- Always consider the size a tree or shrub will grow to at maturity and plant them where they will have room to grow. Don't plant trees under power lines.
- Don't over mulch trees. Mulch should not be forming a "volcano" around the base of the tree.
- Don't be an impulse buyer. Have a plan for your landscape.
- Draw up a plan of the landscape and research the plants you need based on the site conditions.
- Right plant - Right place. Read the labels that come with your plant for correct planting information.
- Do not put mound or berms in your landscape.
- Avoid excess lawn ornaments. You want people to see your plants not excessive distracting "stuff". Nice traditional garden benches, fountains, birdhouses and birdbaths placed in select spots work the best. LESS is more!
- Design your landscape around the window views from inside your house.
- Remove the tags from your plants. Strings can damage limbs as they grow. It is not necessary to label all your plants.
- When using an irrigation system, make sure that you use it when it is needed. To much water is wasteful and plant roots will grow shallow and appear on top of the ground due to the lack of oxygen in the soil being replaced with water.
- Use rocks and boulder in the garden to show off plants not as a replacement for plants.
- Have a soil test done for the landscape. Know the pH of your soil.
- Don't stake trees.
- Remove tree wrap in the spring. Leaving it on during the summer allows insects to get under the wrap and damage the bark which can effect the plants growth.
- Mow your grass at 3 inches or more.
- Use a larger size of tree or shrub in your landscape and make sure you fill up a flower bed with plants. There is nothing worse than a big flower bed with little foot tall trees and shrubs in front of a large home.
Remember that landscaping is where you see your mistakes getting bigger and BIGGER!
The Creative Gardener