5 Landscaping Mistakes That Cost Homeowners Thousands (And How to Avoid Them)

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.