Home Landscaping: Common Pitfalls

by Bailey Sons – January 27, 2016

A do-it-yourselfer (DIY) has all the skills, energy, and intellect to tackle their landscaping project, new or existing.

That is half the battle. The other half is the hidden pitfalls that a novice DIY will encounter. So, from experience and research, I have taken the liberty of collecting some significant pitfalls, which I address below:

a.) No plan, or as the Chinese would say, 'no ticket, no laundry.' Many landscapes have been the victim of random planting a plant because there was room, or it was a purchase that looked so cute.

If you are starting with a blank yard, drawing a plan for your entire yard and sticking to it will give you the desired results. Short of that, try at least to sketch a rough plan for one large area of your yard and put all your energy into working on that plan this year.

b.) Lacking fall color in your Landscape Design. We spend spring and summer planting, yet, come fall realize that we forget to plant for fall. The season holds tremendous promise for the DIY landscaper willing to plan for it. Autumn can present an abundance of color with the simple introduction into your landscape of the following; Arrowwood viburnum, Sumac, Fothergilla, Tor Spirea, American Bittersweet, Oakleaf Hydrangea, Virginia Creeper, Red Chokeberry Viking, or Black Chokeberry

c.) If the fall is often neglected in landscape design, surprise, the winter season takes a hit. This is not such a serious offense for us in the southern portion of the United States; however, the north needs a yard decor that will bring a smile and serenity. The following plant list will offer a nice balance between the transition from fall to winter:

red twig dogwood or red osier dogwood

plume grass

bayberry

cranberry bush Viburnum

winterberry holly

birch trees

d.) Irrigation is the critical factor in any design. We love how our plants are doing in our yards, yet we also need some vacation time. How are the plants going to their water? We can ask a friend or relative to take over our watering chore during our absence, but we all had an experience that makes for a not too stable condition. You have expended a lot of effort, both in the elbow grease, money, and not to forget the sentimental value. A solution, install an automatic irrigation system. Not only will it allow you to go on your vacation, but it will also reduce your overall yard maintenance time. A good investment in my book.

e.) Have a steep slope in your yard, making it tough to keep your topsoil during a heavy downpour? Plants do not seem to help the erosion; you may need a retaining wall. A retaining is built first, and then your planting begins.

f.) The adage, 'the best-laid plans of men and mice, have often gone astray' is befitting the principle of working with what you have. What do I mean? Is your yard rocky and has a lot of shade? Perhaps the summertime heat scorches all in its path? In some instances, you can successfully fight the terrain you inherited, as in the case of building retaining walls for slopes to fight erosion. In the alternative, instead of fighting it, it's better to go with the general flow of your yard and work with what you have. The key is 'to know your enemy and what options you have. Research is your best companion.

g.) A crucial element for your home landscape project is using deer-resistant plants. You carefully drew up a plan and stuck to it. The soil is fertile, automatic irrigation system, you've followed the plant instructions faithfully, applied a generous layer of mulch around them. Then one day, you come out of your house and find your plants in shreds! What happened? Deer had a buffet-style snack of your plants faster than you can, "Bambi goes to market." Your yard did not have any deer-resistant plants. As an example of deer-resistant plants, I listed below some effective perennial ground-covers:

Allegheny spurge (Pachysandra procumbens) and Japanese pachysandra (Pachysandra terminalis)

Northern sea oats (Chasmanthium latifolium)

Blue oat grass (Helictotrichon sempervirens)

Liriope or "lilyturf" (Liriope spicata)

Bugleweed (Ajuga reptans 'Atropurpurea')

Creeping Myrtle, or periwinkle vinca vines (Vinca minor)

Deadnettle (Lamium galeobdolon)

Catnip plants (Nepeta cataria)

Sweet woodruff (Galium odoratum)

Creeping thyme plants, such as woolly thyme (Thymus pseudolanuginosus)

h.) A significant consideration in home landscape design is functionality. When you dream up your landscape design, you envision its' aesthetic qualities. Wrong! Functionality takes precedence over aesthetics. This does mean that one cannot have aesthetics and functionality, but the bottom line of any design is safety, convenience, and usability.

