Top 7 Landscaping Mistakes Homeowners Make (And How to Fix Them)
After maintaining hundreds of properties in Portland and the surrounding cities, we see the same landscaping mistakes over and over — and most are easy fixes. Avoiding these common issues keeps your yard healthy, clean, and easier to maintain.
1. Planting Too Close Together
Plants look small when you buy them, but within 2–3 years they can triple in size. Overcrowding causes fungus, rot, and constant trimming.
2. Mulching Too Deep
More than 2–3 inches of bark suffocates plants and encourages pests. Keep mulch light and refreshed annually.
Reference: Mulch Guidelines (Purdue Extension)
3. Planting Sun Plants in Shade (or the opposite)
Portland yards often have dense tree cover. Choosing incorrect sun/shade plants leads to slow growth or quick decline.
4. Ignoring Soil Quality
Our native soil is high in clay. Amending soil with compost and organic matter helps drainage and plant health.
5. Letting Edges Overgrow
Overgrown edges make a yard look unmaintained even if everything else is tidy.
6. Watering the Wrong Way
Short, frequent watering encourages shallow roots. Deep, infrequent watering works best.
Guide: OSU Lawn Watering Guide
7. Using Rock Instead of Bark (in the PNW)
Rocks heat up and cook plant roots in summer. Bark regulates temperature and improves soil.
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We help homeowners fix these issues every day across Portland, Gresham, Troutdale, and Sandy.
Related posts: Best Plants for PNW Yards • How to Keep Your Yard Clean All Year