Sometimes the best teacher is a failure. There’s a lot to be learned from a mistake, but we don’t always want to make them. Like most things, landscaping takes a little trial and error to “get it right.” We’d know — we’ve been doing it for more than 20 years! Fortunately, we’re doing a great job of getting it right the first time, but that wasn’t always the case, and it isn’t the case for some of our clients either. If you’re looking to start a yard project in Greeley, take a minute to learn from the hard-earned lessons of others and avoid these common landscaping mistakes.
Don’t Get Stuck in the Backyard
We all love the seclusion and privacy that the backyard has to offer. A landscaping project is an incredible way to make this space even more inviting and luxurious. But because it commands so much of our thoughts, it’s easy to forget about the front yard. In many cases, the front yard is smaller than the back, or just doesn’t have as much greenery, to begin with. However, that doesn’t mean it should be neglected. The front yard is a chance to extend the design ideas of your backyard, wrapping your entire home in lush vegetation and landscaping elements. Plus, a well-landscaped front yard makes your home more welcoming to guests, and more appealing to potential home buyers!
Don’t Forget to Think Ahead
Many of us love our yards because they help us find our center and encourage us to be live in the moment. There’s a lot to be said for staying present, but you can bet that your landscaping isn’t doing the same. In fact, it’s growing and growing! So as you design your landscaping, think about how your plants, trees, flowers, and shrubs might grow. As an example, think about planting some bushes in front of a window. When they first get planted, they might sit well below the window. But in a few years, they might grow to the point where they block the window, obstructing your view. Be cognizant of how plants grow and let those growth patterns dictate where you plant certain types of vegetation.
Don’t Stay Within the Lines
Humans naturally look for patterns. It’s why we find linear lines, blocks, and repeating sequences so appealing. But nature doesn’t always follow these rules. In fact, it often ignores them entirely. Rigid patterns and linear displays create harsh lines that distract your eye and your mind. In order to appear truly natural, it’s important that your landscaping lives outside of the box, in some cases literally. Rather than having right angles and sets of flower boxes in neat rows, use gentle curves, layers of vegetation, and mix things up. This deliberately unnatural approach helps your landscaping look distinctly natural.
Don’t Over Do It with the Knick Knacks
Yard ornaments and decorations are a great way to bring your unique sense of style and design into the outside world. But there’s such a thing as too much of a good thing. Rather than placing a dozen garden gnomes in your yard, maybe select your favorite two or three. Subtlety is the name of the game when it comes to yard ornaments, otherwise, you’ll distract from all of the natural features and highlights that you’ve planted. If you want to have a little fun with your decorations, try tucking them just out of sight so that guests and passersby catch little glimpses of them for a fun surprise!
Don’t Forget About All of Your Angles
We know we just told you to avoid linear patterns in your designs, but you do have to consider your angles — your viewing angles that is. It’s not uncommon for new landscapers to do all of their planning from their backdoor or back patio. While you might spend a fair amount of time enjoying your landscaped yard from these spaces, don’t forget to consider how your yard looks from your windows. Your windows literally frame the visual appearance of your backyard. As you plan your landscaping design, take some time to look at your outdoor spaces from your windows, and think about what you’d like to see through them.
Don’t Forget to Use a Yard Service
Of course, the most common mistake we see is homeowners who don’t maintain their yard and landscaping. We all want our yards to look natural, but untamed is a little much. Instead, make sure you’re working with a local yard service like us! Pribble Lawn and Landscaping have been serving Greeley for more than 20 years. We can help you with all of your yard care needs, from regular maintenance to landscaping design and installation and everything in between. Give us a call today and see how we can keep your yard looking its best!