All-Too-Common Landscaping Mistakes

from September 2003 issue of Texas Co-op Power online magazine, by G. Owen Yost

Gardeners know that a great garden is an ongoing process, not something achieved instantly. Along the way, we're bound to make a few mistakes, but we can learn from each other. Here are a few mistakes I try not to make.

Plants that grow out of control: The entry to a nearby home is all but obliterated by two gigantic evergreens on either side of the front porch. Maybe they started out as cute, little Christmas trees and the homeowners didn't anticipate how much they would grow! If you're planting trees and shrubs near your house or driveway, be sure to allow for their mature size. By all means, avoid putting plants that can grow more than 6 to 8 feet tall in front of windows. And beware of aggressive bamboo.

More is not always better: Enthusiastic gardeners want one of everything. But if you have too much, a garden becomes a mish-mash. A dozen of one kind of plant in a large mass has more visual impact than a dozen different plants scattered throughout your cultivated area. Repeat some of the same colors and plants.

Expecting a plant to fix a non-plant problem: A few years ago, I had a client who believed that a clump of willow trees would eliminate his drainage problem. Just sop it up. Not so. If you have a drainage problem, fix the drainage by addressing it directly, then choose the plants.

Watering too much: Some people are surprised to learn that many more plants die from drowning than from thirst. We usually don't need to water outdoor plants regularly. Water a plant only when it shows signs that it needs water. You'll learn to read a plant's signals. For example, the leaves of many plants droop when they need water.

Shallow watering: Rather than giving plants daily sips of water, soak the soil thoroughly and deeply when appropriate.

Wrong plant in the wrong place: The previous owner of our home loved hybrid roses and planted them under several big oak trees where it's shady and damp. Most of the poor roses died, and the remaining ones are sickly and don't bloom. Study the light, soil and water conditions of your future garden before you plant. Choose plants that will thrive in low light, hot sun, or whatever other challenge your property presents.

Paying too much attention to your plant: Most of us (myself included) tend to hover over our plants, expecting instant gratification for something we've done, like fertilizing or pruning. Constant attention and continuous alteration of growing conditions prevents the plant from resting and getting accustomed to its environment. Benign neglect is often advisable.

Planting too deeply: A tree needs to have a "basal flare"-a widening of the trunk near the ground. If your tree looks more like a telephone pole, it's planted too deeply. Plant all trees and shrubs at the same level as they grew in nature or at the nursery. Never dig a planting hole deeper than the root ball-the roots should sit on undisturbed dirt so they won't settle below their normal depth over time.

Neglecting mature trees: A large, mature tree "makes" a landscape, especially in Texas, where shade is at a premium. Such a tree needs a little human care in a world of pollution, soil compaction, house remodeling, etc. At the very least, the tree's soil needs aeration every few years.

Trying to grow plants in poor subsoil: Builders and developers sometimes scrape away the topsoil, leaving only inorganic subsoil, which has no plant nutrients. Mix in composted organic matter (shredded tree trimmings, old shredded leaves, etc.) if your soil is poor. Natural material is better than chemical fertilizers.

Topping trees: Many homeowners get sold on the erroneous notion that whacking off the tops of trees spurs growth and prevents roof damage. The truth is, removing all or part of a treetop encourages rapid decay and decline. It also weakens the branches, making them susceptible to disease and breakage. If you absolutely have to reduce the height of a tree-maybe due to nearby power lines-consider removing it entirely and planting a smaller one.

"Cleaning up" plant debris: A moderate amount of plant debris (dead grass, leaves, twigs, etc.) should be left on the ground, instead of raking it all away. Organic matter cools the ground, discourages weed growth and conserves water. After decomposition, it becomes good soil.

Ignoring the basics: If drainage needs improvement, a retaining wall should be built or a water line laid. Handle basic projects before you do anything else. First things first.

Owen Yost is an area landscape architect specializing in designing low-maintenance landscapes while incorporating native plants with hardscape. He is a member of the American Society of Landscape Architects, Keep Denton Beautiful and the Native Plant Society of Texas. His Denton office is at 4516 Coyote Point; call 940-382-2099 or 940-383-9655 or e-mail him at Yost87@charter.net