Can one truly make a landscape mistake? Yes and no, it’s entirely up to the individual and the type of project. Landscape mistakes are subjective so if you understand the limitations and are comfortable with the outcome, then it’s not a mistake.
Take for instance, there are certain trees that flower in the spring and most people love these trees. However, they may not realize that as these trees mature, the branches can become weak and prone to splitting during a storm. If you understand these conditions and willingly accept the consequences that may occur ten to twenty years down the road, then there’s no reason not to enjoy what the tree offers until that time.
In landscape design, drainage is another example of what needs to happen and what can happen. Tolerances for water that collects after a rainstorm varies – every property is different and some drainage measures can be costly so there are trade-offs to be made between cost and expected outcomes. The more you know, the better you can communicate with your landscape designer to achieve the desired
look that will make you happy. Remember that your landscape design is more than a document; it’s the planning process that makes your outdoor living spaces work for you.
Your landscape designer has to have your best interests at heart throughout the design and the construction but that may not be enough. If they don’t have complete control or there is some kind of miscommunication about how the project is to be handled. It’s easy to avoid miscommunication if you do your homework and ask good questions throughout the landscape design process. When you both come to an agreement about something specific in the plan that’s especially important to you, be sure to document that in the plan – that way it doesn’t get forgotten during the construction process.