In closing, I would like to mention that the 'Books of Dummies' is an ideal research and information tool for your potting bench. My bookshelf has numerous editions of the infamous 'yellow and black books, covering many subjects.

Source to Buy a Wide Selection of Plants and Trees for your Home Landscaping

https://www.tnnursery.net

Products from the article

Staghorn Sumac - TN Nursery

Staghorn Sumac

Staghorn Sumac is a deciduous shrub or small tree known for its pinnately compound leaves and distinctive upright clusters of fuzzy, red, or white berries. It is often found in various habitats and appreciated for its ornamental and ecological value. This excellent deciduous plant is known for its unique beauty, beautiful leaves, and fall color. With its unique and highly harmonious form, it is a must-have for any lover or gardener. Staghorn Sumac is generally safe for humans and most animals to interact with. It can be grown outdoors to add color to your yard or kept indoors as an ornamental piece. Let's take a closer look at the physical attributes of this deciduous shrub and the benefits of owning it. What Does Staghorn Sumac (Rhus typhina) Look Like This item will grow to about 16 feet tall and about 20 feet in diameter. It has yellowish flowers and a series of green leaves during the spring and summer and various colors during the fall. The primary leaves are about 10 inches long, while the flowers are two to four inches wide. Many people say that the leaves feel like the velvet of a deer's antlers, which is partially how the tree got its name. Staghorn Sumac Reproduces in Multiple Ways This plant can reproduce through seeds spread by wind or animals such as squirrels or rabbits. However, they can also create clones of themselves in which younger shoots will sprout near more mature ones. This means that you can quickly get more of these plants on your property within a matter of months. Staghorn Sumac Produces Food for Wildlife Several birds and other creatures that stick around for the winter will eat the fruit they provide. The fruit will typically remain on the tree from the late spring months until they are consumed or fall off before the start of the following spring. Therefore, you will always have something to look at, no matter what the calendar says. You can put Staghorn Sumac in your front yard to break up what might otherwise be a monotonous space. They can also be used as part of a garden or indoors to add a touch of color to your home office or other sufficiently large spaces where a plant can add charm and character. So Just How Tall Is Staghorn Sumac  We can't afford to forget that staghorn ferns aren't trees at all but epiphytes, glued onto tree trunks or other form of adv. They even reach three metres in height; their fronds are four or five feet long, waterfall-like.  Where do staghorns grow best?  Staghorn ferns prefer bright, indirect light, and they need high humidity in order to grow. They prefer tropical and sub-tropical climates and commonly develop on tree bole or another strong substrate.  Do staghorns like lots of water?  Staghorn ferns are moderately tolerant of moisture but should be watered at least once per week, but not excessively watered. If they are grown at home, they are best when misted frequently and occasionally watered when the mounting material turns slightly dry.  Should you remove dead leaves from staghorn?  Indeed, on staghorn ferns it's possible to carefully trim off dead or browned leaves for the sake of encouraging new growth. However, do not trim healthy fronds because they are used in the absorption of nutrients from the substrate.  How Do You Fertilize A Staghorn Sumac  Fertilize them once a month during a growing season using a diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer. You could also put a little compost or banana peel in their basal fronds to naturally feed the plant.
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Red Chokeberry - TN Nursery

