Even well intentioned landscape projects can go awry if common mistakes are not avoided. Franklin Franklin homeowners can save time and money by learning about pitfalls in design, plant selection and maintenance. This article highlights the top landscaping mistakes and how to prevent them.
One common mistake is planting shrubs or trees too close to the house or each other. Over time these plants outgrow their space and require pruning or removal. Always consider the mature size of plants and provide adequate spacing. Another error is choosing plants unsuited to the site’s sunlight, soil or moisture conditions. Research plant requirements before purchasing and group plants with similar needs together.
Improper mulching is another issue. Piling mulch against trunks and stems traps moisture and invites disease. Spread mulch two to three inches deep and keep it a few inches away from plant bases. Overusing decorative gravel or landscape fabric can also harm soil health by preventing organic matter from entering the soil. Finally, neglecting maintenance such as weeding, watering and pruning leads to overgrown and unhealthy landscapes. Create a maintenance plan and stick to it.
Mowing practices are a cornerstone of lawn care. Set your mower blades high and remove no more than one third of the grass blade at a time. Taller grass shades the soil surface and makes it harder for weed seeds to germinate. Sharp blades produce a clean cut that heals quickly. Mow when the grass is dry and vary the mowing direction to reduce soil compaction.
Water deeply and infrequently to encourage deep roots. Most lawns require about one inch of water per week from rainfall or irrigation. Watering early in the morning reduces evaporation and disease risk. On heavy clay soils, divide the weekly irrigation into two or more sessions to allow absorption. Avoid daily sprinkling because it leads to shallow roots and higher weed pressure.
Apply a slow release fertilizer only when grass is actively growing. Cool season grasses in Southwest Ohio begin active growth once soil temperatures reach about sixty degrees. For most homeowners this means waiting until mid to late May. A soil test reveals nutrient levels and pH, helping you adjust with lime or sulfur if needed. Over fertilizing encourages rapid top growth at the expense of roots and can lead to runoff.
Core aeration relieves compaction by removing small plugs of soil and thatch. The holes allow air, water and nutrients to penetrate more deeply and stimulate root growth. Aeration is most effective when the lawn is actively growing and the soil is moist. For cool season grasses this is usually early fall, but severely compacted lawns may benefit from spring aeration. Leave the cores on the surface to break down naturally.
Healthy turf naturally suppresses many weeds, but monitoring and prompt control are still necessary. Apply a pre emergent herbicide in early spring to prevent annual weeds like crabgrass from germinating. Hand pull or spot treat broadleaf weeds while they are small. If you notice invasive weeds, address them quickly to prevent seeding and spreading. Integrated weed management combines cultural practices, manual removal and selective herbicides when needed.
Avoiding these common mistakes ensures that your landscape thrives. Franklin homeowners who plan carefully, select appropriate plants, apply mulch correctly and commit to regular upkeep will enjoy beautiful and sustainable gardens.
Another common mistake is ignoring drainage. Ensure that landscape grading directs water away from structures and does not create standing water. Adding drains or grading incorrectly can lead to waterlogged soil and plant decline.
Lawn Impressions LLC is your trusted local lawn care expert serving Franklin and surrounding areas. Located at 3407 Pennyroyal Road, Franklin, Ohio 45005, we've been treating Ohio's unique clay soil and climate challenges for over a decade.
We proudly serve Warren County, Butler County, and Montgomery County including: Franklin, Lebanon, Dayton, Springboro, Centerville, Beavercreek, Middletown, Hamilton, West Chester, and Cincinnati.
Call Lawn Impressions LLC today at (937) 748-9431 for your FREE estimate!
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