Landscaping your own yard can look like a fun project to do over the spring and summer. Going the DIY route might seem like it will save you money, but you have to be smart going in or it can become a nightmare that really costs you. Sometimes you do need a pro to help, like with sorting out drainage solutions or removing a stump, and the professionals at Schlager Excavating are happy to help when you need that an expert’s opinion. There is a lot you can do on your own with some proper planning and hard work. Here are three pitfalls you should try to avoid when starting your own yard project.

Not Planning Properly

The first and most important step in doing any yard DIY work is planning. When it comes to yard work there are a lot of things that you have to consider before you start digging. You have to look at drainage, erosion, soil type, pest problems, fence lines, patios, walkways, water features, rock gardens, and flower beds. All of these things need to be taken into account. Do you want all of these features? Will what you want work with your space? Planning out your landscaping and even mapping it before you begin will help you get the garden you’ve always dreamed of.

Putting Energy into Something You Don’t Want

Does your neighbour across the street have amazing flower beds that everyone seems to envy? Flower beds are a large time commitment. A beautiful yard doesn’t need large extravagant flower beds and other landscape designs to look good. There are plenty of options for a yard that will make it look amazing. Don’t dedicate yourself to something that is just going to tire and stress you out. Do something that you can manage and dedicate yourself to something you actually do want to manage, so you can have fun and enjoy your hard work.

Not Working With What You Have

One important thing to remember when you are doing a DIY yard project is that you do have to work with what you have. Are you on an amazing waterfront property? Then you will have to take into account the type of natural landscape that your property has. What type of entertaining do you plan on doing? How large is the amount of waterfront that your property has? You will then have to plan how to best utilize the unique character of your property. Take a careful look at what you have and plan around it so that you don’t end up wasting time and money on plants that just won’t grow.

DIY-ing a yard can be a fun project that you can be proud of. Just be careful and plan out your project, making sure that your landscaping is something you want to have and one that can flourish. And remember, if you need a pro at any point in your landscaping journey the team at Schlager Excavating are happy to lend a hand.