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5 Landscaping Mistakes That Cost Homeowners Thousands (And How to Avoid Them)
5 landscaping mistakes that are costing homeowners money and how you can avoid them with JGM Landscaping & Design Inc.
Landscaping can completely transform your home…but when it’s done wrong, it can quickly turn into an expensive headache. Many homeowners in the Chicagoland area end up spending thousands of extra dollars fixing mistakes that could have been avoided from the start.
Here are the five most common landscaping mistakes we see—and how to avoid them.
Lilac sage plants used in Illinois landscaping designed to withstand harsh winters and hot summers.
1. Choosing the Wrong Plants for Illinois Weather
Illinois weather is unpredictable. Harsh winters, hot summers, and heavy rain can destroy plants that aren’t suited for our climate.
Common problems:
• Plants that die after one season
• Overwatering or underwatering
• Constant replacements year after year
How to avoid it:
Choose native or climate-adapted plants that can handle Midwest temperatures. A professional landscaper knows which plants thrive locally and require less maintenance.
💡 Bonus: The right plants save you money on water and replacements.
Mulch and soil can wash away due to poor drainage in an Illinois residential landscape.
2. Poor Drainage Planning
Drainage issues are one of the most expensive landscaping mistakes homeowners make.
What happens when drainage is ignored:
• Water pooling near foundations
• Washed-out mulch and soil
• Cracked pavers or sinking patios
How to avoid it: Always plan drainage before installing pavers, sod, or garden beds. Proper grading and drainage solutions protect both your landscape and your home.
3. Skipping a Professional Design Plan
Jumping straight into landscaping without a plan often leads to wasted money. Why this costs more in the long run:
• Redoing work later
• Buying the wrong materials
• Poor layout that doesn’t flow
How to avoid it:
Even a simple professional layout can:
• Maximize your space
• Improve curb appeal
• Prevent costly changes later
A well-thought-out design ensures everything works together from day one.
4. Using Cheap Materials to Save Money
Trying to save money upfront by choosing low-quality materials often backfires. Common issues with cheap materials:
• Cracking pavers
• Fading mulch or stone
• Short lifespan
How to avoid it:
Invest in durable, high-quality materials. They last longer, look better, and save you money on repairs and replacements.
Landscaping plans and construction drawings highlighting the importance of hiring a professional contractor.
5. Hiring the Cheapest Contractor (Instead of the Right One)
This is one of the biggest mistakes homeowners make.
Why cheap bids can be risky:
• Inexperienced crews
• No proper equipment
• Work not done to code
• Lack of warranties
How to avoid it:
Look for a landscaping company that:
• Is experienced and insured
• Has local references
• Communicates clearly
• Offers fair, transparent pricing
Quality work done right the first time is always cheaper than fixing bad work later.
How JGM Landscaping Helps You Avoid These Mistakes
At JGM Landscaping, we help homeowners throughout the Chicagoland area:
Choose the right plants and materials
Design landscaping that lasts
Install projects correctly the FIRST time
Protect their investment
Whether you need maintenance, hardscaping, or a full landscaping transformation, out team focuses on quality, durability, and long-term value.
Ready to Get Started? 📱
Contact JGM Landscaping after the winter time for a free estimate.
How to Prepare Your Lawn & Landscaping for an Illinois Winter (Save Money & Prevent Damage) ❄️
Prepare your lawn and landscaping for an Illinois winter. Prevent snow, mold, salt damage, drainage issues, and costly spring repairs with JGM Landscaping.
Illinois winters are no joke. Between freezing temperatures, heavy snowfalls, ice storms, and long stretches of cloudy weather, your lawn and landscaping take on months of stress. Homeowners in the Chicagoland and Northwest Suburbs often don’t realize how much winter actually affects their property until spring rolls around and they’re facing dead patches of grass, damaged shrubs, cracked hardscapes, or flooded areas that could have been prevented.
The good news? Preparing your property now can save you hundreds—sometimes thousands—of dollars in spring repairs. With a little planning, and the help of professionals like JGM Landscaping Inc., your lawn, plants, and hardscapes can come out of winter healthy and ready for a strong spring comeback.
Below are the most important steps every Illinois homeowner should take before winter hits.
Close-up of fallen autumn leaves mixed with small rocks on the ground, showing debris buildup that should be cleared before winter to prevent lawn damage.
