Question 1

Why do my landscape projects keep failing even when I follow instructions?

Accepted Answer

Most failures occur because underlying conditions haven't been addressed. Issues like poor drainage, inappropriate plant selection for your specific microclimate, or soil problems will cause repeated failures regardless of how carefully you follow planting instructions.

Question 2

How can I tell what type of soil problems I'm dealing with?

Accepted Answer

Professional soil testing reveals pH, nutrients, drainage, and composition. However, you can observe clues like water pooling after rain (clay/poor drainage), plants wilting despite watering (sandy/fast drainage), or stunted growth (nutrient/pH issues).

Question 3

Are steep slopes always a problem, or can they be turned into landscape features?

Accepted Answer

Steep slopes can become stunning landscape features with proper planning. The key is understanding slope angle, water flow patterns, and selecting appropriate plants or hardscape solutions. Many of our most dramatic transformations have involved challenging terrain.

Question 4

What's the difference between drought-resistant and drought-tolerant plants?

Accepted Answer

Drought-resistant plants naturally thrive in dry conditions without supplemental watering once established. Drought-tolerant plants can survive dry periods but may go dormant or require occasional watering. Both work for water-wise landscapes depending on your specific goals.

Question 5

How do I prioritize multiple landscape problems when I can't fix everything at once?

Accepted Answer

Address infrastructure first - drainage, soil preparation, and irrigation issues. These foundational problems affect everything else. Then tackle safety concerns like erosion, followed by high-impact visual improvements that provide the most enjoyment for your investment.

Landscaping

Common Landscape Problems: Issues and Solutions

Seasonal Landscape Maintenance: Year-Round Care Calendar

Complete Landscaping Guide: Planning to Installation