As a homeowner, you want to create the perfect outdoor space. You’ve seen those beautiful yards on Pinterest and Instagram, and you think, “I can do this myself.” After all, how hard can it be to plant a few shrubs, lay down some mulch, or design a new patio? The idea of saving money by tackling the landscaping yourself is definitely tempting. But, if you’ve ever tried to transform your yard on your own, you know it’s not as easy as it looks.

At Brookside Landscape and Design, we get it. We understand the excitement and, honestly, the pressure that comes with wanting your yard to look perfect. You want to enjoy your space, have your neighbors compliment your yard, and feel proud every time you walk outside. But what happens when things don’t go according to plan?

If you’ve started a DIY landscaping project, or you’re considering one, you may already have experienced a few of these issues, or maybe you’re worried about running into them. Let’s talk about some of the biggest potential problems homeowners face when they take on landscaping and hardscaping projects themselves, so you can avoid the headaches and get a result you’ll be happy with for years to come.

1. Lack of Experience and Knowledge

You might be thinking, “I know what looks good, so I can just figure it out.” But landscaping is more than just picking pretty plants and laying down some stones. It’s an art that involves understanding your soil, the right amount of sunlight, drainage, irrigation, and so much more. Without this knowledge, your landscaping efforts can end up failing, and what was supposed to be a relaxing backyard retreat could become a source of stress.

For example, you might plant flowers in an area that gets too much sun, or use soil that isn’t ideal for certain plants. Over time, those plants may wither or die. Or, maybe you build a patio without thinking about how water will drain. The next time it rains, your new outdoor space could turn into a puddle.

At Brookside Landscape and Design, we know that landscaping isn’t just about what’s aesthetically pleasing, it’s about creating a space that lasts. Understanding your unique yard’s needs is key to making sure your efforts won’t be wasted.

2. Underestimating the Amount of Time and Effort Required

DIY landscaping sounds like a weekend project, right? But once you get started, you quickly realize it’s not a small task. Planting a tree or installing a walkway can take much longer than you expect, especially if you’re not familiar with the tools and techniques needed.

Time quickly adds up. If you’re working a full-time job, have a family, or just have a busy life in general, finding hours or even days, maybe weeks depending on your ambition to commit to landscaping can be overwhelming. And if the project ends up taking longer than you anticipated, it can get even more frustrating. What started as a fun project can become a never-ending to-do list.

If you’ve found yourself with half-completed projects or feeling like you’ve bitten off more than you can chew, you’re not alone. Many homeowners begin with the best of intentions but quickly realize they don’t have the time to finish what they started. That’s when the stress starts to kick in.

3. Incorrect Tools and Equipment

When you decide to take on landscaping yourself, you might not have the right tools for the job. Tools aren’t cheap, and buying all the necessary equipment for one or two projects doesn’t always make sense. But trying to make do with what you have can lead to mistakes, delays, and frustration.

For example, using the wrong shovel for digging holes or trying to lay pavers with inadequate equipment can lead to uneven surfaces, cracked materials, or even injuries. Some tasks, like installing irrigation systems or building a proper gravel base for a patio, require very specific tools and expertise. Without them, you could end up wasting time and money trying to fix mistakes.

It’s also important to remember that professional landscapers, like us at Brookside, have access to specialized equipment that makes the job easier, faster, and more efficient. These tools allow us to complete projects to a higher standard than what’s possible with basic tools from the hardware store.

4. The Risk of Injury

Landscaping might look like an easy, hands-on project, but it involves physical labor that can take a toll on your body. Digging holes, hauling heavy bags of soil, lifting pavers, and using power tools can lead to strained muscles, cuts, and even more serious injuries if you’re not careful.

Even simple tasks, like trimming hedges or pulling weeds, can turn into painful chores if done incorrectly. It’s easy to forget about your body’s limitations in the excitement of the project, but we see it all the time—people injuring themselves while trying to save a few dollars.

If you’ve already hurt your back or wrists from a landscaping project, or you’re worried about the physical toll it might take on you, it might be time to reconsider DIY. We at Brookside can do the hard work for you, ensuring the job is done safely and professionally. Let us take that risk so you don’t have to.

5. Mistakes That Are Expensive to Fix

When you’re a DIY-er, mistakes happen. Maybe you accidentally planted the wrong flowers in the wrong spot. Maybe your patio isn’t level, or your irrigation system leaks. These kinds of issues not only affect the look of your yard but can also end up being expensive to fix. And fixing them means extra time and money spent.

For instance, if your patio or driveway isn’t properly installed, you might find cracks, gaps, or unevenness after the first few months of wear and tear. A simple fix could quickly turn into a much larger project that could cost more than hiring a professional in the first place.

At Brookside, we know how to handle these issues from the start. We make sure everything is done right the first time, saving you time, frustration, and extra costs down the road.

6. Unrealistic Expectations

There’s no doubt about it: DIY landscaping can be fun, and seeing the transformation in your yard is rewarding. But many homeowners go into the project with high expectations. Maybe you’ve seen a gorgeous outdoor space in a magazine or on a neighbor’s property, and you think, “That’s exactly what I want!” But what you may not realize is that achieving that kind of perfection requires a lot of expertise and knowledge.

Landscaping isn’t a “one-size-fits-all” project. What works for one property might not work for another. Without professional advice and guidance, you might find that your vision isn’t as easy to achieve as you thought.

We understand the desire for a picture-perfect backyard, and we’re here to guide you through every step of the process to make sure your vision becomes a reality—without disappointment.

7. Lack of Long-Term Maintenance Planning

Even if your DIY landscaping project looks amazing right after completion, the work doesn’t stop there. Your yard will need ongoing maintenance to keep it looking great. From trimming trees to replacing dead plants and ensuring your irrigation system works properly, the upkeep can add up.

Many homeowners who tackle landscaping on their own underestimate how much work goes into maintaining the yard. A lot of the time, the long-term care of your landscaping is what gets neglected, and over time, it can lead to a yard that looks tired and run down.

At Brookside, we offer long-term care and service options, while we don’t mow, trim, or maintain lawns, we do maintain hardscapes, irrigation systems, and water features keeping them looking fresh year-round year after year. We can help you develop a plan for regular maintenance, so your investment continues to pay off for years to come.

Conclusion: Should You DIY Your Landscaping?

When it comes down to it, DIY landscaping can be a rewarding experience, but it also comes with a lot of risks and challenges. From lacking the necessary knowledge and tools to making costly mistakes and facing physical strain, it’s important to know what you’re getting into before starting a project.

If you’ve been considering DIY landscaping, take a step back and evaluate whether it’s the right choice for you. Ask yourself: Do I have the time, skills, and resources to do this properly? If not, you might want to consider hiring a professional like Brookside Landscape and Design. We understand the ins and outs of landscaping, hardscaping, and more, and we can help you create a beautiful, functional outdoor space that will last for years to come.

Whether you’re looking to install a patio, update your garden, or create an entire outdoor living area, we’re here to help guide you through the process—without the stress. You deserve a yard that you can be proud of, and we’re ready to make that happen.