Landscaping in Missouri’s southern region is both an art and a science. Whether you’re tackling your own yard or hiring a pro, one wrong decision can affect your curb appeal, your drainage, and even your home’s value. At Revolution Landscapes and Construction, we’ve seen (and corrected) it all. In this post, we’re revealing the most common landscaping mistakes Missouri homeowners make—and how to avoid them with smart, sustainable solutions.
Mistake #1 – Ignoring Proper Drainage
Too many Missouri homeowners forget that we live in a region with clay-heavy soil and unpredictable rain cycles. Without a proper drainage plan, you risk water pooling near your foundation or drowning your plants.
How to Avoid It:
Install French drains, swales, or grading systems to direct water flow. We specialize in custom drainage solutions for homes across St. Francois and the surrounding counties.
Learn more about our Drainage Services
Mistake #2 – Planting Without Considering Mature Size
That small bush might look nice now, but in five years it could block windows, crowd your walkway, or choke out nearby plants.
How to Avoid It:
Choose plants native to Missouri and space them based on their mature size. We help homeowners build balanced gardens and landscaping that grow beautifully over time.
Mistake #3 – Overwatering or Underwatering
Missouri summers can be hot, but overwatering in heavy clay soil can lead to rot just as easily as under-watering can lead to dead grass.
How to Avoid It:
Use moisture sensors, set watering schedules, and group plants by watering needs. Our irrigation systems and soil testing services can help you strike the right balance.
Mistake #4 – Neglecting Seasonal Lawn Maintenance
Skipping aeration or fall cleanup leads to compacted soil, thatch buildup, and weak grass in spring.
How to Avoid It:
Implement a lawn care schedule that includes spring fertilization, fall aeration, and seasonal weed control.
Explore Our Lawn Care Services
Mistake #5 – Poor Hardscape Planning
Placing a patio in a shady or low area, or installing walkways without accounting for slope, leads to water damage and costly repairs.
How to Avoid It:
We create landscape design plans with proper elevations, base prep, and materials that suit your yard’s topography.
View Hardscape & Patio Services
Mistake #6 – Choosing Non-Native Plants
Imported plants may not survive the extremes of Missouri’s climate.
How to Avoid It:
We recommend native, drought-tolerant plants like Missouri coneflowers, blue grama grass, and butterfly milkweed that support pollinators and thrive with minimal input.
Mistake #7 – Not Planning for the Future
Too many homeowners landscape for “now,” without thinking about how their family, use of space, or home resale value might change.
How to Avoid It:
Whether you’re a growing family or planning to sell in 3–5 years, work with a team that designs with both your present and future needs in mind.
Learn About Our 3D Landscape Design Services
A Local Expert’s Perspective
At Revolution Landscapes and Construction, we’ve corrected hundreds of landscaping mistakes across Farmington, Desloge, Fredericktown, and beyond. Our team knows what works in Missouri—because we live and work here too.
