Top 7 Landscaping Mistakes

Don't let landscaping overwhelm your house. Choosing varieties of trees and shrubs that are bred to grow to a particular size means you won't have to spend your time pruning — or fighting your way out the front door.

Don't start landscaping without a plan even if you intend to do the work in stages. A plant-by-plant detailed rendering isn't necessary, but do know where your hardscaping needs to go, allow room for access by delivery or work vehicles, and, where there's going to be heavy traffic. Put plants in last.

Don't plant too much of the same thing. When these trees stop flowering, what will the landscape offer?

Don't let a big lawn suck your resources. A nice stand of lush grass is a time, water and nutrient glutton. Reduce the size of your lawn with landscape beds that feature attractive, low-maintenance perennials, shrubs and trees.