1. Clean Up Leaves & Debris Before the First Snow Fall 🧹
One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is leaving piles of leaves on the lawn all winter. While it seems harmless, those wet, compacted layers create the perfect habitat for:
• Snow mold
• Harmful fungi
• Rodents and insects
• Grass suffocation
• Patchy bare spots in spring
When snow falls on top of a layer of wet leaves, the moisture gets trapped and sits on your lawn for months. That’s why homeowners who skip fall cleanups often end up needing expensive spring lawn repair, overseeding, or even full restorations.
Hiring JGM Landscaping Inc. for a fall cleanup ensures your lawn is cleared, aerated, and prepped properly before freezing temperatures arrive.
Close-up of salt buildup on the edge of a lawn and pavement, showing how de-icing salt can damage grass during Illinois winters.
2. Protect Your Lawn from Salt Damage
Salt damage is extremely common in Illinois because of the heavy use of de-icers on sidewalks, driveways, and roadways. Salt can cause your grass to:
• Turn yellow or brown
• Die off near pavement edges
• Struggle to grow back in spring
To prevent this, you can:
• Put down burlap or plastic barriers near sidewalks
• Use pet-safe ice melt
• Rinse salt-exposed areas during warm stretches
• Add gypsum in spring to repair salt-affected soil
If you use professional plowing or de-icing services through JGM Landscaping Inc., ask them about eco-friendly or lawn-safe products that minimize long-term damage.
3. Cut Your Grass Shorter for the Final Mow 🌱
Your final mowing before winter plays a HUGE role in preventing snow mold and fungal growth.
Ideal final mowing height: 👉 2 to 2.5 inches
Cutting your lawn slightly shorter keeps it from matting down under heavy snow. It also reduces moisture retention, which is what fungal issues thrive on. Many homeowners skip this step or cut the lawn too short too early, which can stress the grass. JGM can handle the final mow as part of your winter preparation service, ensuring your lawn enters dormancy healthy and protected.
4. Schedule Dormant Pruning for Trees & Shrubs 🌳
Winter is actually the BEST time of year to prune many trees and shrubs because:
• They’re dormant (less stress on the plant)
• Disease spread is minimized
• Structural issues are easier to see
• Spring growth becomes fuller and healthier
Dormant pruning also prevents branches from breaking under heavy snow or ice — a common cause of property damage in Chicago suburbs. Homeowners often don’t know which plants need dormant pruning, but the experts at JGM Landscaping Inc. can evaluate your property and prune safely and correctly.
Close-up of icy paver stones showing cracks and separation caused by the winter freeze-thaw cycle, highlighting the importance of protecting hardscapes.
5. Protect Your Hardscapes: Patios, Pavers, & Walkways 🧱
Hardscapes are just as vulnerable to Illinois winters as lawns. The freeze–thaw cycle causes expansion and contraction, leading to:
• Shifting pavers
• Cracks in concrete
• Loose stones
• Water pooling in spring
Before winter, you should:
• Seal paver patios
• Repair any lifted or sunken stones
• Clean debris from joints
• Make sure water drains properly
It’s also important to shovel snow the right way. Avoid metal shovels or sharp tools on pavers — they cause scratches and cracks. If you’re unsure how to maintain your hardscape, JGM can help inspect, repair, and protect your outdoor surfaces.
6. Address Draining Problems Before the Ground Freezes 🚾
Drainage issues won’t fix themselves over winter — they get worse. Standing water becomes a thick layer of ice, causing:
• Slip hazards
• Damage to lawns
• Damage to walkways or foundations
• Mosquito breeding in early spring
If you notice:
• Water pooling
• Muddy or soggy patches
• Runoff toward the house
• Flooding near patios or driveways
…this is the perfect time to fix it. JGM Landscaping specializes in drainage solutions like French drains, grading, dry wells, and downspout rerouting. Fixing drainage before the freeze prevents far bigger problems later.
Close-up of grass with light snow and frost on top, showing how winter conditions can stress lawns in Illinois.
Conclusion
Winter can be harsh on your landscape — but the damage it causes is completely preventable withe the right preparation. Take care of the proper problems now so you can enjoy a healthier, cleaner, and hassle-free landscape when everything thaws.
How Regular Lawn Aeration Helps Your Grass Grow Thicker and Healthier 🌱
JGM Landscaping lawn aeration services in the Chicagoland area. Image showcasing lawn aeration.
Lawn aeration process showing fresh soil plugs and healthy green grass after aerating a yard in Chicagoland.
If your lawn feels hard, looks dull, or struggles to grow despite watering and fertilizing — it might be time for aeration.
At JGM Landscaping, we help homeowners across the Chicagoland area restore their lawns by giving the roots room to breathe and thrive.