Red Chokeberry

Red Chokeberry has clusters of delicate white to pinkish flowers that emerge in the spring and later give way to bright rose berries that persist through the winter, providing a pop of color during the colder months. This shrub's name is Red Chokeberry. Aronia comes from a Greek word for the shrub species that the plant's fruits resemble. Arbutifolia refers to the appearance of its leaves, similar to the foliage of the arbutus tree. The shrub's tart berries earned it its name. Red Chokeberry (Aronia arbutifolia) Is in Many Landscapes  The deciduous shrub graces many landscapes throughout North America with its distinct beauty. Often found in both dry and wet thickets, the shrub grows in a vase shape and can form dense colonies. The typical width of this plant is between 3 and 6 feet, and it reaches heights between 6 and 12 feet. Its ability to spread makes it a practical addition to low-lying areas and shorelines that need protection. However, its profound aesthetic attributes make it an ideal addition to any outdoor space. The Foliage And Flowers Of The Red Chokeberry  It makes captivating transformations during each season. As spring arrives, the plant produces delicate, silky flowers ranging from white to pink. Its leaves are a rich green color during the summer. Those leaves may turn a purple or reddish-orange hue throughout the autumn months. Also, its rose pear-shaped berries emerge in clusters during the fall, decorating the shrub with even more warmth. That warm-looking appearance remains even during the coldest winter months with the plant's reddish-colored branches. Its multi-stemmed structure adds to its visual appeal. Benefits of Red Chokeberry Since most birds do not eat the tart berries, people who plant Red Chokeberry often use them to make canned jams or jellies. People who enjoy watching bees and butterflies in spring and summer can attract them with the shrubs. Those who like fall's rich, dark colors can appreciate the plant's autumn look. Since the shrub has such a striking bark color, it also makes a good choice for people who enjoy winter gardens. It proves that nature can create a different level of beauty during each season. With its adaptability in many landscapes, the resilient shrub can create rows or accentuate other plants. Red Chokeberry Shrubs Are Very Versatile   
$26.99
$26.99
Viburnum Dentatum - TN Nursery

Viburnum Dentatum

Viburnum dentatum is a deciduous shrub native to North America. It features attractive clusters of white flowers, vibrant blue-black berries, and toothed leaves, making it a versatile and popular choice for hedges and wildlife gardens. Viburnum Dentatum earned its name because the inhabitants of the areas where it grew used the branches to create arrows in past centuries. The deciduous shrub's straight branches made it an ideal choice for that purpose. The Looks Of The Viburnum Dentatum The shrubs produce small clusters of white flowers about 4 inches wide, which start appearing in the spring. They also produce small fruits as the summer progresses. Although they can expand as tall as 15 feet, they often stand under 10 feet in height. Their impressive size makes them a great shrub for hedgerows. Many people plant arrowwood shrubs individually in their yards or gardens. However, they are also popular choices to adorn the shores of creeks or ponds. Viburnum Dentatum Has A Elegant Appearance  This rounded shrub has a graceful, elegant appearance. The branches and twigs have a grayish-brown color and are slender. With their ridges, they add a touch of rustic appeal. Greenish-brown buds create a contrast that commands attention. Its white flowers are delicate and look stunning against its colorful leaves. The toothed edges of the leaves give the plant the dentatum part of its name. Although they start with a green hue, they gradually turn yellow and red as the seasons change. During the summer, the bluish-black fruits add even more beauty. For anyone who enjoys a colorful landscape, this type of shrub does not disappoint. Viburnum Dentatum Attracts Wildlife  In addition to the aesthetic benefits of Viburnum Dentatum, there may be health benefits for some. It is also an excellent choice for people who want to attract wildlife. Several songbirds enjoy the fruit, and some animals eat the twigs and leaves. Since the flowers have nectar, they are helpful to bees. Butterflies are also attracted to the flowers. It is an excellent example of nature's profound beauty and ability to change. It is a great choice for anyone because of its ecological, aesthetic, and other potential benefits. Plant Viburnum Dentatum For A Hedge What is the common name for Viburnum Dentatum? Another name for Viburnum Dentatum is Arrowwood Viburnum. This is because native Americans used them to make arrows.  Where do Viburnum Dentatum grow best Viburnum Dentatum does best in draining soils, in full sun to partial shade. It's fairly drought-tolerant, but it's a clay, sandy, and loam tolerant plant in USDA hardiness zones three to eight.  Can you grow Viburnum Dentatum from cuttings?  Indeed, Viburnum Dentatum can be propagated from softwood cuttings taken during the early summer. This will work most effectively if done by placing the cuttings in rooting hormone before placing them in soil that has moderate moisture content and good drainage. What pairs well with Viburnum Dentatum Arrowwood Viburnum looks good with perennials and ornamental grasses or annuals such as coneflowers and black-eyed Susans. It also does well as an underplanting for smaller shrubs or in wildlife gardens. Which fertilizer should I use on Viburnum Dentatum The recommended fertilizer is a slow-release fertilizer with a neutral NPK balance of 10-10-10. Apply to plants in the first weeks of spring to keep them healthy.
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$26.99
Staghorn Sumac - TN Nursery

