Creating a beautiful outdoor space isn’t just about choosing pretty plants or installing a patio—it’s about designing with purpose, climate, and long-term function in mind. Unfortunately, many Texas homeowners unknowingly make landscape decisions that cost them more time, money, and frustration in the long run.
At Salas Outdoors, we’ve seen firsthand how a few simple missteps can impact the health, usability, and overall look of your landscape. In this blog, we’ll highlight the top 7 landscape design mistakes to avoid in DFW and beyond—and how to get it right the first time.
Texas is known for extreme weather, from scorching summers and unexpected freezes to droughts and downpours. One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is choosing plants or materials that simply don’t hold up in this environment.
What to avoid:
The fix: Work with professionals who understand local soil, weather, and plant zones. At Salas Outdoors, we only recommend materials and vegetation proven to thrive in the DFW region.
Bad drainage is a silent landscape killer. Without proper grading or water flow design, your yard can experience:
What to avoid:
Installing patios, beds, or sod without considering how water flows across your property.
The fix: Include grading, French drains, or dry creek beds in your design plan. We offer complete drainage solutions that blend beauty and function.
It’s easy to underestimate how quickly plants grow, especially in the Texas sun. Overcrowding leads to tangled roots, poor airflow, and constant maintenance.
What to avoid:
The fix: Think long-term. Our team creates scalable planting layouts that look great now—and stay manageable in the future.
A backyard with everything in one space—grill, fire pit, seating, garden—often feels disorganized. Without dedicated zones, your outdoor space can quickly become cluttered and underused.
What to avoid:
The fix: Define clear outdoor “rooms” using patios, pergolas, plant beds, or retaining walls. Salas Outdoors specializes in multi-zone outdoor living designs that balance flow and function.
Many homeowners treat outdoor lighting as an afterthought. But lighting is key to safety, atmosphere, and extending your yard’s usability past sunset.
What to avoid:
The fix: Include lighting in your initial design. We help clients layer ambient, task, and accent lighting that adds beauty and practicality.
Some patios crack. Some mulch washes away. Some borders crumble. Many of these issues come from choosing materials based on price—not performance.
What to avoid:
The fix: Invest in high-quality, Texas-tested materials. Salas Outdoors sources materials for durability, climate resistance, and long-term aesthetics.
A simple planter box? Sure. A multi-level patio with drainage, lighting, and structural support? That’s another story.
What to avoid:
The fix: Consult with professionals. Our team provides comprehensive design-build services to turn your vision into a safe, functional, and stunning reality—without the surprises.
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Schedule your free consultation today and let’s design a space you’ll love for years to come.
