10 DIY Landscaping Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

Designing and maintaining a beautiful landscape can be incredibly rewarding—but without careful planning and execution, even the best intentions can lead to costly mistakes. Whether you're starting from scratch or improving an existing garden, avoiding these common landscaping errors will save you time, money, and stress.

Here are 10 landscaping mistakes homeowners often make—and how to avoid them.

1. Ignoring Local Climate and Conditions

Choosing plants or materials without considering your region’s weather, rainfall, and soil type can lead to poor growth or plant failure.
Avoid it by: Researching what grows well in your specific area.

2. Poor Soil Preparation

Good soil is the foundation of every successful landscape. Skipping soil testing or adding the wrong amendments can stunt plant growth.
Avoid it by: Testing your soil’s pH and structure before planting. Improve it with compost or gypsum as needed.

3. Overplanting or Underplanting

Crowding plants can lead to competition for nutrients and poor airflow, while underplanting creates bare patches and a disjointed look.
Avoid it by: Understanding plant spacing at maturity. Follow guidelines on plant tags and consider how full you want the garden to look in 6–12 months.

4. Planting Without a Plan

Jumping into planting without a landscape plan can lead to mismatched aesthetics, drainage issues, or future regrets.
Avoid it by: Sketching out your garden design or working with a landscape professional. Think about traffic flow and how the garden will evolve.

5. Neglecting Drainage

Poor drainage can lead to erosion, waterlogged lawns, or structural damage.
Avoid it by: Incorporating drainage solutions like ag pipes, gravel trenches, or swales. Always slope garden beds slightly away from buildings.

6. Using Too Much Lawn

Lawns can be water-hungry and high-maintenance—especially during hot summers.
Avoid it by: Reducing lawn area in favour of ground covers, garden beds, or hardscaping.

7. Overwatering or Poor Irrigation Design

Watering too frequently or unevenly wastes resources and can harm plants.
Avoid it by: Installing a drip irrigation system or smart sprinkler controller. Always water early in the morning and follow local water restrictions.

8. Choosing Invasive Species

Some popular plants can become invasive and harmful to the local environment.
Avoid it by: Researching plant choices before buying. Look for native or non-invasive plants that are better adapted and support local wildlife.

9. Neglecting Maintenance Needs

A garden that looks good today may become overgrown, weedy, or tired if not maintained regularly.
Avoid it by: Designing with your time and lifestyle in mind. Opt for low-maintenance plants and set a monthly task calendar.

10. Forgetting About Sun and Shade Patterns

Placing a plant in full sun when it needs shade (or vice versa) is one of the most common landscaping mistakes.
Avoid it by: Observing your garden throughout the day and across seasons. Use sun-loving plants in full sun and shade-tolerant plants in cooler spots.

Final thoughts… A thoughtful, well-planned landscape enhances your lifestyle and property value. By avoiding these common mistakes, you'll create a garden that thrives in your local conditions and brings you enjoyment year-round.