We sat down with the experts at Green Horizon Landscape Design & Build to talk about the landscaping mistakes that cost homeowners the most money, the hidden problems that often go unnoticed, and how smart planning can boost curb appeal while protecting your property's long-term value.
Q: What's the biggest mistake homeowners make when it comes to landscaping?
The biggest mistake is focusing only on what looks good today instead of what will look good five years from now. We often see homeowners install plants that grow too large for the space, block windows, crowd walkways, or require constant trimming. A good landscape plan considers mature plant size, drainage, sunlight, maintenance requirements, and how the property will evolve over time.
Q: What's something homeowners think they need... but actually don't?
Many homeowners believe they need to completely tear out existing landscaping when they're unhappy with the appearance. In reality, strategic pruning, fresh mulch, soil improvement, and replacing just a few key plants can often transform a landscape for a fraction of the cost of a full renovation.
Q: What's a small issue that turns into a big, expensive problem if ignored?
Poor drainage. Standing water around foundations, patios, or walkways can lead to soil erosion, basement moisture issues, dead turf, and costly hardscape repairs. Small drainage problems are much easier and less expensive to correct before they become major structural concerns.
Q: How often should homeowners realistically be updating their landscape?
Most landscapes benefit from a professional evaluation every three to five years. Plants grow, trees mature, drainage patterns change, and homeowner needs evolve. Regular updates help keep landscapes healthy, functional, and visually appealing without requiring major overhauls.
Q: What's one quick thing a homeowner can do themselves to extend the life of their landscape?
Refresh mulch annually. Proper mulch depth helps retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, suppress weeds, and improve overall plant health. Just be careful not to pile mulch against tree trunks or plant stems, which can create disease and pest issues.
Q: What are the early warning signs homeowners should watch for?
Yellowing leaves, thinning turf, standing water after rain, exposed roots, cracking patios, and mulch washing away are all signs something may be wrong beneath the surface. Addressing these indicators early can prevent more extensive repairs later.
Q: What type of homes or situations require extra attention?
Many DuPage County neighborhoods built in the 1980s and 1990s are reaching the point where original landscaping has become overgrown. Properties with mature trees, clay soil, steep grades, or significant shade often require specialized planning to maintain healthy plantings and proper drainage.
Q: What's changed in your industry in the last few years that homeowners should know about?
Homeowners are increasingly requesting lower-maintenance landscapes that use native plants, pollinator gardens, permeable pavers, and water-conscious designs. These solutions not only look beautiful but also reduce maintenance costs and improve environmental sustainability.
Q: If you had to give homeowners one "do this today" tip, what would it be?
Walk your property after the next heavy rainstorm. You'll immediately identify drainage issues, low spots, gutter overflow areas, and other concerns that may not be obvious during dry weather.
Q: What's the craziest thing you've seen on a job?
We once excavated a backyard to install a patio and discovered an old concrete fountain that had been buried by previous homeowners decades earlier. The current homeowners had lived there for 12 years and had no idea it existed beneath their lawn.
Q: When do homeowners typically call you too late—and who should they have called earlier?
We often get called after drainage problems have already damaged landscaping, patios, siding, or foundations. Many of those situations could have been prevented by routine exterior maintenance, gutter cleaning, and proper water management. Clean gutters and properly maintained exterior surfaces play a huge role in directing water away from the home before it becomes a landscaping problem.
Q: What's one special offer or tip you'd like to give Shiny Bubble readers?
Before investing in any major landscape project, spend a full day observing how sunlight moves across your property. Understanding your sun and shade patterns is one of the most valuable pieces of information you can provide your landscape designer—and it can save thousands of dollars in future plant replacements.
The Shiny Bubble Takeaway
The best landscapes aren't necessarily the most expensive—they're the most intentional. A few smart decisions today, from proper plant selection to addressing drainage concerns, can save homeowners thousands in future maintenance while keeping their property looking its best for years to come.
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