Avoid These Landscaping Mistakes This Summer

Great DIY landscaping takes some practice, but getting it right is well worth the effort. Your landscaping has a major impact on how your home is perceived from the street. A well-maintained lawn, healthy shrubs, and blooming flowers can make a tremendous difference, especially when it comes time to sell your home.

Our real estate agents are busy doing yard work most weekends, so we thought it'd be a great opportunity to share some tips. Here is a quick list of common landscaping tips we often see homeowners make:

1. Selecting The Wrong Plants
   Just because a plant is beautiful doesn't mean it's a good fit for your yard. Consider what the plant needs — whether it's shade or long-term sun exposure, and make sure you'll be able to place it in an area of your yard where it will thrive. Before you buy, you'll also want to ensure the plant matches your home and the rest of your landscaping. Just check out the beautiful plants in the yards of these Nassau County homes for sale.
   
   
2. Too Much Lawn Decor
   Some homeowners rely too much on lawn decor and ornaments and less on the natural beauty of plants. If you're filling your lawn with gnomes, statues, and fountains, you may want to ease up a bit. Too much lawn decor can be distracting and even a bit tacky. Instead, make plants the focal point of your landscaping and only lightly supplement your lawn with any additional decor.
   
   
3. Applying Too Much Mulch
   When it comes to mulching, it's possible to overdo it. Mulch is supposed to help maintain soil temperature and lock in moisture around a plant's roots. Mulch is actually most effective when it's applied in a thin layer. If you're building a mound of mulch around the base of your trees, shrubs, and flowers, you actually run the risk of suffocating the roots.
   
   
4. Cutting Your Grass Too Short
   We often see homeowners cut their grass as short as possible in an attempt to mow the lawn less frequently. This can actually damage your lawn and dry out your grass quickly during the hot summer months. You actually want to leave your grass a bit longer in the summer, so it's able to create shade and prevent moisture from evaporating.
   
   
5. Planting Trees And Shrubs Too Close To The Home
   You usually want to leave a bit of space between your home and any trees or shrubs. Once trees and shrubs start to grow they can damage the roof or foundation. They can also make it much easier for pests and insects to find their way inside your home.
   
   
6. Forgetting About Maintenance
   Landscaping isn't a set-it and forget-it project — it requires daily upkeep. Watering your plants, pruning, and weeding are all essential for ensuring your plants and gardens grow big and bright. If you don't have the time to maintain your landscaping, you may want to consider hiring a professional.

By avoiding these mistakes and taking the time to perfect your landscaping, you can create a beautiful outdoor lawn for your family while also boosting your home value. Contact us today for more landscaping tips.