As summer arrives in New Jersey, your landscape should come alive with lush lawns, vibrant flower beds, and outdoor spaces perfect for entertaining. But even the most elegant properties in Morris, Essex, Union, and Somerset counties can fall victim to common summer landscaping mistakes that cost time, money, and curb appeal.
Whether you’re managing the grounds of a large estate or want to increase the curb appeal of your distinguished home, understanding what not to do is just as important as following best practices. Here are eight summer landscaping mistakes to avoid, along with tips on how to keep your outdoor space healthy, beautiful, and investment-worthy throughout the season.
Overwatering or Underwatering Your Lawn and Plants
One of the most frequent mistakes homeowners make in the summer is watering incorrectly. It’s easy to assume more water is better during hot months, but too much moisture can be just as damaging as too little.
Signs of overwatering:
- Soggy soil and standing water
- Yellowing grass or wilting plants
- Increase in fungus or mold
Signs of underwatering:
- Dry, brittle blades of grass
- Wilted or curled leaves
- Patches of brown or dead grass
Smart tip: Install a smart irrigation system that adjusts to weather conditions, ensuring your landscape receives the exact amount of water it needs. Automated irrigation not only protects your landscape investment but also conserves water and enhances sustainability.
Ignoring Soil Health and Mulch Maintenance
The foundation of a thriving landscape isn’t what you see; it’s what’s happening underground. Neglecting soil quality or misusing mulch can lead to subpar results, regardless of the amount invested in plants or turf.
Common issues include:
- Using poor-quality or compacted soil that lacks nutrients
- Applying mulch too thick, creating a barrier that suffocates roots
- Allowing old, decaying mulch to pile up without replenishing
Best practice: Test your soil annually and refresh mulch each season. Select natural, high-quality mulch in rich tones that complement the landscape’s design. Well-maintained mulch not only supports plant health — it adds a polished, high-end finish to your beds and borders.
Neglecting Pruning and Deadheading
Your trees, shrubs, and flowering plants are in full growth mode during the summer, but that doesn’t mean they should be left untended. Lack of regular pruning and deadheading can make your yard look unkempt and reduce its seasonal appearance.
Consequences of skipping summer pruning:
- Shrubs become overgrown and lose shape
- Flowering plants produce fewer blooms
- Trees can develop weak or hazardous limbs
Pro tip: Work with a professional landscape maintenance team to schedule seasonal pruning that protects your investment and promotes healthy growth. In formal gardens, meticulous pruning is crucial to maintain symmetry and enhance curb appeal.
Overlooking Pest and Disease Control
Warm, humid New Jersey summers provide the perfect environment for insects and plant diseases to thrive. Without proactive management, pests can damage your landscape before you even notice the warning signs.
Watch for:
- Discolored leaves or stunted growth
- Holes in foliage or curling leaves
- Brown patches in grass caused by grubs or chinch bugs
Solution: Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies provide a balanced approach that utilizes environmentally responsible methods to monitor, prevent, and treat infestations. At Landscape Solutions, we create custom IPM plans that protect your plants while preserving pollinators and minimizing chemical use.
Failing to Refresh Seasonal Design
Summer is a time of celebration, color, and outdoor living. Failing to update your seasonal design means missing out on the full potential of your landscape, and your home’s first impression.
Missed opportunities include:
- Dull or outdated annuals in garden beds
- Neglected container planters near entrances or patios
- Lack of vibrant foliage around outdoor entertaining areas
A fresh seasonal design brings life and color to your landscape, helping it stand out with added curb appeal. From sun-loving annuals to artfully designed containers, adding summer color boosts curb appeal and makes your property feel intentional and welcoming.
Mowing the Lawn Too Short
A common mistake during the summer months is cutting the grass too low. Known as “scalping,” this practice weakens your lawn by exposing soil to direct sun, increasing evaporation, and inviting weeds to take hold.
Why it matters:
- Short grass is more vulnerable to drought
- Weeds and crabgrass thrive in stressed lawns
- It reduces root depth, weakening long-term turf health
Pro tip: Maintain your grass height at about 3 to 3.5 inches during the summer. This helps shade the soil, retain moisture, and encourage deeper root growth, especially in high-sun-exposure areas of your property.
Letting Weeds Take Over
In summer, weeds grow aggressively… and once they take hold, they compete with your desired plants for water, nutrients, and sunlight. Left untreated, even minor weed problems can quickly spread and detract from the property’s otherwise elegant appearance.
Don’t make these mistakes:
- Waiting until weeds are mature to remove them
- Ignoring mulch maintenance or gaps in plant coverage
- Using harsh herbicides that damage nearby plantings
The best approach is a combination of hand-weeding, organic pre-emergents, proper plant spacing, and mulch layering, which helps keep weeds at bay while preserving a refined look.
Forgetting to Inspect and Maintain Outdoor Lighting
Outdoor lighting is essential for both safety and evening curb appeal. Unfortunately, it’s often overlooked in summer maintenance routines.
Common issues:
- Burned-out bulbs left unreplaced
- Dirty or foggy lenses blocking light output
- Malfunctioning timers or outdated transformers
Enhance your summer ambiance: Regularly inspect fixtures, clean lenses, and adjust timers to account for seasonal changes in daylight. Landscape lighting plays a vital role in the elegance of your home, especially during evening entertaining or poolside relaxation.
The Landscape Solutions Difference
Avoiding these eight common landscaping mistakes doesn’t just save time and stress — it helps you get the most from your property during the peak of summer. For homeowners in Madison, Chatham, Livingston, Summit, Westfield & Short Hills and surrounds, expert landscape care is not just about appearance — it’s a reflection of lifestyle and long-term value.
At Landscape Solutions, we offer comprehensive landscape design, installation, and maintenance services tailored to the expectations of New Jersey’s most discerning homeowners. Our team works with you to elevate your outdoor environment—while avoiding costly pitfalls that can undermine your investment.
Whether you need:
- Weekly lawn and garden maintenance
- Smart irrigation installation or maintenance
- Seasonal flower displays
- Expert pruning and plant health care
- Full-scale design and outdoor renovations
We’re here to ensure your landscape reaches its full potential—this summer and every season after.
Ready to Protect and Perfect Your Summer Landscape?
Don’t let avoidable mistakes detract from your property’s beauty. Contact Landscape Solutions today for a consultation or landscape maintenance plan that’s tailored to your home’s unique needs.
