Many people put a lot of hard work and effort into their yards. From cutting the grass regularly to choosing flowers and plants with enthusiasm, it can be exciting to see your yard transform as a result of your hard work. Have you noticed that, as time goes by, your yard just doesn’t look at good as it did when you first put in all that effort? Has your enthusiasm for landscaping waned? Don’t fret. This happens to us all. It is easy to lose sight of your original focus and to start making mistakes when it comes to decorating and up keeping your yard.
Here are some of the biggest landscaping mistakes you should avoid to keep your yard looking beautiful and your enthusiasm for your landscaping in tact:
Excessive Lawn Ornamentation
It is easy to get carried away when adding lawn ornaments to your yard. You’re out shopping or on vacation and you see something you just have to have. We get it. However, lawn ornaments can quickly become a distraction from the natural beauty of your yard. When choosing lawn ornaments, first ask yourself why you are putting it there and if it fits into the context of your overall design. Whimsical is ok! Just limit yourself to one or two rather than 10.
Cutting the Grass Too Short
It’s hot in South Texas and you cut your grass short in an attempt to reduce how often you have to go out and endure the sun. We understand. It is actually a pretty common myth that cutting your grass shorter reduces how often you have to mow. In fact, cutting your grass too short can severely damage your overall lawn. Bare patches invite insects and disease. The key is to cut your grass at a length that is appropriate for the season. For example, during the summer, your lawn needs more shade so you should let it get a little longer before cutting it. During the winter months, your lawn needs more sunlight so cutting it shorter allows the rays to reach the soil.
Forgetting the View From Your Window
You pull into your driveway after a long day at work and the sight of your landscaped yard from the street puts a smile on your face. What about your view from the kitchen window when you’re drinking your coffee in the morning? Chances are that view is less than thrilling. Forgetting to take into consideration the view from inside the house is a common oversight. Before planting, place your containers where you think you want them and then go inside to see how it looks. The view from your window should be framed with beautiful trees and foliage.
Picking the Wrong Plants
It is easy to fill up your basket with pretty flowers and plants when making a trip to your local home improvement store, but make sure you take the time to look at the instructions that come with each plant. It is important to know what kind of soil you have and where you have filtered and direct sunlight. Get a landscaping book written especially about South Texas or do some online research into your specific zone for more information on what plants are appropriate for your particular yard.
Using the Wrong Tools
Always choose the right tool for the job. This bit of wisdom rings especially true when it comes to landscaping. Using the correct tool ensures your safety, maximizes your time, and is ultimately more efficient. The size of the tool should fit the size of the job. Some basics you should keep in your tool shed are safety goggles, gloves, a solid shovel and a good rake. Keep them clean and organized.
Not Taking Your Lifestyle Into Account
It is easy to get carried away with a theme when designing your yard. A lot of people forget to take into consideration how they are actually going to be using their yard. That rock garden is beautiful, but it is an accident waiting to happen if you have small children. Take a moment to make a list of ways you want to use your yard, making sure to take into consideration every member of the household and their needs.
Impulse Buying
We are all guilty of impulse buying! That is why stores have so many items on display in the checkout line! While this usually isn’t a big deal, impulse buying can turn into an expensive habit when it comes to plants and landscaping materials. Always have a plan and make a list before going shopping for landscaping items. It might be difficult to return plants that didn’t work out than it is a pack of gum you impulsively grabbed at the grocery store.
Neglecting Curb Appeal
It is easy to put all of your energy and money into creating an incredible backyard. That is where you and your family spend the most time! However, it is important to remember the power of curb appeal. The front of your house is where first impressions are made. Two things you can do to guarantee you make a great first impression with your front yard are to keep the grass trimmed and green, and plant colorful flowers.
Underestimating the Cost
This is a painful lesson to learn the hard way. People often underestimate the cost of plants and the items they will need to keep them healthy and beautiful. “The typical cost of landscaping a yard ranges from approximately $1,362 to $5,640 with a national average of $3,415.” Labor makes up about 80% of the total cost for landscaping a yard, something a lot of people do not consider when planning their budget. When planning a landscaping project, make sure you have enough budget to complete it. You definitely want to do the job one time, and do it right.
Overlooking Maintenance
Perhaps the most important part of any landscaping project is maintenance. Unlike other home improvement projects, landscaping takes constant maintenance to keep it looking its best. If you don’t make time for it, your yard can quickly get out of hand. Make up a maintenance schedule and abide by it. Garden beds need to be weeded at least once or twice a month, minimum.
Investing in landscaping your yard can be a rewarding pursuit. A beautiful yard ensures that you enjoy time outdoors with your family and friends. Before you start your landscaping project, give Gulf Coast Landscaping a call at (361) 582-6570. We are dedicated to bringing joy to our clients by transforming their grounds and bringing their landscaping dreams to reality.
Gulf Coast Landscaping can also help with your maintenance needs. Spraying, weeding, fertilizing, mowing, we do it all! Call today for a free estimate and take one task off your to-do list.
It may seem a little too early (and HOT) to be thinking about winterizing your lawn and garden, but fall in South Texas is right around the corner and those cold fronts will be here before you know it.
Read some helpful tips to winterize your South Texas lawn and garden.
Perennial plants are those which endure or persist from the same root part year to year, meaning they regrow every spring. In contrast, annual plants
Have you noticed that, as time goes by, your yard just doesn’t look at good as it did when you first put in all that effort? Has your enthusiasm for landscaping waned? Don’t fret. This happens to us all. It is easy to lose sight of your original focus and to start making mistakes when it comes to decorating and up keeping your yard.
Read on for some of the biggest landscaping mistakes you should avoid.