Staghorn Sumac

Staghorn Sumac is a deciduous shrub or small tree known for its pinnately compound leaves and distinctive upright clusters of fuzzy, red, or white berries. It is often found in various habitats and appreciated for its ornamental and ecological value. This excellent deciduous plant is known for its unique beauty, beautiful leaves, and fall color. With its unique and highly harmonious form, it is a must-have for any lover or gardener. Staghorn Sumac is generally safe for humans and most animals to interact with. It can be grown outdoors to add color to your yard or kept indoors as an ornamental piece. Let's take a closer look at the physical attributes of this deciduous shrub and the benefits of owning it. What Does Staghorn Sumac (Rhus typhina) Look Like This item will grow to about 16 feet tall and about 20 feet in diameter. It has yellowish flowers and a series of green leaves during the spring and summer and various colors during the fall. The primary leaves are about 10 inches long, while the flowers are two to four inches wide. Many people say that the leaves feel like the velvet of a deer's antlers, which is partially how the tree got its name. Staghorn Sumac Reproduces in Multiple Ways This plant can reproduce through seeds spread by wind or animals such as squirrels or rabbits. However, they can also create clones of themselves in which younger shoots will sprout near more mature ones. This means that you can quickly get more of these plants on your property within a matter of months. Staghorn Sumac Produces Food for Wildlife Several birds and other creatures that stick around for the winter will eat the fruit they provide. The fruit will typically remain on the tree from the late spring months until they are consumed or fall off before the start of the following spring. Therefore, you will always have something to look at, no matter what the calendar says. You can put Staghorn Sumac in your front yard to break up what might otherwise be a monotonous space. They can also be used as part of a garden or indoors to add a touch of color to your home office or other sufficiently large spaces where a plant can add charm and character. So Just How Tall Is Staghorn Sumac  We can't afford to forget that staghorn ferns aren't trees at all but epiphytes, glued onto tree trunks or other form of adv. They even reach three metres in height; their fronds are four or five feet long, waterfall-like.  Where do staghorns grow best?  Staghorn ferns prefer bright, indirect light, and they need high humidity in order to grow. They prefer tropical and sub-tropical climates and commonly develop on tree bole or another strong substrate.  Do staghorns like lots of water?  Staghorn ferns are moderately tolerant of moisture but should be watered at least once per week, but not excessively watered. If they are grown at home, they are best when misted frequently and occasionally watered when the mounting material turns slightly dry.  Should you remove dead leaves from staghorn?  Indeed, on staghorn ferns it's possible to carefully trim off dead or browned leaves for the sake of encouraging new growth. However, do not trim healthy fronds because they are used in the absorption of nutrients from the substrate.  How Do You Fertilize A Staghorn Sumac  Fertilize them once a month during a growing season using a diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer. You could also put a little compost or banana peel in their basal fronds to naturally feed the plant.
$26.99
$26.99
Red Chokeberry - TN Nursery

