Avoid These Common Mistakes When Landscaping a New Build

Photo by Jakub Żerdzicki on Unsplash

Landscaping a new build is an exciting part of the homeownership process. It gives you the chance to put your personal touch on the property and transform a bare lot into a beautiful, functional outdoor space. However, there are several common mistakes that homeowners often make when landscaping their new homes. These mistakes can lead to poor drainage, uneven grading, and a lack of harmony between plants and features. By avoiding these mistakes, you can ensure that your landscape not only looks good but also thrives for years to come.

1. Neglecting Proper Grading

One of the most critical steps in landscaping a new build is ensuring proper grading. Grading refers to the way the soil is shaped around your home and property. Proper grading helps to direct water away from the foundation of the house, preventing issues like flooding, soil erosion, and foundation damage.

Unfortunately, many homeowners overlook grading when landscaping, especially in the excitement of planting and designing. If the yard slopes toward the home instead of away from it, water can pool around the foundation, leading to potential damage over time. This can be costly to fix, as it may require regrading the entire yard or installing drainage systems.

To avoid this mistake, make sure that the ground around your home slopes downward, at least 1-2 inches for every 10 feet away from the foundation. This will ensure that water flows away from the house and into areas where it can be absorbed safely.

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2. Ignoring Drainage Issues

Proper drainage is just as important as grading when it comes to landscaping. Even if your yard is graded correctly, water can still accumulate in certain areas if the drainage system is inadequate. Poor drainage can lead to stagnant water, which can harm plants, create unsightly puddles, and attract mosquitoes.

When landscaping a new build, it’s essential to assess your property’s drainage needs and take steps to address them. For example, if you notice low spots where water tends to collect, consider installing French drains or surface drains to redirect water away from these areas. Additionally, downspouts should be directed away from your home to prevent water from pooling around the foundation.

If you’re unsure about how to properly address drainage issues, it might be wise to consult with professionals like local lawn care companies, who can help design and implement an effective drainage system for your landscape.

3. Haphazard Plant Placement

Plant placement is often a major consideration when landscaping a new build, but it’s important to avoid making the mistake of planting without a plan. Haphazard plant placement can lead to a lack of cohesion in the landscape, with plants competing for space, sunlight, and nutrients.

One common error is planting too close to the house or other structures. Plants that are placed too near foundations, walls, or walkways can cause problems as they grow. For instance, tree roots can damage foundations, and shrubs can obstruct pathways. Additionally, placing plants too close together can result in overcrowding, which reduces airflow and sunlight exposure, ultimately hindering plant growth.

Before planting, take the time to plan out where each plant will go based on its growth habits, sunlight needs, and spacing requirements. Consider the mature size of each plant to ensure that they have room to grow without crowding each other or structures. It’s also important to select plants that thrive in the specific climate and soil conditions of your area.

4. Choosing the Wrong Plants

Choosing the wrong plants for your landscape can lead to frustration and wasted time and money. While it may be tempting to pick plants based on aesthetics alone, it’s important to consider the specific growing conditions that each plant needs to thrive. For example, some plants require full sun, while others prefer shaded areas. Some are drought-tolerant, while others need consistent moisture.

Planting species that are not suited to your climate or soil type can result in poor growth, disease, or even plant death. This can be especially problematic in new construction homes where the soil may be compacted or not yet fertile enough to support certain plant species.

To avoid this mistake, do some research on the types of plants that are native or well-suited to your region. Native plants tend to perform better and require less maintenance, making them an ideal choice for new landscapes. Consult with local nurseries or landscaping professionals to ensure that you’re selecting the right plants for your environment.

5. Overlooking Soil Health

Soil health is a foundational element of a successful landscape. Without proper soil preparation, plants may struggle to establish roots and grow. New construction sites often have soil that is compacted or lacking in essential nutrients, which can hinder plant development.

Before planting, take the time to assess your soil’s quality. You may need to amend the soil with organic matter, such as compost, to improve its structure and nutrient content. Aerating the soil can also help to relieve compaction, allowing plant roots to penetrate deeper and access water and nutrients more easily.

If you’re planting a lawn, consider whether it’s best to start with seed or sod. Both options have their benefits, but if you want a quick and lush lawn, sod may be the best choice. If you opt for seed, make sure to choose a grass variety that is suited to your region and climate.

Lawn care is another essential element of your landscape’s success. Once your grass is established, be sure to maintain it properly by mowing regularly, watering deeply, and fertilizing as needed. Over time, a healthy lawn will help to stabilize soil, reduce erosion, and add beauty to your landscape.

6. Underestimating the Importance of Irrigation

Watering is a vital component of landscaping, and new builds often lack an established irrigation system. Without proper irrigation, your plants may not receive the consistent water they need to grow, leading to dry patches, wilting plants, and an overall unhealthy landscape.

Installing an irrigation system is one of the best ways to ensure your plants get the water they need, especially during dry spells. Drip irrigation systems are efficient and provide water directly to the roots of your plants, while sprinklers can cover larger areas like lawns. Make sure to set up your irrigation system in zones to cater to the different water requirements of various plants.

Additionally, consider using timers and moisture sensors to optimize water usage and avoid overwatering, which can harm plants and lead to wasted water.

7. Neglecting Long-Term Maintenance Needs

Landscaping a new build isn’t just about creating a beautiful space; it’s also about planning for long-term maintenance. Many homeowners focus on the initial planting and design but fail to consider how the landscape will change over time.

As your plants grow, they may need to be pruned, thinned, or divided to maintain a healthy and balanced appearance. Mulch will need to be replenished to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Irrigation systems may need occasional maintenance to ensure they’re working properly.

By planning for long-term care and setting a maintenance schedule, you can keep your landscape looking its best for years to come.

Conclusion

Landscaping a new build is an exciting endeavor, but it requires careful planning and attention to detail. By avoiding common mistakes like neglecting grading and drainage, haphazard plant placement, and poor soil health, you can create a landscape that not only looks beautiful but also thrives. Remember to plan for long-term maintenance and consider consulting with professionals, such as local lawn care companies, to ensure your lawn and plants are established and cared for properly. With the right approach, your new build’s landscape will be a source of pride and enjoyment for years to come.