Top Myths About Landscaping

There are so many landscaping myths out there that it is difficult to debunk them all. From when to water, to how to fertilize, and which plants thrive in which environments, it can be almost impossible to separate fact from fiction. Read on to learn some landscaping truths you can rely on.

NO PLAN, NO PROBLEM

Whether you are buying a new home or reworking the landscape at your existing home, having a realistic plan is the key to your success. Understanding what you are working with, in terms of square footage, trees, soil, etc., and the cost of your intended upgrades, will go a long way toward getting the right look for your home.

Working on a master plan, especially in tandem with landscape professionals can really make all the difference. Having a thorough plan can help you anticipate and prioritize the goals and proper uses of your property. Once you have your priorities outlined, you can attack the project with the right budget and timeline. Landscape professionals will help you answer all the right questions to make sure you are carefully considering all your options, as well as what you must work with such as: soil conditions, amount of sunlight, water issues, native plants and proper placement.

Another common myth is that homeowners can do everything themselves. While homeowners can do a great deal of the work to prepare the property (weeding, building/preparing beds) there are some tasks that should be left for the professionals. If you are in need of landscaping supplies in Colorado or Arizona and want your landscaping to thrive for years to come, contact Pioneer Landscape Centers to handle the complexities of the job and set you up for success.

CHEAPER IS NOT ALWAYS BETTER

We’ve all heard the old saying, “you get what you pay for,” and that is certainly true with landscaping. Most people will purchase the least expensive plants and materials available from the local nursery or big-box garden supply center. If you don’t pay attention to what you are buying and where you are planting it, you could end up with the wrong type of plant or placement. The perfect view you wanted is obstructed by that fateful decision to buy what was on sale rather than what would work best in that space.

Another common misconception is that if something is good for the soil or plants, then more of it must be better. This is particularly common with fertilizing. Many people subscribe to the theory that if fertilizer is good for plants, grass, and trees, then adding twice as much must be even better. Too much fertilizer can do more harm than good and even cause toxic levels of salt to form in your soil.

WATERING AND MAINTENANCE MYTHS

Another common myth to debunk is that drought resistant plants don’t need to be watered. While it’s true that they don’t need as much water as other plants, they still need to be watered. Watch for extremely dry soil and add a little water to keep the soil moist, especially in the first year of the plant’s life.

The proper way to prune tree limbs is another important myth to set straight. Most experienced gardeners know that pruned tree limbs are susceptible to fungal decay because there is basically an open wound on the tree. Some people use sealant like varnish, tar or paint to cover those “wounds.” Unfortunately, this only serves as a breeding ground for the fungus because the sealant helps to retain the moisture near the “wound,” which then helps the fungus to flourish. The best advice is to simply make a clean cut outside the branch collar and leave it be.

LANDSCAPING SUPPLIES IN YOUR AREA

Pioneer Landscape Centers offers a wide family of quality hardscaping and landscaping supplies in Colorado and Arizona to ensure your yard looks its best year-round.