Spring is a time when home owners tend to put the most attention on their outdoor areas. They may install new flower beds, put in large plants, add decorative shrubs and in general do a lot of colorful landscaping which improves the curbside appeal and creates a better living environment. Also what many home owners do not expect is that at the start of summer they will be presented with unexpected maintenance issues related to their landscaping projects.
As temperatures go up and plant growth increases at a rapid rate what may have been a perfect looking landscape in April may by June be causing issues. Out of blocked views to water retention and greater debris build up home owners are reporting on issues they are having which in turn may help homeowners protect their properties while still achieving a great looking garden.
Rapid Plant Growth Can Block Important Sightlines
Upon installation of new landscaping one of the great surprises is how fast plants mature. What may have been the right size for shrubs and ornamental grasses at plant time may fill out in a few months.
This growth may impede visibility in driveways, walkways, and at intersections which are near to the property. Homeowners may have trouble seeing which cars are approaching as they back out of the driveway, also guests may have issues finding entrance ways that are behind overgrown plants.
Blocking of views is also an issue. Which in the past have had unobstructed views of the property now may have partial coverage which in turn reduces what is seen and there is less natural watch over the home.
In the first growing season, which is critical for setting the right design, also do what the plants are not overgrown into unsightly structures.
Increased Shade Can Create Unexpected Moisture Problems
Trees, which are put in, do so to give shade and improve outdoor comfort. Although shade may reduce cooling costs and make outdoor spaces more pleasant, it also can cause issues with moisture.
After rain or irrigation, areas that used to get direct sun may stay damp for long periods. Patios, walkways, and exterior walls may dry out more slowly, which in turn creates an environment for mold, mildew, and algae.
Moisture issues present themselves around foundations which is a big issue. Dense vegation which can act as a barrier to air and sun flow may cause the soil to stay wet for a greater time than normal. In the long term this extra moisture by the home can bring up maintenance issues and also which in turn will see an increase in the amount of exterior cleaning.
Homeowners can catch issues early out in the first summer by paying attention to the shaded areas.
Flower Beds May Alter Water Drainage Patterns
Adding to the flower beds’ size and design often sees changes to the overall shape and grade of the landscape which in turn improves the look of the property, also these changes may by chance affect how water drains around the home.
Raised beds, which are the frame for the beds, the edging materials, and mulch can change how water moves. What may have gone past the home in the past is now to be seen pooling at the base of structures, patios, or walkways.
Even slight changes in grade may affect how water moves across a property. Homeowners should watch drainage patterns after large rainfall to see that water is still going away from structures.
When pool water becomes an issue it may be needed to adjust the landscaping design or to implement different drainage solutions which in turn will prevent further damage.
Mulch Can Retain More Moisture Than Expected
Mulch is used by many to control weeds, moderate soil temperature, and better the look of flower beds. But in some cases it does not play out that way.
Thick mulch beds may also cause moisture issues on siding, trim, and foundation walls. Also, when mulch is piling up high around trees or right against the home, it will see more of that which causes breakdown from moisture and also bring in pest issues.
Also during humid summer weather wet mulch is a prime environment for mold and fungus to grow.
Homeowners should put in sufficient mulch but also keep it a few inches away from exterior building materials whenever you can.
New Trees Can Increase Debris Around the Property
Trees bring beauty, shade, and long-term value to a landscape. But in their first summer of growth, homeowners see also that they produce more debris than expected.
Leaves, seeds, flowers, and small branches fall into the gutters and onto patios, walks, and rooftops. Some tree types also drop sticky resin that ends up on cars, outside furnishings, and windows.
This issue of accumulation may be beyond what home owners’ expect. Gutters fill up easily, outdoor areas may become very slippery, also the look of your exterior can quickly return to a not so presentable state.
Throughout the summer routine inspections are recommended, which in turn prevent debris from causing larger maintenance issues.
Landscaping Can Increase Pollen and Window Residue
Many people see in new plants the beauty they bring to their property but ignore the issue of their impact on windows and exterior surfaces.
Throughout the growing season trees, flowering shrubs and ornamental plants produce pollen which in turn along with dust, sap, and other airborne particles will cause glass to quickly become a very dirty surface.
Homeowners report that after having landscaping done their windows tend to get dirty more often which in turn also causes nearby plants to contribute to an increase of moisture related spots and residue on the exterior glass.
This is a fact which which many property owners use as a reason to call in Broomfield window washing experts to take care of their windows’ cleaning through out the summer. Professional teams are able to remove pollen, sap and other materials which tend to accumulate after landscaping projects have been completed.
Dense Vegetation Can Attract More Insects
New landscaping projects create homes for insects. Although many insects are in fact beneficial in a garden setting at large, at home scale that same activity may become an issue.
Flowers do well to attract bees, butterflies and also other pollinators, at the same time dense shrubs may serve as a refuge for mosquitoes and other pests. Standing water in decorative elements or poor drain in planting areas also may see large growth in insect population.
Proper plant spacing, removal of standing water, and trimming of overgrown vegetation will reduce pests at home.
Landscaping Near Structures Requires Ongoing Monitoring
It is a tendency of home owners to put in new plants near walls, fences, and foundations for that full look. What you see as small at install may fill out to be much larger than you think.
Branch out from the side of the home which will cause wear, also dense plant material may put moisture against external surfaces. Also root structures can extend past the plant’s base which in turn may affect adjacent structures.
During the first summer which is a great time to assess if plant placement is still right as growth picks up.
Conclusion
Landscaping can completely change a home’s look and present a more welcoming outdoor space. But in the first summer post-installation, homeowners often see issues that the homeowner didn’t see coming. Fast-growing plants, greater shade, moisture retention, changed drainage patterns, accumulation of debris, and higher pollen levels are all issues that present themselves.
Through the first growing season very closely at your landscaping and to take care of small issues as they appear which in turn will get you the best from your investment and also prevent unnecessary maintenance issues. A pro active approach which in turn also improves the look of the property as well as it’s long term health.
