Homeowners in Folsom know that a well-maintained landscape not only improves curb appeal but also adds to the overall value of their property. However, even with the best intentions, it’s easy to make landscaping mistakes that can cost time, money, and long-term aesthetic appeal. Whether you’re starting fresh or refining your outdoor space, avoiding these pitfalls is crucial. These landscaping tips are especially helpful for beginners and anyone looking to create a thriving, low-maintenance yard in Folsom’s unique climate.
Choosing Plants Without Considering Folsom’s Climate
Folsom falls within USDA hardiness zones 9b and 9a, which means summers are hot and dry while winters are relatively mild. One of the most common landscaping mistakes is selecting plants based purely on appearance rather than local climate suitability.
Why This Matters
Plants not adapted to Folsom’s conditions often struggle or require excessive watering and maintenance. This leads to wasted resources and frustration.
Smart Landscaping Tip
Prioritize native or drought-tolerant plants such as California poppies, manzanita, or lavender. These species not only thrive in local soil and weather conditions but also reduce water consumption—something especially important in drought-prone California.
Ignoring Soil Quality and Preparation
Many homeowners jump straight to planting without assessing their soil. In Folsom, soil can vary significantly even within a single neighborhood.
Common Soil Issues
Clay-heavy soils, which are prevalent in many parts of Folsom, tend to retain water and have poor drainage. This can suffocate roots and lead to fungal issues if not addressed properly.
How to Fix It
Before planting, test your soil’s pH and drainage capacity. If necessary, amend the soil with compost, sand, or organic matter to improve its texture and nutrient profile. Healthy soil is the foundation of any successful landscaping project.
Overwatering or Underwatering
With the shift toward water-wise landscaping in California, proper irrigation is more important than ever. Many new homeowners either overcompensate or neglect their watering routines, damaging plants in the process.
Understanding Your Watering Schedule
Folsom typically sees less than 25 inches of rain annually, making irrigation essential—but that doesn’t mean daily watering is necessary. Overwatering can cause root rot, while underwatering leads to stressed, wilted plants.
Better Approach
Install a drip irrigation system and set timers according to plant needs and seasonal changes. Group plants with similar water requirements to avoid overuse and ensure healthier growth.
Failing to Plan for Mature Growth
One of the most overlooked landscaping tips for beginners is spacing. Plants may look sparse when first planted, but many species quickly outgrow their initial footprint.
The Consequences
Improper spacing can lead to overcrowding, blocked sunlight, and unhealthy competition for water and nutrients. Over time, this leads to costly removal or pruning.
What You Should Do Instead
Research the mature size of every plant and tree you include in your design. Allow sufficient space for growth both above and below ground—especially for trees, whose root systems can disrupt hardscaping if too close to walkways or foundations.
Poor Lawn Management
Lawn care is often misunderstood, especially when dealing with Folsom’s warm-season grasses like Bermuda or St. Augustine. Mowing too short, fertilizing at the wrong time, or using the wrong grass altogether can create patchy, unhealthy lawns.
Local Lawn Care Tip
In Folsom, it’s best to keep your lawn at a height of around 2.5 to 3 inches during the summer to help retain moisture. Avoid mowing when the grass is wet and use slow-release fertilizer in early spring and late summer for optimal health.
Neglecting Hardscape Planning
Walkways, patios, retaining walls, and outdoor kitchens can greatly enhance your yard, but they need to be thoughtfully integrated into the landscape.
Common Mistake
Many homeowners install hardscapes before considering drainage or long-term maintenance. Poorly designed patios or driveways can lead to pooling water, cracked surfaces, or erosion.
What to Do
Work with a landscape designer who understands how water flows through your property and who can integrate features like French drains or slope adjustments. This ensures that your hardscape elements don’t cause future damage or require expensive fixes.
Choosing the Wrong Mulch or No Mulch at All
Mulch helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and insulate plant roots. Yet many homeowners skip it altogether or use the wrong kind.
What to Avoid
Rubber mulch or non-organic materials may seem low-maintenance, but they don’t enrich the soil and can trap heat. Colored mulches may also leach chemicals into the ground.
Smart Mulching Strategy
Use natural wood chips or shredded bark. Apply a layer about 2 to 3 inches thick, but keep it away from plant stems to prevent rot. In Folsom’s heat, mulch can reduce watering needs significantly, making your landscape more sustainable.
Ignoring Seasonal Changes
One of the most useful landscaping tips for beginners is planning with the seasons in mind. Many people design their yards based on spring or summer blooms, only to have their landscape look dull the rest of the year.
Planning for Year-Round Interest
Incorporate a mix of evergreens, ornamental grasses, and plants with varying bloom times. This ensures that your yard maintains color, structure, and life through fall and winter as well.
Skipping Maintenance
After the initial excitement of a new landscape project, regular maintenance often falls by the wayside. But even low-maintenance designs require some care.
Problems That Arise
Weed overgrowth, broken irrigation systems, and unchecked pests can undo months of hard work. Folsom’s hot summers also mean weeds and pests thrive if left unmonitored.
Preventive Tips
Create a monthly checklist for tasks like pruning, inspecting irrigation lines, checking for pests, and applying mulch or compost. Catching issues early keeps your landscape healthy and avoids expensive repairs.
Lack of a Long-Term Vision
Perhaps the most important landscaping tip is to think long-term. Landscapes evolve, and without a cohesive vision, it’s easy to end up with a mismatched, disorganized yard.
Why Planning Ahead Matters
Hardscapes, trees, garden beds, and lighting all work best when they’re part of a unified design. Without a roadmap, additions start to feel cluttered or out of place.
Tips for a Unified Landscape
Start with a simple sketch or hire a professional to build a phased plan. Consider how your needs might change, such as adding a patio, building a pergola, or creating space for pets or children. Investing time into planning now saves money and effort later.
Final Thoughts
Avoiding these common mistakes can turn a frustrating landscaping experience into a rewarding one. Whether you’re new to landscaping or just looking for fresh ideas, keeping these landscaping tips in mind can help you create a beautiful, functional, and lasting outdoor space in Folsom.
From soil testing to seasonal planning, each step is part of a bigger picture. Your landscape should reflect your lifestyle, respect your environment, and increase your property’s value. For homeowners in Folsom, the right approach can make all the difference, starting with avoiding the most common missteps.
Ready to Get Your Landscaping Done Right?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or want professional guidance to avoid these common mistakes, Progressive Landscapes is here to help. As local experts serving Folsom and surrounding areas, we specialize in creating custom outdoor spaces that are beautiful, functional, and built to last. Whether you’re starting from scratch or need to refresh your current yard, our team can bring your vision to life, with no shortcuts and no stress.
Let’s transform your landscape the right way. Contact Progressive Landscapes today to schedule your free consultation.