If you’re aiming for a yard that makes a great impression, try to avoid these seven common landscaping mistakes.

1. Skipping the Planning Phase

Jumping into landscaping without a clear plan is like building a house without blueprints. While spontaneity works in some areas of life, landscaping really isn’t one of them. You need to consider things like soil quality, plant selection for your climate, and how everything will get water.

Without a plan, you might end up placing plants where they won’t survive or designing a layout that feels awkward and disorganized. Take the time to draw things out and make sure everything fits together before you start digging. A little extra planning can save you a lot of trouble down the road.

2. Ignoring the View from Indoors

It’s easy to focus only on how your yard looks from the street or driveway, but don’t forget that people will be looking at it from inside too. The view from your windows matters.

Before finalizing your layout, stand inside your home or building and look out. Does the landscape still look appealing from that perspective? Try to create a design that feels connected to the indoor space and adds beauty both inside and out.

3. Not Factoring in Maintenance

New landscaping can look amazing, but it won’t stay that way without regular upkeep. Grass, trees, flower beds, and other features all require attention over time.

Be honest about how much time and money you can spend maintaining the space. Choose plants and materials that match your maintenance comfort level. Going low-maintenance doesn’t mean giving up style—it means choosing smarter options that still look great.

4. Putting Plants Where They Don’t Belong

Every plant has a personality. Some stay small and tidy, while others spread out, climb, or grow tall. If you don’t think through where you’re planting things, you might end up with vines damaging your walls or trees growing into the wrong spaces.

Take time to research how large your plants will grow and how they behave over time. This helps you avoid future problems, especially around buildings, fences, or neighboring properties.

5. Overusing Landscape Fabric

Landscape fabric seems like an easy fix for weed control, but it often causes more problems than it solves. It can block water from reaching roots, and once the mulch on top blows away, the fabric becomes visible and unattractive.

It has its uses, but it’s not a cure-all. Consider alternatives like mulch or ground cover plants that control weeds while keeping your yard looking natural.

6. Forgetting That Plants Grow

A common mistake is designing a space based on how it looks when plants are first installed. Most plants start small but will grow significantly over time. If you plant too close together or too close to walkways or property lines, things can quickly get overgrown.

Think long-term. Check the mature size of your plants and give them room to grow. This will help your landscape age gracefully and stay functional.

7. Choosing Cheap or Low-Quality Materials

Plants and greenery get a lot of attention, but the quality of the materials you use matters just as much. That includes things like planters, pavers, edging, lighting, and garden structures.

Going for the cheapest option might save money upfront, but it often leads to quicker wear and tear. Investing in quality materials helps your landscape last longer and look better over time.

Great landscaping starts with good planning and smart choices. Avoiding these common mistakes will help you create an outdoor space that looks beautiful, functions well, and continues to impress for years to come.