When A DIY Landscaping Project Is A Bad Idea

D-I-Y is generally not a good idea when it comes to landscaping. No matter how well-intentioned and even skillful a homeowner might be, the results often fall short of the mark in numerous ways. The crux of the problem is that a great deal can go wrong, and it frequently does.

You Don't Have The Same Level Of Design Skills

Putting together a cohesive landscape design with elements that work well together and create a balance can be much more difficult than you might think. It takes talent, experience, and special resources. When homeowners attempt it themselves, they rarely achieve the look they envisioned. Styles can change rapidly, and a professional is on top of the latest design shifts. Too often, a homeowner's choice of materials comes down to availability and cost. This can lead to inappropriate, unsuitable materials that don't work well for the task or poor installation that may require professional removal. 

You Don't Have A Complete Plan, Or You Add Elements Haphazardly

Without carefully planning the different aspects of your project, it makes it harder to keep your elements balanced and Complementary. Instead, things might look thrown together and mismatched. Incorrect calculations in the number of materials needed for the project can result in delays, and with today's supply chain issues, it can be a long delay.

You Don't Have The Right Tools For The Job

Using the proper tools is just as important as selecting appropriate materials. When you discover that you lack something critical, chances are it's not hanging in the garage. You can attempt to borrow the missing tool, but you'll often end up purchasing it. This can cost you extra time and money for which you likely did not budget. Some tools require an advanced skill set that you run the risk of injury without. Three percent D-I-Yers requires a hospital visit annually.

You Fail To Do The Necessary Prep Work

Some landscaping projects require special preparations before the actual installation. For example, a patio typically requires grading, compacting, and base work, such as adding a layer of gravel before beginning work on the patio itself. Skipping steps can cause your new feature to fail or be dangerously unstable. Prepping also includes finding out where your underground utility lines and features are located. If you don't, you could do severe and incredibly costly damage.

You Fail To Obtain The Proper Permits Required By Law

If you install landscaping elements that require a permit but fail to get one, you may be fined and ordered to remove or undo the unauthorized work. This also applies to the preparation when gas utility lines have to be relocated. The work must also comply with your municipality's building codes. No matter how great something looks, if you fail to comply, you can find yourself diving back into your wallet. 

You Don't Have The Time

D-I-Y projects rarely go as quickly as you expect them to. If you cannot spare that extra time, you might find yourself stuck with an unfinished project. Even with the time, another common dilemma is you may find yourself way over your head. Landscaping may be more complex than you anticipate, and the internet and YouTube can give homeowners a false sense of "I got this." You might start something and discover too late that you can't finish it.

You Underestimate The Expenses

It is very easy to miscalculate the costs, like miscalculating the amount of time involved. This is so common with D-I-Y endeavors that almost half (44%) go over budget. It can end up costing the homeowner more than they would have spent to obtain the services of a professional in the first place. Also, if your D-I-Y landscaping turns out subpar, it can significantly lower your home's value and negatively impact your ability to sell in the future.

The above list is far from complete, but we hope we've given you enough to convince you to think twice before you attempt landscaping projects on your own. D-I-Y landscaping should be a d-o-n-'t. It's a gamble that is not worth taking and could yield some disastrous consequences. For optimal results, choose the services of an experienced professional like Fullscapes. We are the premier landscaping specialists in Northeast Ohio, and we don't disappoint. Contact us today for your landscaping needs, and let us show you what we can do.