Landscape design is the key foundation of any landscaping project. The main construction processes are based on the design, but additional changes are common during the actual construction. Sometimes, it may seem futile to come up with a landscape design when the end result does not follow it exactly. Despite that, a landscape design is still important for establishing a basic structure for what you are working with, especially if multiple parties are involved in the construction process.
Some of the inadvertent shortcomings in a landscape design are design mistakes. Nobody wants a flawed design to materialise in their yard, but how can one identify a design mistake in the first place? The tricky thing is that landscape design mistakes can be highly subjective. For instance, it is generally advised not to overdo landscaping, but people’s perceptions of “overdoing” often vary. What your landscape designer may view as a decent, serene garden may look far too posh and lavish to you, or vice versa. In the end, the client may not get what they had originally envisioned.
As such, whether you are doing the landscape design yourself or working with a professional landscaping services, here are the most common landscape design mistakes to be aware of – and avoid. It is important to work closely with your landscape designer and ensure that you are both on the same wavelength regarding what constitutes landscaping design flaws. For the best experience and outcome, talk through these aspects with your landscape designer to avoid any miscommunications.
Not Setting a Budget
Before even starting on any design plan, it is important to set a limit on how much you are willing to spend. The last thing you would want is to be halfway through the construction before realising that you have miscalculated some of the costs and cannot afford to finish the project! Researching the prices of every installation is key to setting a reasonable budget. If your budget is lower than the expected costs of your project, try to divide it into phases so that you can start on half or a third of the project first, before finishing the rest later once you have more capital.
Forgetting the Uses of Your Landscape
How would your dream garden look like? Do you plan to have it filled with plants, or will there be some open space for chairs or a playground? Sometimes, it is all too easy to lose yourself in the different decoration possibilities and belatedly realise that the fixture you really wanted ended up taking too much space. List down everything you plan to use your yard for, and the different features you would want your design to have. Remember that in landscaping design, less is often more. You would not want to fit too much into your garden and end up overcrowding it. Liaise with your landscaping designer to see if the plan is feasible and reasonably within your budget. If not, it may be time to eliminate some of the features you do not absolutely need.
Including Unnecessary Features
Many people may rave about having that ornamental fish pond in a garden, but if keeping a fish pond is not really your thing, you may want to reconsider adding it in to your design plan. Some people feel obliged to add common features to their garden just because they are frequently sighted in conventional gardens. However, to save on space, budget and maintenance work, perhaps you could reconsider the features that are just nice-to-haves, but not must-haves. In the end, your yard is your home and the most important thing is that it fits your style and needs.
Not Accounting for the Site’s Unique Landscape
Not all yards are created equal. Some cover especially rocky terrain, while others lie on a flat patch of ground. Your house may be situated on low ground and prone to flooding, or it may be naturally shaded and unable to receive maximum sunlight. Each property is unique, so it is important that one properly surveys the area they are working with before coming up with a plan. If you have a landscape designer, be sure to visit the site with them and take note of any unique aspects of your yard. There may be some beautiful views beyond the walls of your home, but incorporating a tall hedge would effectively block them out. Or the reverse may be the case – is there a less-attractive view from your yard that you would like to limit? Growing some tall, leafy plants around there may be one solution. Additionally, consider what your garden is going to look like from inside your house. It may be pretty when actually standing in it, but you may be faced with an unappealing view of your garden when looking out from a window in your house.
Ready to start your landscape design but not sure where or how to begin? We are here to help. Our expert landscaping services ensure that you get exactly the results you’re after, without the additional effort of having to work out the entire landscaping process yourself. Whether you already know what you want or are looking for some suggestions, our experts are happy to answer your questions and provide tips. We work closely with our clients and are proud to report 100% customer satisfaction. Get in touch with our team today and realise your landscaping dream!