Landscaping Mistakes We See All the Time (and How to Avoid Them)

Even the best intentions can go sideways when it comes to landscaping. At Horizon Landscape & Irrigation, we’ve helped homeowners across Billings rescue and redo outdoor spaces that fell victim to common mistakes—from poor planning to overwatering. The good news? Most of these issues are completely avoidable with a little foresight and the right support. Here are some of the top landscaping pitfalls we see—and what to do instead.

1. Planting Without a Plan
One of the most frequent mistakes we encounter is planting on impulse. That tempting tree or flower might look great at the nursery, but if you don’t understand its growth habits, sun/shade needs, or water requirements, it might not thrive (or worse, become a problem).

Avoid it: Take time to plan your space. Map out sunlight exposure, soil conditions, and how plants will look and grow over time. A little planning ensures you don’t overcrowd or waste money on the wrong species.

2. Ignoring Soil Health
Beautiful landscaping starts with healthy soil—but many homeowners skip soil prep entirely. We often find yards where plants struggle because of compacted, nutrient-poor, or improperly drained soil.

Avoid it: Invest in a soil test and amend your soil before planting. Add compost, organic matter, or sand depending on what your lawn or garden beds need. Good soil is the foundation for every successful landscape.

3. Over-Mulching (aka “Mulch Volcanoes”)
Mulch is great for moisture retention and weed suppression, but too much of it—especially piled against tree trunks or plant stems—can cause rot, fungus, or attract pests.

Avoid it: Stick to a 2–3 inch layer, and leave space around the base of trees and plants. This allows air to circulate and prevents decay.

4. Poor Drainage Planning
Montana’s freeze-thaw cycles and spring snowmelt can quickly lead to water pooling in the wrong places. We’ve seen yards where improper grading or missing swales causes damage to foundations, patios, and plants.

Avoid it: Always consider drainage in your landscape design. Swales, French drains, and strategic grading help water move away from your home and planting beds. Our team specializes in drainage solutions tailored for Billings-area weather.

5. Wrong Plant, Wrong Place
We see it all the time: shade-loving plants scorched in full sun, or drought-tolerant natives drowning in overwatered soil. Placing plants in the wrong conditions leads to constant struggle and higher maintenance.

Avoid it: Group plants by their sunlight and water needs, and always check for mature size before planting. Native plants are a great option—they’re already adapted to Montana’s climate and require less care overall.

6. Skipping Irrigation Planning
Dragging hoses around works for a while—but as your landscape grows, inconsistent watering becomes a problem. Overwatering some plants while others dry out is a recipe for frustration and dead zones.

Avoid it: Install a smart irrigation system that targets specific zones. Horizon can design systems with rain sensors and timers that adjust to the weather, saving you time, water, and money.

7. Forgetting About Maintenance
That Pinterest-perfect yard looks great—until weeds, overgrowth, or failing plants set in. Without a realistic maintenance plan, your landscape may not stay as pretty as it started.

Avoid it: Choose low-maintenance plants and hardscape features that fit your lifestyle. And schedule seasonal clean-ups to stay on top of tasks like pruning, weeding, and irrigation adjustments.

Let Us Help You Get It Right
Avoiding these common mistakes can save you hundreds—if not thousands—of dollars and hours of labor. At Horizon Landscape & Irrigation, we help Billings homeowners design smart, functional, and beautiful yards that thrive in our unique Montana climate.

If you’re planning a new project or fixing an old one, visit https://horizonlandscapemt.com to schedule a free consultation. We’ll help you avoid costly missteps and create a landscape you’ll love for years to come.