11 DIY Garden Ideas That Will Ruin Your Yard
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You don’t need to be a professional to transform your garden into a beautiful outdoor space. Affordability and the potential personalization of DIY garden projects are tempting. Unfortunately, some of those popular DIY ideas can result in disastrous effects that leave your yard looking less picture perfect than you’d like.
Here are some trendy projects that sound like great ways to cut costs and get creative, but could result in major maintenance issues or a messy yard. The following DIY ideas could ruin your garden if you don’t get them right!
Concrete Walkway Overload
A concrete path may sound like a solid, no hassle solution, but too much concrete will damage your lawn and block water from reaching surrounding plants. This excessive hardscaping can disrupt natural drainage and over time can result in unsightly cracks. Go for fewer concrete slabs altogether, or even permeable pavers that will let rainwater filter through. Otherwise, you will soon have created a path that becomes an eyesore.
Artificial Turf Everywhere
Though artificial turf promises a green, maintenance-free lawn, covering large sections of your garden with it can cause drainage problems and trap heat. Synthetic turf often compacts the soil underneath, making it difficult for beneficial organisms to flourish. If not installed with proper drainage, artificial grass can become a breeding ground for bacteria and can stink.
Gravel Garden Beds
Sometimes, gravel is suggested for garden beds to help suppress weeds, yet too much gravel slows down planting and raises the soil temperature. The excess gravel can suffocate plant roots, making it difficult to switch plants or change bed layouts. Gravel is an ongoing source of permanent barriers to proper soil health as it accumulates over time.
Overdoing Topiary Sculptures
Excessive pruning can strain plants and make garden maintenance a chore, but a topiary, once an artistic addition to a garden, can still be pretty as long as it is kept to a reasonable scale. Plants suffer stress and stunted growth because too many intricate shapes need constant trimming. Over-sculpting plants can result in barren or dead foliage. To balance and make it easier to maintain, keep topiary minimal.
DIY Pond Without Liner
Putting a liner in your pond might seem like no big deal, but without a liner the soil erosion, leaks, and bacteria growth can end up costing you a lot more than you anticipated. If you don’t have a good liner, the water from your DIY pond will seep into the ground, which could damage nearby plants and cause uneven ground. Unlined ponds are also risky for becoming murky or stagnant, allowing pests and unpleasant odors in. Always use pond liners to keep your water features safe and long-lasting.
Painting Rocks and Plant Pots
Painted rocks and colorful pots can add personality but the paint may chip or fade and your yard will look run down over time. Direct sunlight can quickly deteriorate painted surfaces, especially if there’s also some water exposure, leaving vibrant decor to become dull clutter very quickly. The paint can also leach chemicals over time, affecting plants’ health. Go natural with natural treated decor elements for a more sustainable option.
Cinder Block Raised Beds
Raised beds in cinder blocks can be a cheap alternative to raised beds, but they can affect soil pH levels and negatively affect plant growth. Concrete material can leach lime, raising soil pH and making it unsuitable for acid-loving plants. Cinder blocks can also be used for raised beds, absorbing heat to dry out soil more quickly and possibly scorch sensitive plants.
Homemade Trellises Without Secure Anchoring
DIY versions of trellises without secure anchoring can collapse onto your plants, so it’s important to make them well and securely with something like a trellis kit. Trellises that aren’t made well or attached to the wall poorly will fail under the force of wind or the weight of climbing plants and snap the stems and topple the structure. Your trellis could turn into more of a liability than an asset without proper support.
Compost Pile Placement Error
Composting is a green way to enrich your soil, but putting your compost pile too close to your garden beds can introduce pests and unpleasant smells. Compost is also susceptible to attracting rodents, insects, and, in some cases, mold — all of which can spread to nearby plants in damp conditions. An improperly maintained compost pile can dump too many nutrients into the soil and throw off the soil balance.
Irrigation Systems That Are Too Complicated
DIY irrigation sounds like something you’d want to save yourself some cash on, but complex irrigation systems can result in uneven water distribution. When you don’t plan carefully, too many pipes, hoses, and timers can lead to waterlogged areas and dry spots. Eventually, the tangled system can become clogged, leak, and damage plants. Keep it simple with simple watering solutions that are easy to maintain and adjust as needed.
Faux Garden Walls with Insulating, Non-Breathing Materials
While pretty faux garden walls made from plastic or treated wood may be attractive, they can also restrict airflow and sunlight. They trap moisture and can encourage mold that can harm plants around it. They also can trap heat and harm plant roots and foliage, especially in nonbreathable walls, if you want a natural, breathable look, use vines on trellises or living green walls with real plants.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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