Most landscaping projects don't fail because a contractor made one dramatic error — they fail because small, cheap-looking decisions stack up.
These are the mistakes we see most often on Houston jobs, and the ones we vet every scope against before we start.
1. Plants that hate Houston
Non-adapted species need constant coddling. Natives cut water and replacement costs in half.
2. Beds that trap water at the foundation
Landscaping without drainage causes foundation problems. Grade water away from the house.
3. Skipping soil amendment
Native clay chokes new roots. Amend or plants fail in year two.
4. Too much mulch
Over 3" suffocates roots. Keep it at 2–3".
5. Spray irrigation on beds
Wastes water on foliage and grows fungus. Drip lines belong on beds.
6. Plastic bed edging
Plastic heaves and fails within two years. Metal or concrete edging holds.
7. Ignoring tree mature size
That "cute" oak is 60 ft in 30 years. Plan for the mature footprint.
8. Skipping the rain sensor
Required by Texas law on new systems. Costs nothing, saves a lot.
9. Lighting on the same circuit as the porch
Landscape lighting deserves its own low-voltage transformer with a photocell.
10. A design thats a full-time job
Beautiful year one, unmaintainable year three. Design for realistic maintenance.
How to vet your contractor
Read your landscaping bid line by line and ask which of these mistakes are being avoided — in writing. A contractor who welcomes the question is the one you want; a contractor who deflects is the one to walk away from.
If you'd like a second set of eyes on a scope of work or an existing bid, we're happy to walk through it with you.
