Creating a beautiful landscape is one of the best ways to improve your home's curb appeal and increase its value. But even with the best intentions, many homeowners make common landscaping mistakes that can lead to unnecessary maintenance, poor plant health, drainage issues, and wasted money.
The good news? Most of these mistakes are easy to avoid with a little planning and the right landscaping materials.
Here are the 10 most common landscaping mistakes homeowners make—and how you can avoid them.
1. Choosing the Wrong Mulch
Not all mulch is created equal. Using low-quality mulch or applying the wrong type can lead to faster fading, weed growth, and poor moisture retention.
Avoid It By:
- Choosing premium hardwood mulch or colored mulch for long-lasting appearance
- Applying mulch 2–3 inches deep
- Refreshing mulch annually instead of piling on new layers every year
Pro Tip: Bulk mulch is often more cost-effective than buying dozens of bags, especially for larger landscaping projects.
2. Using Too Much Decorative Stone
Decorative stone is beautiful and low maintenance, but covering every landscape bed with stone isn't always the best solution.
Too much stone can:
- Absorb excessive heat during summer
- Make future landscape changes difficult
- Increase soil temperatures around sensitive plants
Avoid It By:
Use decorative stone where it provides the greatest benefit, such as:
- Foundation beds
- Walkways
- Drainage areas
- Around hardscapes
Mixing mulch and decorative stone often creates a more balanced, attractive landscape.
3. Ignoring Drainage Problems
Poor drainage is one of the most expensive landscaping mistakes homeowners can make.
Standing water can damage:
- Lawns
- Plant roots
- Foundations
- Walkways
Avoid It By:
Install the proper aggregate, gravel, or drainage stone beneath problem areas and ensure water flows away from your home's foundation.
Address drainage issues before adding decorative landscaping.
4. Planting Too Close Together
New plants often look small at the garden center, but they'll continue growing for years.
Crowded plants can lead to:
- Poor air circulation
- Increased disease
- Constant pruning
- Overgrown landscaping
Avoid It By:
Always plant based on the mature size—not the size of the plant when you buy it.
A little extra space today creates a healthier landscape tomorrow.
5. Choosing Materials That Don't Match Your Home
Landscaping should complement your home's architecture—not compete with it.
For example:
- Modern homes pair well with gray, black, and white decorative stone.
- Traditional homes often look best with natural river rock or earth-tone stone.
- Rustic homes typically benefit from larger natural stone and warm colors.
Choosing materials that match your home's style creates a cohesive appearance and boosts curb appeal.
6. Forgetting Landscape Edging
Without edging, mulch and decorative stone gradually spread into the lawn, creating messy borders.
Avoid It By:
Install quality edging around:
- Landscape beds
- Trees
- Walkways
- Decorative stone areas
Edging creates clean lines and dramatically reduces maintenance.
7. Buying Too Little Material
Few things are more frustrating than running out of mulch or decorative stone halfway through a project.
Avoid It By:
Measure your project carefully before ordering.
Many landscape suppliers can help estimate:
- Mulch
- Decorative stone
- Topsoil
- Gravel
- Aggregate
Ordering the correct amount saves time, money, and additional delivery charges.
8. Forgetting About Seasonal Maintenance
Landscaping isn't just a spring project.
Throughout Wisconsin's changing seasons, your yard benefits from:
- Spring mulch refreshes
- Summer weed control
- Fall cleanup
- Winter ice management
Planning for year-round maintenance helps your landscaping stay healthy and attractive in every season.
9. Choosing Looks Over Function
Beautiful landscaping should also be practical.
For example:
- Decorative stone can improve drainage.
- Gravel provides stable walking surfaces.
- Mulch conserves moisture.
- Topsoil supports healthy plant growth.
The best landscapes combine beauty with long-term performance.
10. Trying to Do Everything at Once
It's tempting to completely transform your yard in a single weekend, but large landscaping projects are often easier—and more successful—when completed in stages.
Avoid It By:
Break your project into manageable phases:
- Correct grading and drainage.
- Add topsoil if needed.
- Install edging.
- Lay mulch or decorative stone.
- Plant shrubs and flowers.
- Finish with decorative accents.
You'll enjoy better results while spreading out both the work and the cost.
Bonus Tip: Buy Materials from a Local Landscape Supply Company
Big-box stores often offer limited product selections and small quantities that aren't ideal for larger projects.
A local landscape supply company can provide:
- Bulk mulch
- Decorative stone
- Topsoil
- Gravel
- Sand
- Aggregate
- Expert recommendations
- Convenient delivery
Working with local experts helps ensure you choose the right materials for Wisconsin's climate and your specific project.
Build a Landscape You'll Enjoy for Years
Avoiding these common mistakes can save you time, money, and frustration while creating an outdoor space that looks beautiful season after season.
Whether you're refreshing your landscape beds, improving drainage, installing decorative stone, or starting a brand-new project, using quality materials and proper planning makes all the difference.
At Green Hills Supply, we're proud to help homeowners and contractors throughout southeastern Wisconsin find the right landscaping materials for projects of every size. From premium mulch and decorative stone to topsoil, gravel, and aggregate, our knowledgeable team is here to help you complete your next landscaping project with confidence.
Stop by Green Hills Supply or contact us today to explore our selection of bulk landscape materials and get expert advice for your next outdoor project.
