Part 2: Top Florida Landscaping Mistakes

February 23, 2026

Part 2: Top Florida Landscaping Mistakes

While choosing the right plants for your landscape should be a top priority, it is equally essential to choose the right design to ensure the longest life possible for your landscape. For example, the University of Florida (UF/IFAS) writes that a lack of theme, choosing the wrong groundcover, and planting too close to your foundation can be detrimental to the structure of your garden.

A succinct theme, according to the experts, will keep your lawn from appearing “messy and disorganized”. They suggest choosing a general shape or form to help guide the structure of the design and unify your landscape.

Choosing the wrong groundcover isn’t detrimental, but the right groundcover can significantly enhance your landscape. For example, turfgrass is often chosen as a default groundcover for many properties. Although that may be an okay choice, turfgrass “is not recommended for shady spots, on steep slopes, or in small areas that are difficult to maintain.” It’s important to do the research on your own landscape before choosing a groundcover that will properly match its needs.

A surprising, yet highly common landscaping mistake is planting too close to the foundation of the structure its near, such as your house or business. Plants need room to grow in a way that planting too close to foundation doesn’t allow for. This can lead to excessive pruning, say experts at UF/IFAS, and can make maintenance more difficult as well as cause pest problems. “Instead, plant shrubs beyond the roof drip line,” UF/IFAS offers as an alternative.

For more information or to talk with a professional about how to avoid or correct landscaping mistakes, visit our Contact Us page.