Red Chokeberry

Red Chokeberry has clusters of delicate white to pinkish flowers that emerge in the spring and later give way to bright rose berries that persist through the winter, providing a pop of color during the colder months. This shrub's name is Red Chokeberry. Aronia comes from a Greek word for the shrub species that the plant's fruits resemble. Arbutifolia refers to the appearance of its leaves, similar to the foliage of the arbutus tree. The shrub's tart berries earned it its name. Red Chokeberry (Aronia arbutifolia) Is in Many Landscapes  The deciduous shrub graces many landscapes throughout North America with its distinct beauty. Often found in both dry and wet thickets, the shrub grows in a vase shape and can form dense colonies. The typical width of this plant is between 3 and 6 feet, and it reaches heights between 6 and 12 feet. Its ability to spread makes it a practical addition to low-lying areas and shorelines that need protection. However, its profound aesthetic attributes make it an ideal addition to any outdoor space. The Foliage And Flowers Of The Red Chokeberry  It makes captivating transformations during each season. As spring arrives, the plant produces delicate, silky flowers ranging from white to pink. Its leaves are a rich green color during the summer. Those leaves may turn a purple or reddish-orange hue throughout the autumn months. Also, its rose pear-shaped berries emerge in clusters during the fall, decorating the shrub with even more warmth. That warm-looking appearance remains even during the coldest winter months with the plant's reddish-colored branches. Its multi-stemmed structure adds to its visual appeal. Benefits of Red Chokeberry Since most birds do not eat the tart berries, people who plant Red Chokeberry often use them to make canned jams or jellies. People who enjoy watching bees and butterflies in spring and summer can attract them with the shrubs. Those who like fall's rich, dark colors can appreciate the plant's autumn look. Since the shrub has such a striking bark color, it also makes a good choice for people who enjoy winter gardens. It proves that nature can create a different level of beauty during each season. With its adaptability in many landscapes, the resilient shrub can create rows or accentuate other plants. Red Chokeberry Shrubs Are Very Versatile   
$26.99
$26.99
Viburnum Dentatum - TN Nursery

Viburnum Dentatum

Viburnum dentatum is a deciduous shrub native to North America. It features attractive clusters of white flowers, vibrant blue-black berries, and toothed leaves, making it a versatile and popular choice for hedges and wildlife gardens. Viburnum Dentatum earned its name because the inhabitants of the areas where it grew used the branches to create arrows in past centuries. The deciduous shrub's straight branches made it an ideal choice for that purpose. The Looks Of The Viburnum Dentatum The shrubs produce small clusters of white flowers about 4 inches wide, which start appearing in the spring. They also produce small fruits as the summer progresses. Although they can expand as tall as 15 feet, they often stand under 10 feet in height. Their impressive size makes them a great shrub for hedgerows. Many people plant arrowwood shrubs individually in their yards or gardens. However, they are also popular choices to adorn the shores of creeks or ponds. Viburnum Dentatum Has A Elegant Appearance  This rounded shrub has a graceful, elegant appearance. The branches and twigs have a grayish-brown color and are slender. With their ridges, they add a touch of rustic appeal. Greenish-brown buds create a contrast that commands attention. Its white flowers are delicate and look stunning against its colorful leaves. The toothed edges of the leaves give the plant the dentatum part of its name. Although they start with a green hue, they gradually turn yellow and red as the seasons change. During the summer, the bluish-black fruits add even more beauty. For anyone who enjoys a colorful landscape, this type of shrub does not disappoint. Viburnum Dentatum Attracts Wildlife  In addition to the aesthetic benefits of Viburnum Dentatum, there may be health benefits for some. It is also an excellent choice for people who want to attract wildlife. Several songbirds enjoy the fruit, and some animals eat the twigs and leaves. Since the flowers have nectar, they are helpful to bees. Butterflies are also attracted to the flowers. It is an excellent example of nature's profound beauty and ability to change. It is a great choice for anyone because of its ecological, aesthetic, and other potential benefits. Plant Viburnum Dentatum For A Hedge What is the common name for Viburnum Dentatum? Another name for Viburnum Dentatum is Arrowwood Viburnum. This is because native Americans used them to make arrows.  Where do Viburnum Dentatum grow best Viburnum Dentatum does best in draining soils, in full sun to partial shade. It's fairly drought-tolerant, but it's a clay, sandy, and loam tolerant plant in USDA hardiness zones three to eight.  Can you grow Viburnum Dentatum from cuttings?  Indeed, Viburnum Dentatum can be propagated from softwood cuttings taken during the early summer. This will work most effectively if done by placing the cuttings in rooting hormone before placing them in soil that has moderate moisture content and good drainage. What pairs well with Viburnum Dentatum Arrowwood Viburnum looks good with perennials and ornamental grasses or annuals such as coneflowers and black-eyed Susans. It also does well as an underplanting for smaller shrubs or in wildlife gardens. Which fertilizer should I use on Viburnum Dentatum The recommended fertilizer is a slow-release fertilizer with a neutral NPK balance of 10-10-10. Apply to plants in the first weeks of spring to keep them healthy.
$26.99
$26.99

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