Creating an attractive landscape can really add something to the overall look of your home; it can also be an enjoyable activity allowing you to express creativity, and experience a sense of satisfaction and pride. There can be a big learning curve for the newbie, and mistakes are to be expected; as you learn more, and develop a clearer vision for the grounds, you will probably tweak things along the way to be more in line with it. But, this doesn’t mean you can’t bone up a bit on some landscaping basics, particularly common mistakes made.
Over-Planting
Creating a beautiful landscape is something that is done over time—resist the urge to plant a lot of things at once close together to create a ‘complete’ look right from the outset. As these plants grow, the area will become crowded, requiring severe pruning or complete removal to make space. Also, being in such close proximity can compromise their health, as the plants will be competing for water and nutrients; plant diseases can also spread more quickly. When deciding on plants, know what size they reach at full maturity, and take this into consideration.
Feeling like You Need a Lawn
This isn’t so much a mistake as a common misconception that can box you in unnecessarily when plotting your landscape design. Because it is a common outdoor feature, there is this idea that it is a required one. But, as far as the history of landscaping goes, lawns are a relatively new addition. If it doesn’t personally vibe with you, and you feel the urge to do something else with the space, go for it.
Not Applying the Right Amount of Fertilizer or Applying at the Wrong Time
When it comes to fertilizer, it is easy to think that there is no such thing as too much—after all, it provides plants with a slew of good stuff needed to grow big and healthy. But, it can actually do a lot of harm to the plants (and your wallet). Excessive amounts of nutrients can serve as a source of water pollution; you can even burn the plants. Not using fertilizer at the correct time can cause issues with disease and weeds. Your best bet is getting your soil tested by the cooperative extension of your local university or other testing center for guidance on the proper use of fertilizer.
Not Knowing Your Area Well Enough
When it comes to optimal landscaping, it is a good idea to be familiar with your region as far as the types of plants that thrive best, average rainfall, etc… You want your plant life to thrive, and this can only happen if you are choosing ones that are best suited for this area. The type of landscape supplies you need for somewhere like Colorado Springs will often be different than somewhere like Phoenix or Atlanta.
Haphazard Use of Color
When you first start designing your landscape, it is tempting to brighten up every corner with dramatic color, but this can create a bit of a disjointed look; it is a good tool to let viewers know where to put their focus, and if it is scattered everywhere, that can be a bit confusing. Be conservative with these bold colors and only use them to accent areas that you want to which you want to call particular attention.