Top Five Biggest Landscape Mistakes in the Northeast

Top Five Biggest Landscape Mistakes in the Northeast

Spring in the Northeast is always a welcome sight after a long, cold winter. The snow melts, the days get longer, and it finally feels like the right time to get outside and start working on the yard. But as exciting as it is to refresh our landscapes, it’s easy to make mistakes that can cause more harm than good. As someone who has seen firsthand what works and what doesn’t, I want to share the five biggest landscaping mistakes you’ll want to avoid this spring—and some tips to set you up for success.

1. Planting Too Early

After months of gray skies and bare trees, I get the urge to plant as soon as we get a few warm days in a row. But in the Northeast, we all know how unpredictable spring weather can be. A sudden late frost can damage tender new plants, setting everything back.

How to Avoid It:

• Check the average last frost date for your area before planting anything delicate.
• Start seeds indoors or use cold frames to protect young plants.
• Opt for hardy perennials or cool-season veggies like spinach and peas if you want to plant early.

2. Ignoring Soil Health

Winter takes a toll on our soil, compacting it and depleting nutrients. I’ve seen people spend hundreds of dollars on new plants, only to have them struggle because they didn’t prepare their soil first.

How to Avoid It:

• Test your soil’s pH and nutrient levels—kits are cheap and easy to use.
• Enrich the soil with compost or organic matter before planting.
• Use mulch to retain moisture and improve soil structure over time.

3. Over-Mulching

Mulch is a great tool for keeping soil moist and weeds at bay, but too much of it can actually suffocate plant roots. I’ve seen plenty of yards where mulch is piled up like a volcano around trees, which can lead to rot and pest problems.

How to Avoid It:

• Stick to a 2-3 inch layer of mulch—more than that can do more harm than good.
• Keep mulch a few inches away from tree trunks and plant stems to prevent rot.
• Use organic mulch like shredded bark or wood chips to improve soil health over time.

4. Skipping Pruning

Spring is the perfect time to prune many plants, but doing it at the wrong time or cutting too much can lead to stress and poor growth. I’ve learned the hard way that pruning some flowering shrubs too early can mean no blooms for the season.

How to Avoid It:

• Prune dead or damaged branches early to encourage healthy growth.
• Research when your plants should be pruned—some, like lilacs and hydrangeas, bloom on old wood and should only be trimmed after flowering.
• Use sharp, clean tools to prevent disease from spreading.

5. Poor Lawn Seeding Timing and Selection

A lush, green lawn is something we all strive for, but I’ve seen plenty of neighbors struggle with patchy grass because they seeded too early or used the wrong type of grass. The Northeast has a unique climate, and not all seed varieties thrive here.

How to Avoid It:

• Time it Right: Late spring is best for seeding when soil temperatures stay above 50°F.
• Pick the Right Seed: Cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass, fine fescue, and perennial ryegrass perform best in our climate.
• Prepare the Soil: Loosen the top layer of soil and mix in compost to give seeds the best chance to take root.
• Water Wisely: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy for the first few weeks.
• Spread Evenly: Use a spreader to avoid clumps and ensure even coverage.

Set Yourself Up for a Beautiful Spring

Spring landscaping can be incredibly rewarding, but avoiding these common mistakes will save you a lot of frustration down the road. Follow these tips to avoid the Five Biggest Landscaping Mistakes in the Hudson Valley.  Whether you need help with soil testing, professional lawn seeding, or expert landscaping advice, Maple Leaf Associates Inc. is here to help. Get your free quote today by calling (845) 526-2024.