5 Common Landscaping Mistakes Indiana Homeowners Make

When planning and executing your dream landscape, you’d never expect it to turn into a costly nightmare. Yet, countless Indiana homeowners have seen their outdoor investments fail because of preventable mistakes. At Blade Cutters Landscaping, we’ve spent years helping residents of Northwest Indiana transform problematic yards into stunning outdoor spaces. We recognize that an early awareness of landscaping mistakes can help you avoid poor outcomes from the start.

Five of the most common landscaping mistakes in Indiana include:

• Not having a cohesive landscape plan
• Ignoring soil and sun conditions
• Poor irrigation and drainage
• Planting too close to foundations
• Not considering maintenance needs

So how do these errors play out, and what should you do about them?

Initial Planning Problems

Not Having a Cohesive Plan

Many homeowners start planting and arranging their yards without a comprehensive design strategy. This somewhat scattered approach creates landscapes that feel disjointed and fail to maximize your property’s potential.

The solution: Develop a master plan before breaking ground. Consider your property’s layout, your family’s lifestyle, and how different areas will connect. Think about aspects that may not be immediately apparent, such as sight lines from windows, traffic flow through outdoor spaces, and seasonal changes.

A well-designed plan should also include designated areas for entertaining, relaxation, and practical needs like storage or utility access. Need help? Ask a professional, like our team at Blade Cutters, for assistance with a landscape design that will suit your space and your style.

Ignoring Soil and Sun Conditions

Indiana’s diverse soil conditions—from heavy clay to sandy loam—demand different approaches and different plants. Certain ornamental plants will struggle more in clay than in loam, for instance. Similarly, planting shade-loving hostas in full sun or placing sun-hungry roses in shadowy corners leads to struggling plants and wasted money.

The solution: Test your soil’s pH and drainage before selecting plants. Observe sun patterns throughout the day across different parts of your yard and through different seasons. Choose plants that thrive in your specific conditions rather than fighting against them.

It’s also important to consider native plants that can thrive in our environment. Indiana-specific plants like purple coneflower, black-eyed Susan, and redbud trees naturally adapt to our climate and soil conditions, requiring less maintenance and water as a result.

Addressing the Not-So-Little Details

Poor Irrigation and Drainage

Inadequate drainage can allow water to pool around plants and foundations, killing greenery and potentially damaging your home’s structure. Meanwhile, insufficient irrigation leads to stressed, dying landscapes, especially during Indiana’s hot summers.

The solution: Grade your landscape to direct water away from structures. Install proper drainage systems in low-lying areas, and consider irrigation systems for efficient water delivery directly to plant roots.

Planting Too Close to Foundations

That cute little shrub from the nursery could be one that grows into a foundation-threatening monster. Many homeowners underestimate the mature sizes of plants, creating costly problems years later.

The solution: Research mature sizes before planting. Leave at least 18 inches between your foundation and any plantings. For larger shrubs and trees, allow space equal to half their mature width, or at least 3 to 5 feet for shrubs and 10 or more for trees.

The Maintenance Mistake That Can Ruin Everything

Not Considering Maintenance Needs

Beautiful landscapes require ongoing care. Homeowners often choose high-maintenance plants without considering the time, effort, and cost required to keep them healthy.

The solution: Select plants that match your maintenance commitment. If you prefer low-maintenance landscapes, choose elements such as native perennials, ornamental grasses, and drought-tolerant shrubs.

As part of your initial plan, it may help to create a realistic maintenance schedule that includes seasonal tasks like pruning, fertilizing, and mulching.

Transform Your Landscape the Right Way

Avoiding these common mistakes helps you save money and create outdoor spaces that enhance your property value and lifestyle. Professional guidance can prevent costly errors and ensure your landscape investment pays dividends for years.

At Blade Cutters Landscaping, our comprehensive design and installation services address these challenges from the start. We understand Indiana’s unique growing conditions and create sustainable landscapes that thrive in our climate.

Looking for help to create the landscape you’ve always wanted? Contact Blade Cutters Landscaping today for a consultation. Our team will help you avoid these common pitfalls and design an outdoor space that enhances your home’s beauty and value.