Want a Better Looking Landscape? Avoid These Common Mistakes!

After learning how to avoid these common mistakes, you'll be on your way to having a better looking landscape.

Mistake #1 Planting in Wrong Soil

Dirt is dirt, right? How can you possibly make the mistake of planting in the wrong soil?

As you strive for a better looking landscape, this common mistake is made because some plants need acidic soil while other plants need alkaline soil.

According to The Garden Helper, however, there are ways to test and adjust the pH of the soil. This means that you should test your soil for its compatibility with your desired plant.

Mistake #2 Planting with Improper Spacing

As you try to create a better looking landscape, it's easy to want to crowd many diverse and colorful plants into one area.

This might work for a while until the plants' root systems begin spreading out and choking off the water supply of other plants. By knowing the nature of the root systems of some plants, you can avoid this mistake and plant certain types about 3 or 4 feet apart.

Mistake #3 Planting in Wrong Climate

You might think that planting exotic plants will automatically offer you a better looking landscape. And these plants really can make your landscape more interesting.

The mistake to avoid here is in assuming that all plants will grow in all climates. Maple trees thrive in Indiana weather, for example, but fig trees require protection from extreme cold weather to keep them healthy.

Because you want a better looking landscape, you will want to buy plants that are indigenous to your area. Or, if the plants are somewhat exotic, they should at least come from a climate that is similar to yours.

Mistake #4 Disregarding Decorative Finishes

In creating your better looking landscape, what good would it do to put all that energy into planting if you aren't going to finish the job?

A thick layer of mulch can help plants adapt to the soil you are planting them in. But this mulch is only one part of the landscaping process.

Think of the wood chips that cover the ground in a decorative way. Wood chips lead to a better looking landscape as they cover the ground, keep in moisture, and repel weeds.

In making a better looking landscape, planting is only one step. Landscaping needs finishing touches to tie it all together. In this, think of benches and fountains as well as shady trees.

In sum, a better looking landscape can be achieved by avoiding common mistakes. These mistakes are easy to overcome, however, as you focus on types of soil, types of plants, and decorative finishing touches.

Source: The Garden Helper

http://thegardenhelper.com/acidsoil.html