid 10 Top Mistakes in Landscaping

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By Gardengates
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How to avoid 10 top mistakes in landscaping

Some of the worst mistakes in landscaping can become very expensive and even threaten health and safety. A garden can be a wonderful asset to your life and a beautiful setting for your house. Here are the 10 top mistakes I've found in landscaping. Avoid these mistakes and you can create a wonderful garden that will last for years.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Draw a plan

Plan
The number one mistake people make is to fail to make a garden or landscape plan. Whether you draw it yourself or have it professionally done, always do a plan first to avoid expensive mistakes later.
Step 2

Stop and think
Consider how you will use your property, what elements you want, what your budget is and remember to include safety factors. By making lists of priorities and goals, you will avoid regrets after your landscape is built.
Step 3

Drainage & engineering.
It's easy to want to jump into the building and gardening stuff right away, but if you don't pay attention to making sure drainage and engineering issues are addressed first, all your best efforts can be drained away in the first big rainstorm, structures can crumble and plantings can die out all too quickly.
Step 4

Plan for trees as if they are full-grown.

Trees
Be careful of choosing trees just because you like them. Each tree should be chosen for the right habit of growth in each specific location. Plan for your tree as if it is full grown so it has both head room and room for roots. You don't want to have to battle it later to try to make it fit.
Step 5

Proper prep will avoid landscape disasters.

Foundations
Make sure all structures are built with proper foundations so they are safe and long-lasting. Once again, taking time for proper preparation will save you money and more in the long run. Beware skipping this important aspect of landscaping.
Step 6

Utilities
Stub in gas, water and electric lights at the start so even if you don't use them right away, you don't have to tear up your landscape later if you need them. For example, if you live in a dry climate and have to retrofit watering systems, the job will be more difficult and expensive than making provisions during the original installation. Basics for lighting, security and other systems should likewise not be skipped
Step 7

Even native gardens need maintenance.

Be realistic
How much maintenance are you really willing to put into your garden? There is no such thing as a maintenance-free, living garden and if your garden needs more time, effort or money than you can afford all your efforts will fade away when upkeep isn't sufficient. Build for what you can realistically maintain.
Step 8

Call in help
If you aren't sure about construction, plants or artistic design, call in a professional. You can pay just for advice and feedback, schedule a consultation, or hire someone to do parts or the whole job for you. Your money will be well spent to do the job right the first time!
Step 9

Plants
Select plants that you not only like for beauty, but also for practicality. Planting plants that are pretty but won't grow well in the location you plant them will only reward you with a dead garden.
Step 10

Go green.
Go green not only because it is good for the planet, but because it will save on maintenance, utilities and labor. Lawns in dry climates don't make sense. Weak rooted trees in wind are dangerous. Cactus gardens in wet climates rot. Don't just stick elements into your landscape by habit or because you like what you've seen in pictures. Think about them first and you'll be grateful to yourself in the future. It will cost you less in every way if you make the effort to avoid these 10 top mistakes in landscaping!