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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.
🌿 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.