A beautiful landscape doesn’t happen by accident. It takes thoughtful planning, quality materials, and proper installation to create an outdoor space that looks great and stands the test of time.
Unfortunately, many homeowners unknowingly make landscaping mistakes that lead to unnecessary maintenance, poor drainage, unhealthy plants, or expensive repairs down the road. The good news? Most of these issues are completely avoidable with the right approach.
At Sandvig Services, we’ve seen firsthand what works—and what doesn’t. Here are the ten most common landscaping mistakes we see across Minnesota and how you can avoid them.
1. Starting Without a Plan
One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is jumping into a project without thinking about the bigger picture.
It’s easy to get excited about new plants or decorative rock, but without a plan, projects often end up feeling incomplete or requiring costly changes later.
Before starting any landscaping project, ask yourself:
- What is my budget?
- How much maintenance am I willing to do?
- Do I have drainage issues?
- Will these plants outgrow the space?
- Am I planning future improvements?
A well-planned landscape not only looks better but also saves time and money in the long run.
2. Choosing the Wrong Material for the Job
Many homeowners assume decorative rock and mulch are interchangeable. While both have their place, each serves a different purpose.
Decorative rock is an excellent choice for homeowners looking for a long-lasting, low-maintenance solution. It’s ideal for foundation beds, slopes, and areas where erosion is a concern.
Mulch, on the other hand, helps improve soil health, retains moisture, and creates a softer, more natural appearance around flowers, shrubs, and trees.
Choosing the right material depends on your goals, budget, and maintenance preferences—not just appearance.
3. Ignoring Drainage Problems
One of the most expensive mistakes you can make is installing beautiful landscaping without addressing drainage issues first.
If water pools near your foundation, runs across your yard, or washes out landscape beds, new plants and decorative materials won’t solve the underlying problem.
Signs of poor drainage include:
- Standing water after rain
- Soggy lawn areas
- Soil erosion
- Water near the foundation
- Mulch or rock washing away
Proper grading, catch basins, downspout extensions, and drainage systems can protect both your landscape and your home.
4. Using Cheap Landscape Fabric
Not all landscape fabric is created equal.
Many inexpensive weed barriers found at big-box stores tear easily, shift over time, or break down much sooner than professional-grade materials.
Quality woven landscape fabric helps suppress weeds, keeps decorative rock separated from the soil, and contributes to a cleaner, lower-maintenance landscape.
However, even the best fabric won’t perform well if it’s installed over existing weeds or without proper site preparation.
5. Installing Too Little Rock or Mulch
Trying to save money by spreading decorative rock or mulch too thin often has the opposite effect.
Insufficient depth can lead to:
- Increased weed growth
- Soil showing through
- Uneven appearance
- Poor moisture retention
- Faster deterioration
Using the proper depth creates a cleaner appearance and helps your landscape perform the way it was designed.
6. Skipping Landscape Edging
Landscape edging may seem like a small detail, but it plays a major role in keeping your landscape looking neat.
Quality edging helps:
- Keep rock and mulch where they belong
- Create crisp, professional lines
- Make mowing easier
- Reduce maintenance
- Separate lawn from landscape beds
Without edging, decorative materials gradually migrate into the lawn, making cleanup and maintenance much more difficult.
7. Planting Without Considering Mature Size
It’s easy to underestimate how large a plant will become over time.
That small shrub from the nursery may eventually grow several feet wide, crowding neighboring plants or blocking windows.
Before planting, consider:
- Mature height
- Mature width
- Sun requirements
- Root space
- Distance from your home’s foundation
Giving plants enough room to mature naturally creates a healthier and more attractive landscape.
8. Choosing Plants That Aren’t Suited for Minnesota
Minnesota’s climate can be challenging. Hot summers, freezing winters, and unpredictable weather mean not every plant will thrive here.
When selecting trees, shrubs, and perennials, choose varieties that are well-suited for Minnesota’s hardiness zones and your property’s growing conditions.
Pay attention to:
- Sun exposure
- Soil type
- Moisture levels
- Winter hardiness
- Long-term maintenance needs
Choosing the right plants from the start greatly increases their chances of long-term success.
9. Trying to Complete Everything at Once
A complete landscape renovation can be a significant investment.
Many homeowners feel pressure to finish everything in one season, but that isn’t always necessary.
Breaking larger projects into phases allows you to prioritize the most important improvements first.
For example:
Phase One
- Drainage improvements
- Grading
- Edging
- Decorative rock or mulch
Phase Two
- Trees and shrubs
- Perennial gardens
- Sod installation
Phase Three
- Landscape lighting
- Decorative features
- Additional planting areas
Phasing a project helps spread costs over time while still creating steady progress.
10. Hiring a Contractor Based Only on Price
Everyone wants to save money, but the lowest estimate isn’t always the best value.
A lower price may reflect shortcuts in preparation, lower-quality materials, limited warranty coverage, or less attention to detail.
When comparing landscaping companies, consider:
- Experience
- Insurance
- Reviews
- Warranty
- Material quality
- Communication
- Detailed written estimates
Choosing a contractor who focuses on long-term quality can save you money by helping avoid premature repairs or replacements.
Bonus Tip: Think About Future Maintenance
One of the most overlooked aspects of landscaping is how much time it will require after installation.
Ask yourself:
- How often will I need to weed?
- Do I want to replace mulch every few years?
- Will these shrubs require annual pruning?
- Is an irrigation system worth the investment?
- Can I realistically maintain this landscape?
Designing with maintenance in mind helps ensure you’ll enjoy your landscape for years rather than feeling overwhelmed by it.
The Best Landscapes Start With Good Preparation
The most beautiful landscapes aren’t necessarily the most expensive—they’re the ones that are thoughtfully planned and properly installed.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll create a landscape that’s easier to maintain, healthier for your plants, and more enjoyable for your family.
Whether you’re refreshing existing landscape beds or planning a complete property transformation, investing in proper preparation today can prevent costly problems tomorrow.
Let Sandvig Services Help You Get It Right
At Sandvig Services, we believe every successful landscape starts with a solid foundation. We take the time to understand your goals, evaluate your property, and recommend solutions that fit your budget, maintenance preferences, and long-term vision.
From decorative rock and mulch installations to drainage improvements, sod, irrigation, edging, and complete landscape renovations, we’re committed to building landscapes that are as functional as they are beautiful.
If you’re ready to improve your outdoor space—or simply want expert advice before starting your next project—contact Sandvig Services today for a free, no-obligation estimate. We’d love to help you create a landscape you’ll enjoy for years to come.
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