12 Gardening Mistakes That Could Be Killing Your Property Value

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Gardens are the welcome mats of our homes, they hint at what is beyond the front door. A well thought out garden can really enhance the appeal of a property, adding a spark of magic that can subtly add value. But it’s a two way street; a poorly managed garden can quickly become an eyesore, taking away from curb appeal and possibly even property value.

Whether you are a seasoned green thumb or someone just starting to cultivate that thumb, there are some gardening missteps that can sneak up on you, but leave a lasting impact. Here are the most common.

Overcrowding Plants

Crop unrecognizable gardener in gloves and jeans planting green plants into fertile soil while working in garden on summer day
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It might seem like a good idea to overcrowd plants to get more lushness, but it can go wrong. Plants that don’t have enough space compete for sunlight, water and nutrients that leads to stunted growth and higher susceptibility to disease. Gardens that are overcrowded are not only untidy, they can also make a yard feel claustrophobic, quite the opposite of what most people are looking for. Allow plants enough room to breathe – your garden will thank you.

Ignoring Weeds

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A few weeds are easy to let slide, but like that one ant in the kitchen: when there’s one, there’s bound to be more. Weeds take away from your plants and make your property look unkempt, which can decrease property appeal. Regular weeding can keep a small problem from becoming a full blown invasion, and keep your garden healthier and more inviting.

Planting Without a Plan

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While it may feel spontaneous to plant haphazardly, the absence of vision can quickly turn your garden into a chaotic and messy affair. Each plant is different and grows differently, and without a plan you could find yourself with incompatible, unhappy plants that can’t thrive. If you take a little time to think about the layout, you’ll end up with a garden that feels like it was always supposed to be there.

Neglecting Soil Health

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Poor soil health is like serving dinner with no food on the plate; plants need the soil for nutrients. Soil testing and amendment sounds like a chore, but plants thrive in soil that is high in organic matter, has a balanced pH and good drainage. Nutrient depleted or overly acidic soil will make it hard for plants to thrive in your garden, and your garden will look tired and unhealthy.

Letting Lawns Go Wild

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An overgrown, scraggly lawn says a property is unloved. Some people like a natural look, but having the lawn grow too long or not trimming the edges makes a garden look neglected and takes away from the appeal of the whole property. It can be kept neat and fresh with regular mowing, edging and occasional reseeding, which will lift the entire yard.

Using Harsh Chemicals

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While chemical pesticides and herbicides could be a quick fix, they’re not a free meal. Beneficial insects, and the soil health in the long run, can be hurt by harsh chemicals, that may also leach into groundwater. At the same time, more and more home buyers are becoming eco conscious and may take a heavily treated garden as a red flag. Whenever possible, choose natural pest control methods so that your garden remains as healthy and attractive as possible.

Choosing Invasive Species

Wooden Table and Benches among Plants
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While some plants may look pretty, they can spread rapidly, taking over the garden and even the neighbor’s! Some invasive plants can overcrowd local plants stealing food and making the ecosystem of the garden unbalanced. Find out about invasive plants in your area and try to select native plants that will fit in with the local environment without taking over.

Overwatering or Underwatering

a person watering plants with a watering can
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Water can be tricky to get right, but it can also be trouble if you have too much or too little. Underwatering can lead to weak, stressed plants and overwatering can drown plants, encourage fungal diseases and increase pest problems. A simple irrigation system or a watering schedule will keep it on track so plants get just the right amount to thrive.

Skipping Mulch

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Mulching is a cozy blanket for your garden, that retains moisture, suppresses weeds, and regulates soil temperature, as this Love Planter article attests. While skipping mulch might cut down on the time it takes to do so in the short term, you frequently end up spending more time pulling weeds, watering, and fighting plants. Mulch protects plants and adds a layer of polish to your garden.

Ignoring Sun Requirements

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Different plants have different sun needs and neglecting these can result in a garden of sun deprived or sun burned plants. A shade loving plant planted in full sun or a sun loving plant planted in the shade will struggle to survive and you will have a sad looking garden. Before you plant, always check the sun requirements and try to find a spot in your yard that matches each plant.

Failure to Prune

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Shrubs, trees and perennials left to their own devices can become unruly, leaving your garden looking shabby. While pruning tames plants to the shape we want them, it also makes plants healthier, since dead or diseased branches inhibit healthy growth. A well pruned garden shows you care and can even make a simple yard look like a professionally designed space.

Neglecting Paths and Borders

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Garden paths and borders aren’t just practical, they also add structure and charm to a yard. They help visitors see a path through the garden, protecting plants from getting trampled while keeping garden areas defined and tidy. Without these, gardens can look untidy and harder to navigate which may put off potential buyers or visitors.

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

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