🔥 What Is Lawn Aeration?
Lawn aeration is the process of removing small plugs of soil throughout your yard to loosen compacted ground.
This allows air, water, and nutrients to penetrate deep into the soil — reaching the grass roots where it matters most.
Think of it like opening up the soil so your lawn can finally “breathe” again.
⚠️ Signs Your Lawn Needs Aeration
If you notice any of the following, your soil may be compacted:
• Water pooling or running off instead of soaking in
• Grass that feels spongy or patchy
• Thin or discolored areas
• Soil that feels hard when you push a screwdriver into it
Compacted soil prevents roots from growing properly, making it harder for your grass to stay green and full.
🍀 Benefits of Aerating Your Lawn
Here’s why lawn aeration is one of the most powerful (yet underrated) services you can do for your yard:
• Promotes stronger, deeper root growth
• Improves water absorption and nutrient intake
• Reduces thatch buildup and puddling
• Makes your lawn thicker, greener, and more resistant to heat and drought
• Enhances results from fertilizing and overseeding
After aeration, you’ll see noticeable improvement in color, density, and overall lawn health — usually within just a few weeks.
📅 Best Time for Aeration in Illinois
The best seasons for lawn aeration in the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago are early spring (April–May) and early fall (September–October) and even November.
These are the times when grass is actively growing, allowing the roots to recover quickly and fill in gaps.
Lawn aeration machine creating small holes in a residential yard to improve grass growth in the Chicagoland area.
💬 Schedule Your Aeration Service with JGM Landscaping
A healthy lawn starts below the surface.
Our team at JGM Landscaping uses professional-grade aeration equipment designed for Chicagoland’s compact clay soil — helping your grass grow thicker, stronger, and greener all season long.
📞 Call or text JGM Landscaping today to schedule your aeration service and bring your lawn back to life!
How to Protect Your Lawn & Pavers from Snow Plow Damage ❄️
By JGM Landscaping & Design— Serving Chicagoland & the Northwest Suburbs
When winter hits in Illinois, snow plowing becomes essential — but it can also leave your yard and driveway looking rough by spring. Scraped pavers, torn-up grass edges, and hidden damage under the snow are common problems. Here’s how to protect your lawn and hardscaping from snow plow damage this season.
Reflective driveway markers placed along a brick paver driveway extension and lawn edge to prevent snow plow damage during winter in Illinois.
🌿 1. Mark Your Driveway and Lawn Edges
Before the first snowfall, install sturdy driveway markers or reflective stakes along the edges of your driveway, walkways, and lawn.
These help snow plow drivers see boundaries clearly — preventing them from pushing heavy snow over your grass or into your landscaping beds.
➡️ Tip: Use tall, flexible markers that won’t snap in the cold.
Orange snow plow clearing snow with a rubber-edge blade to protect brick and stone paver driveways from scratching during winter.
🧱 2. Avoid Metal-Bladed Plows on Pavers
If you have a brick or stone driveway, make sure your snow removal provider uses a rubber or polyurethane blade edge instead of metal.
Metal blades can scratch or chip your pavers, especially when temperatures drop below freezing. JGM Landscaping’s team always uses equipment that’s safe for hardscaping surfaces.
🌧️ 3. Don’t Pile Snow on the Lawn
It’s tempting to push snow off to the side, but piling it high on grass can cause compaction and mold once it melts.
Instead, try to spread snow evenly or direct it to low-traffic corners of your property. This prevents patches of dead or yellow grass in the spring.
Close-up of brick paver driveway with white salt residue showing winter de-icing damage on hardscape surfaces.
⛔ 4. Skip Salt on Decorative Pavers
Traditional rock salt can damage both plants and hardscapes. For safer de-icing, switch to calcium magnesium acetate or sand — they’re gentler on stone and less harmful to your soil.
If your driveway is sealed, this also helps preserve the color and finish of your pavers.
🧰 5. Hire Professionals Who Know Lawn Protection
Not all snow removal crews take landscaping into account. JGM Landscaping offers services that protect your property year-round — using proper plowing angles, safe equipment, and careful attention to your lawn and hardscape layout.
⛅ Final Thoughts
Protecting your lawn and pavers during winter isn’t about avoiding damage— it’s about saving time and money when spring arrives. With the right tools, materials, and professional help, you can enjoy a clean, damage-free property all season long.
