10 Landscaping Ideas That Will Cost You in the Long Run

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Great outdoor space starts with big ideas, sweeping lawns, colorful flower beds, water features and cozy patio spaces. There’s no denying that creating your own personal paradise in your yard is exciting, but before you leap into that ambitious landscaping project, it’s worth taking a minute to think ahead.

There are many choices for landscaping that may look great at first, but could cost you dearly in the future—both in dollars and in time. The maintenance headaches and unexpected expenses are the kiss of death to the charm of that serene water feature or the appeal of a sprawling lawn. To help you steer clear of these, let’s look at some landscaping choices that are tempting but may be a bit of a burden down the road.

High-Maintenance Plants

Home Upgrades That Ain't Worth It — Photo Credit: Pexels

Exotic plants can make your yard eye catching, but they need special treatment – special soil, special watering schedule, special temperature control. If you’re not constantly paying attention, they can wither quickly. Stick with plants that are well adapted to your climate and local conditions, so you don’t have to fight an uphill battle.

Large Water Features

Genius Ways to Transform Your Landscaping with Rocks — Photo Credit: Freepsdgraphics/Pixabay

The sound of water soothes us, but big water features such as waterfalls or fountains aren’t exactly low maintenance. It could also crop up with algae buildup, pump repairs, and water evaporation. Also, water features attract insects.

Over-the-Top Lighting

After-dark, outdoor lighting can make your yard seem magical, but it can also drive your electricity bill up. Certain lighting systems demand maintenance, often in the form of bulb changes or wiring repairs, which over time can cost you a lot of money. Think about sparingly and strategically using lighting to avoid long term costs.

Elaborate Hardscaping

Putting in complex stone paths, patios or retaining walls may appear to be a permanent fix, but it can actually create future issues if it’s not done the right way. Stone or concrete can shift, crack or settle unevenly over time and become costly to repair. If you live in a region with harsh winters, the freeze thaw cycle can really do a number on your hardscape.

Non-Native Trees

Trees are a great addition to a yard, providing shade, beauty and potentially adding value to a property. But non native trees can be a problem. Not all of them will adapt to your local climate, and some will need special care, and according to EcoMatcher, others may even become invasive and take over other plants.

Artificial Turf

Artificial turf may seem like the perfect low maintenance solution to the green lawn at first glance but it’s not maintenance free. Intense sunlight can degrade the material, which means costly replacements are necessary. It also gets too hot in summer, and not very fun for activities.

Wooden Decks

Wooden decks are a stunning outdoor feature and the ideal spot for summer barbecues and family get togethers. Wood, however, will rot, warp, and splinter over time, even when treated, and that’s especially true in climates with harsh weather. While composite materials cost more upfront, they will likely cost less in the long term and require less fussing about.

High-End Outdoor Kitchens

An outdoor kitchen may sound like the perfect idea for entertaining but it can easily get expensive. The costs can spiral between weatherproofing, keeping appliances in good working order and everything else. Plus, depending on your climate, you may only be able to use it for a few good months of the year.

Intricate Irrigation Systems

Irrigation systems can be a great way to make watering your garden a breeze, but complex setups often come with their own set of problems. Wasted water and high bills can result from leaks, broken sprinkler heads or malfunctioning timers. If you have buried pipes, repairing them can also be a costly and labor intensive project.

Excessive Lawn Space

If you have a large, lush, green lawn that sounds like a dream, but keeping it looking pristine is another story. According to Waterperry Gardens, a lawn requires a lot of love: regular mowing, fertilizing, watering, and weeding. If you live in a drought prone area, the cost of water alone can go through the roof.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.