Plants come in all sizes, from tiny sweet alyssum to towering red maples and everything in between. Most homeowners immediately begin planting without considering their space, soil type and drainage. All plants need proper placement to flourish and keep a property looking lovely, but not every plant will survive in every yard. Landscaping experts are sharing their favorite tips on how improper plant placement can result in landscape failure.

Before Digging In, Have a Thoughtful Plan

Landscape professionals have much training in their field and understand that every property has unique conditions. Before they design a stunning landscape, they assess the sun exposure patterns in a yard, the soil pH, the water flow patterns, the plants a customer is requesting, the budget and the maintenance involved. Poor planning often leads to lawns, trees, flowers and shrubbery struggling to grow and look their best.

Ignoring Plant Sizes and Growing Requirements

Many homeowners admire magazine photos of gorgeous landscapes and want to achieve a similar aesthetic. However, they purchase the plants without understanding that those particular plants won’t thrive in their climate zone. Other homeowners ignore a plant’s mature size requirements and plant it into the soil anyway. The small plants tend to outgrow their intended spaces, and now there’s a problem.

Maybe you have seen yards with shrubs that are too large for their locations. These plants end up blocking the home’s windows. The owner tries pruning their overgrown plants into unusual shapes, but this only destroys their natural beauty and health.

The same goes for poorly placed trees. At the moment, your tree may look elegantly petite in your front yard, but a few years later, it’s blocking views or interfering with nearby power lines. It’s essential to consider a tree’s mature size and function before you plant it.

Trying to Grow Garden Beds That Are Too Small

Here’s another planting mistake some homeowners make: The garden beds they design are too shallow. In other words, plants need ample space to spread and layer. Expert landscapers remind planters that you will need more space than you think. Instead of making garden beds too shallow or narrow, allow at least six to eight feet of width so that plants have adequate room to grow and layer properly.

Improper Sod Placement Is Ruining the Lawn

Many homeowners dream of a lush, green lawn and purchase sod for an instant transformation. However, proper installation is key, and if there are gaps between sod pieces, water retention will suffer, leading to uneven growth and poor root establishment.

To ensure successful outcomes, work with a professional. If you live in Warner Robins, GA, reach out today to Safe Site Services for outstanding landscape installation services.