📍 JGM Serving Areas
Wheeling - Northbrook - Palatine - Buffalo Grove - Arlington Heights - Mundelein - Evanston - and surrounding Chicagoland suburbs
The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Pavers for Your Patio in Illinois 🧱
Planning a new patio in Illinois? JGM Landscaping shares expert tips for choosing the best pavers— from concrete and brick to natural stone— built to last through Chicagoland weather. Serving Mundelein, Barrington, Northbrook and surrounding areas.
If you’re planning to upgrade your backyard with a new patio, choosing the right pavers is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. The material, style, and installation will impact not only how your patio looks but also how well it withstands Chicagoland’s tough weather. At JGM Landscaping Inc., we’ve helped homeowners across Cook and Lake County create beautiful, durable patios that add value and curb appeal. Here’s our expert guide to choosing the right pavers for your home.
Image of frozen snow on some pavers in the Chicagoland area.
1. Consider Illinois Weather Conditions
In the Northwest Chicago suburbs, winters bring freezing temperatures and summers get hot and humid. This means you need pavers that can handle freeze-thaw cycles without cracking. Concrete and natural stone pavers are popular choices because they are strong and built for long-term use.
Image of fully installed stone pavers.
2. Popular Types of Patio Pavers
🔹 Concrete Pavers
• Affordable and versatile
• Wide variety of colors, shapes, and finishes
• Can mimic natural stone at a lower cost
🔹 Brick Pavers
• Timeless, classic look
• Eco-friendly (made from clay)
• Great for traditional homes in areas like Northbrook and Evanston
🔹 Natural Stone Pavers
• Premium, elegant appearance
• Options include bluestone, limestone, or flagstone
• Highly durable and unique, perfect for luxury patios in Barrington and Highland Park
3. Style and Aesthetic ✨
Your patio should compliment your home’s architecture.
Modern homes often look great with sleek concrete slabs.
Traditional homes pair beautifully with brick.
For a natural, rustic feel, flagstone or bluestone works best.
Image of a natural stone retaining wall still standing besides the weather conditions and time.
4. Maintenance & Longevity
Concrete requires sealing every few years to prevent staining.
Brick may shift slightly over time but is easy to reset.
Natural stone lasts for decades with minimal maintenance.
5. Budget Considerations
Concrete: 💰 most cost-effective
Brick: 💰 💰 mid-range
Natural stone: 💰 💰 💰 higher upfront cost, but long-term investment
Image of pavers being professionally installed in the Chicagoland area.
6. Professional Installation Matters!
No matter which paver you choose, the installation makes all the difference. At JGM Landscaping, our team ensures proper base preparation, drainage, and sealing so your patio not only looks amazing but also withstands Illinois weather for years to come.
📌 Choosing the right paver is the first step toward creating your dream backyard. Whether you’re in Mundelein, Northbrook, Barrington or anywhere in the Chicagoland area, JGM Landscaping Inc. is here to help you design and build a patio that’s both functional and beautiful!
📲 Call us today for a free consultation and paver patio estimate in Illinois!
🌿 Top 5 Landscaping Trends in the Chicagoland Area (2025)
When it comes to creating beautiful outdoor spaces, homeowners in Chicagoland are looking for more than just a lawn and a few shrubs. They want functional, stylish, and low-maintenance landscapes that add value to their homes. At JGM Landscaping Inc, we’ve seen exciting trends take over in 2025— and they’re here to stay.
Here are the Top 5 Landscaping Trends in the Chicagoland Area that homeowners love right now:
Outdoor Living Spaces with Paver Patios
Forget plain concrete— brick and stone paver patios are the new must-have. Homeowners in Mundelein, Northbrook, and Barrington are investing in outdoor kitchens, fire pits, and seating areas that extend their living space outdoors.
👉 With durable materials and custom designs, these patios look amazing and add long-term value.
2. Low-Maintenance Native Plant Landscaping
Busy families are choosing native plants and perennials that thrive in Illinois weather. From vibrant coneflowers to ornamental grasses, these choices cut down on watering and upkeep.
👉 Plus, native plants support pollinators, making your yard both eco-friendly and low-maintenance.
3. 3D Landscape Design Before Building 🏡
Technology is changing landscaping. Instead of guessing, more homeowners are requesting 3D designs to visualize their dream yard before construction begins.
👉 At JGM, we provide detailed 3D renderings so clients know exactly how their patio, garden or hardscape will look— no surprises.
4. Modern Retaining Walls & Walkways 🧱
Retaining walls are no longer just functional— they’re a design feature. Sleek stone walls and custom walkways are being used to highlight garden beds and create stylish entryways.
👉 These features improve curb appeal while making your outdoor space more inviting.
