With summer on the horizon, many take these last few weeks of spring to transform their landscaping. And by avoiding the most common landscaping mistakes, the grass won’t be greener on the other side—you’ll have the best yard around town. Continue reading to learn more about keeping your landscape looking its best all summer long.
Planting in the Wrong Spot
Remember to not only focus on a plant’s appearance when creating your landscape. Some plants, such as Peonies, thrive in almost total sunlight, while others, such as Hostas, are adaptable and prefer the shade. That’s why it’s important to consider the care instructions—each plant comes with a unique set of requirements.
Overwatering
Overwatering is one of the most common landscaping mistakes. And if it continues for too long, it will inevitably kill your plant life. Common signs of overwatering are yellowing of the plant and rotting. Keep your plants healthy by sticking your finger into the soil—about one inch away from the base of the plant—to check the moisture level. If the soil is dry, it’s time to water.
Cutting the Grass too Low
Did you know that cutting your lawn too short won’t end up saving you time, but will only add to your landscaping troubles? Cutting your lawn too short could lead to bare patches, which is an invitation for insects and disease. You can avoid this by cutting your lawn at different lengths. Leave it longer in the summer to ensure the water doesn’t evaporate quickly, and cut it a little shorter in the spring or fall to ensure sunlight reaches the soil.
Fertilizing at the Wrong Time
Another common mistake is missing the window to fertilize your grass. You should never plan to to do so during the hot, sunny months. Instead, fertilize once in the spring and once in the fall. After fertilizing, follow with a good watering.
Forgetting Exterior Lighting
Keep in mind the importance of envisioning your landscaping in both the day and night. Allow you and your guests to enjoy your yard at any hour with exterior lighting. And adding exterior lights doesn’t have to be expensive or rack up your energy bill. Opt for a solar option that uses the sun to charge during the day to ensure your landscaping is illuminated at night.
Whether you’ve just had a total landscape remodel or are looking to improve your landscaping’s health, these five tips will bring your foliage to life. Contact us today to schedule an estimate or learn more about our landscaping services.