8 Common Landscaping Problem Areas And How To Fix Them

Whether you’re in the market for a new home or are simply rethinking the outdoor space at your current one, it’s important to think about the landscaping. While it may not be what you spend most of your day looking at as a homeowner, it’s the first thing other people see when they visit your home.

Not only does beautiful landscaping provide excellent curb appeal for your home, but it can also expand your living space. After all, the nicer your outdoor space, the more likely you’ll be to want to spend your time there.

As much as great landscaping can make a difference in the aesthetic of your home, it can be difficult to create and maintain. In this article, we’re breaking down some of the most common landscaping problem areas and providing simple solutions for them.

1. Rocky Terrain

One of the most common landscaping problems is rocky terrain. Too many rocks make it frustrating to mow the lawn and difficult to plant anything or use the yard space.

Rocky soil is often a problem for new-build homes because when landscaping is done for these properties, there’s often only a thin layer of topsoil added. Unfortunately, you may only find out about the rocky soil underneath when you start working on your yard.

The Solution

Rather than fighting against the rocky terrain of your yard, try embracing it by creating a rock garden. Rock gardens have plenty of aesthetic appeal, and no one will know you only used it because of a lack of other options.

Another option for your rocky soil is to find plants that grow well in it. Plenty of plants have adapted to rocky conditions, meaning they can thrive even in soil filled with rocks. Such plants include herb plants, succulents and shrubs.

2. Poor Drainage

Poor drainage can be a major source of frustration in any yard because it leads to standing water and a seemingly constantly soggy yard. This can cause problems mowing and attract many insects, like mosquitos and ants. Poor drainage often happens when your lawn isn’t graded properly or you have poorly drained soil.

The Solution

If you’re struggling with poor drainage, there are plenty of solutions available to you. First, consider installing a French drain, which is a dug-out trench with a pipe and gravel that redirects water away from low areas. You might also consider improving your drainage by adding absorbent soil to your yard.

Rather than fixing the problem, you can also choose to embrace it. For example, many homeowners with poor drainage choose to plant wetland plants that thrive in this sort of atmosphere. You might also consider creating a pond, intentionally allowing the water to accumulate in one place.

3. Too Sunny

Too much sunlight is a particularly frustrating problem because there’s nothing you can’t just get rid of the sun. And unfortunately, it can wreak havoc on plants in your yard that don’t thrive on that much sunlight.

The Solution

If there’s too much sun hitting your yard, you have a few options. First, you can try to reduce sun exposure by planting a tree or tall plants that provide shade or by installing a pergola or similar shade structure.

On the other hand, you can choose to embrace the sun. Rather than fighting against it, opt for drought-resistant plants like succulents that thrive in that environment.

4. Too Shady

Too much sunlight can be a problem, but so can too much shade. An abundance of shade can make it difficult for grass and other plants to grow. And unfortunately, this problem isn’t quite as easy to solve. Sure, you can block out the sun, but you can’t make it appear when there are hindrances — such as your home — in the way.

The Solution

The best way to tackle the problem of too much shade is to simply embrace it and opt for plants that thrive in the shade. Shade-loving plants include hostas, azaleas, ferns and hydrangeas.

5. Soil Erosion

Soil erosion is the degradation of the top layer of soil that’s often caused by improper landscaping drainage. While it may not seem like a big deal, it can affect the structural integrity of nearby trees and can even cause water damage to a home.

The Solution

There are plenty of things you can install in your yard to fight erosion, hold back soil, and maintain the integrity of your home and landscaping. First, consider planting a deep-rooting ground cover plant, which goes a long way in helping to fight erosion. You can also use erosion fabric, install a rock wall or build retaining walls to divert water.

6. Weeds

Just about every homeowner can understand the frustration of weeds that just won’t go away. Not only are weeds an eyesore, but they can also divert nutrients from your other plants, stunting their growth and making them more susceptible to disease.

The Solution

One of the best weed solutions mulch. By laying mulch, you’ll block the weed’s access to the sun, making it nearly impossible for them to survive. Another way to get rid of unwanted weeds is to maintain proper lawn care through things like aeration, fertilization and irrigation. When you care for your lawn, the grass will push out many of the weeds on its own.

7. No Privacy

A lack of privacy can be a major source of contention, especially if you don’t have the best relationship with your neighbors (or they’re simply nosy). This problem is especially prevalent if you live in a townhouse with a shared yard or live somewhere with small yards very close together.

The Solution

A lack of privacy can often be an easy problem to solve. One of the best ways to add privacy to your yard is to install a lattice privacy screen or fence. If a fence doesn’t work for your situation, consider planting bushes to create a living wall that will provide both aesthetic appeal and privacy to your yard.

8. Insects And Animals

Whether you have an insect infestation in your yard or it has become home to many critters, sharing your yard with animals can be frustrating. Many insects bite, making your outdoor space uncomfortable to spend time in. And if you’re a gardener, you may find that small critters are getting into your plants.

The Solution

There are several things you can do to prevent small animals and garden pests. First, when it comes to fighting insects, consider trying an organic repellant. That way, you can get rid of the pests without hurting your plants. Another option is to plant your garden in a raised bed to prevent small critters from accessing it. Finally, if your problem gets too out of hand, consider calling pest or animal control.

The Bottom Line

For many homeowners, their landscaping is the pride and joy of their home. Unfortunately, a few common landscaping problems can quickly make the space less attractive, both visually and as a place to spend time. The good news is that with a little creativity and effort, it’s possible to find simple solutions.