5. Sustainable Lawn Care & Sod Installation
Homeowners in the Chicagoland area are switching to sod installations for instant green lawns and using smart irrigation systems to save water. Sustainability is a big priority in 2025, and it’s shaping how yards are designed and maintained.
Ready to Upgrade Your Yard?
At JGM Landscaping Inc, we help homeowners across Chicagoland transform their outdoor spaces with professional landscaping, hardscapes, and 3D design. Whether you want a new patio, a lush lawn, or a complete backyard makeover— we’ve got you covered.
👉 Contact us today for a FREE estimate and let’s bring your outdoor vision to life!
How Regular Lawn Maintenance Boosts Curb Appeal & Property Value in Chicagoland 🏘️
If you’re a homeowner in Lake County , Cook County, or other surrounding areas in Illinois, investing in professional lawn care might be one of the smartest ways to increase your home’s value. At JGM Landscaping, we’ve helped clients across the Northwest Suburbs create stunning lawns that not only look great— but also add long-term value to their property.
🌱 Why Lawn Maintenance Matters
Consistent lawn maintenance isn’t just about appearance— it’s about improving the health and longevity of your landscape. With regular mowing, edging, fertilizing, and weed control, your lawn:
Grows thicker and greener
Is more resistant to disease
Keeps weeds and pests under control
Improves overall curb appeal
💰 Landscaping Can Increase Your Home’s Value by Up to 15%
According to real estate experts, homes with well-maintained lawns and landscaping can see a 10-15% boosts in resale value. That’s a major return on investment from something as simple as weekly service and seasonal clean-ups.
📍 Serving Lake County, Cook County & Surrounding Chicagoland Areas
At JGM Landscaping, we proudly serve homeowners across Buffalo Grove, Wheeling, Mundelein, Arlington Heights, Northbrook, and surrounding areas. Whether you need:
Weekly mowing
Spring/Fall clean-ups'
Mulch and bed maintenance
Or custom hardscaping projects
— we’ve got you covered!
🔨 Let Us Handle the Hard Work
We know life gets busy. That’s why we offer reliable, affordable lawn care services so you can enjoy a beautiful yard without lifting a finger.
📱 Call JGM Landscaping today or request a free quote online.
Your dream lawn is one service away!
How Hardscaping Can Boost Your Home’s Value in the Chicagoland Area
It all begins with an idea.
When most homeowners think of boosting property value, they often turn to kitchen remodels or interior upgrades. But what many overlook is one of the most impactful— and lasting—investments: hardscaping.
At JGM Landscaping Inc., we’ve seen firsthand how professionally designed and installed hardscape features not only enhance curb appeal but also add significant resale value to homes in the northwest suburbs of Chicago.
What Is Hardscaping?
Hardscaping refers to the use of non-living elements such as stone, concrete, brick, and wood to create outdoor structures and features. This includes patios, walkways, retaining walls, driveways, and other architectural details that enhance the functionality and aesthetics of a landscape. Unlike softscaping, which involves plants and greenery, hardscaping provides durable, permanent surfaces that define and organize outdoor spaces.
Why Hardscaping Increases Home Value
Curb Appeal That Sells
First impressions matter! A clean, professionally paved walkway or a well-designed stone patio can instantly elevate your home’s exterior, making it more appealing to potential buyers,
2. Low-Maintenance Outdoor Living
Many homebuyers are looking for outdoor spaces that require less work and more enjoyment. Hardscaping provides durable, low-maintenance spaces ideal for relaxing or entertaining.
3. ROI You Can See
According to real estate experts, well-planned landscaping can increase a home’s value by up to 15%, and hardscaping plays a huge role in that increase!
4. Functional Use of Outdoor Space
Whether it’s a retaining wall that prevents erosion or a custom fire pit that becomes the heart of weekend gatherings, functional outdoor upgrades add usability and versatility.
Hardscaping Trends That Add the Most Value
Natural Atone Patios
Built-in Outdoor Kitchens
Modern Retaining Walls
Decorative Concrete Walkways
Fire Pits & Seating Areas
Serving the Chicagoland Area with Custom Landscaping Solutions
Whether you’re planning to sell your home or simply want to make the most out of your outdoor space, hardscaping is a smart, lasting investment. At JGM Landscaping Inc, we specialize in transforming ordinary yards into functional, beautiful landscapes that stand the test of time.
Let’s Build Value Into Your Yard
👉 Contact our team today to schedule a FREE consultation or ecplore our hardscaping gallery to get inspired.
📍 Serving the Chicagoland area and Northwest suburbs with expert landscaping and hardscaping services.