Landscaping

Top 7 Landscaping Mistakes Homeowners Make in Lower Mainland (And How to Avoid Them)

July 25, 2025

Key Takeaways:

Mistakes in softscaping and hardscaping can lead to long-term damage and higher costs.
With the right approach, you can avoid these problems and build an outdoor space that lasts.

Landscaping in Lower Mainland is more than adding plants and stones—it’s about designing around the local climate, soil, and long-term upkeep. The Lower Mainland comes with its own set of challenges, from heavy rainfall to varied microclimates across Surrey, Langley, Burnaby, and Maple Ridge.

Here are the most common mistakes homeowners make—and more importantly, how to avoid them with smart, proven solutions.

Mistake #1: Skipping a Landscape Design Plan

Many homeowners jump straight into buying plants or laying patio stones without a plan. This often leads to awkward layouts, poor drainage, and mismatched aesthetics.

How to Avoid It:

Start with a basic landscape design; even a rough one—to define zones like seating, play, garden, and storage. Work with a designer or use free online tools to visualize how features interact. Consider elements like sun exposure, slope, and wind. A good design doesn’t just look nice—it saves you from expensive rework later.

Read Also: Backyard Landscape design Ideas

Mistake #2: Choosing the Wrong Plants for Lower Mainland’s Climate

BC’s Lower Mainland isn’t tropical, but many homeowners still plant delicate, non-native species that can’t handle the wet, cool seasons.

How to Avoid It:

Focus on native or climate-appropriate plants. For example:

Yarrow, ferns, salal, lavender — drought-tolerant and easy to maintain.
Choose cedar or Japanese maple for structure, and hellebores or rhododendrons for year-round greenery.
Plant selection should also reflect your local zone: Burnaby may stay wetter, while Langley can be drier with cooler nights.

Mistake #3: Poor Drainage Planning

A beautiful yard can turn into a soggy mess after one rainy week. Pooling water near foundations or in lawn low spots is one of the costliest landscaping oversights.

How to Avoid It:

Grade your yard so water flows away from your house. Use a 2% slope minimum (2 cm drop per meter). Install French drains, gravel trenches, or dry creek beds to direct excess water. Consider permeable pavers for patios and paths to allow natural water absorption.

Mistake #4: Not Planning for Maintenance

That dream garden with ten flower beds and a fish pond? It might look great now, but what happens after two months without upkeep?

How to Avoid It:

Design with maintenance in mind. Ask yourself: how much time do I realistically have each week? Use mulch to suppress weeds and retain moisture. Opt for low-maintenance shrubs and group plants with similar watering needs. In strata or shared properties, schedule recurring landscape maintenance to avoid overgrowth and mess.

Mistake #5: Overlooking Hardscape Integration

Many homeowners focus only on softscaping—plants, turf, soil—and forget how much structure hardscaping adds to usability and durability.

How to Avoid It:

Balance soft and hard elements. Add a patio or stone pathway to create flow. Use retaining walls to define garden beds or manage slopes. Hardscapes like concrete pads, decks, or gravel firepit areas can reduce lawn size (and maintenance), and provide space for dining, kids, or relaxing.

Read Also: 7 Mistakes to Avoid while planning for Concrete Project

Mistake #6: DIY Projects That Go Sideways

Doing it yourself can save money—until it doesn’t. Improper slope grading, weak retaining walls, and poor soil preparation often end in damage or redo costs.

How to Avoid It:

Only take on what you can realistically complete with the right tools and knowledge. Simple projects like raised garden beds or turf patches are fine for DIY. For drainage systems, complex patios, or retaining walls—hire a professional. These require permits, inspections, and experience to avoid structural or safety issues.

Mistake #7: Not Budgeting Properly

Many landscaping projects stall halfway through because the cost was underestimated. Others suffer from poor material choices or rushed installations that don’t hold up.

How to Avoid It:

Break down your landscaping project into phases to have better understanding landscaping costs. Ask for quotes on labor, materials, and maintenance. Choose durable materials even if they cost more upfront—it’s cheaper than replacing a cracked patio or rotten wood after a year.

Note: Image Landscaping offers financing for all the projects, so you can take that worry off your mind.

Build Smart, Not Just Beautiful

Landscaping is a long-term investment. A bit of planning, proper plant choices, and smart drainage can make the difference between a thriving yard and an ongoing headache.

Lower Mainland’s terrain and weather demand thoughtful solutions. Whether you're starting from scratch or revamping a tired outdoor space, avoiding these common mistakes will help your yard not just look better—but last longer too.

Need a Checklist?

Draft your layout
Research your climate zone
Plan for water drainage
Choose low-maintenance plants
Mix in hardscaping
Know when to DIY vs. hire
Build a budget with some breathing room

FAQs About Landscaping Services in Lower Mainland

1. When is the best time to start landscaping in BC?‍

‍Spring and fall are ideal, but hardscaping can be done year-round with proper preparation.

2. What is softscaping vs. hardscaping?‍

Softscaping includes living elements like plants, while hardscaping includes non-living features like stone, wood, and concrete.

3. Do you offer commercial or strata services?‍

Yes, we offer dedicated strata landscape maintenance across the Lower Mainland.

Read Also: Frequently asked questions about Strata Landscape Maintenance

4. How do I know what landscaping services I need?

‍Start with a free consultation where we assess your property and recommend a tailored plan.

Beautify Your Outdoor Space Without the Guesswork

Landscaping in Lower Mainland can be a rewarding experience—if done right. Avoiding these common mistakes saves money, boosts curb appeal, and gives you an outdoor space you’ll love for years.

Instead of guessing, trust the expert landscaping contractors. At Image Landscaping, we bring experience, creativity, and craftsmanship to every project—whether you're upgrading your backyard or maintaining a multi-family strata complex.