Landscaping projects don’t usually fail overnight.

Most issues develop slowly — the result of small decisions made early that compound over time. Many of the problems we’re called in to fix could have been avoided with better planning and a more considered approach from the start.

Here are some of the most common landscaping mistakes we see — and how to avoid them.

1. Treating drainage as an afterthought

This is one of the biggest and most costly mistakes.

Poor drainage can lead to:

Retaining wall failure
Cracked paving or concrete
Waterlogged turf and gardens
Erosion and subsidence

Avoid it by addressing drainage at the design stage, not after problems appear.

2. Inadequate site preparation

No matter how good the finish, poor preparation underneath will eventually show.

Common issues include:

Insufficient base depth
Poor compaction
Ignoring soil conditions

Proper site preparation is essential for long-term performance — particularly for hard surfaces and structural elements.

3. Choosing materials based on appearance alone

Materials need to suit the conditions they’re placed in.

Aesthetic choices that ignore:

Load requirements
Water exposure
Maintenance needs

often lead to early wear or failure. Always balance appearance with performance.

4. Underestimating retaining wall requirements

Retaining walls are structural elements — not just landscaping features.

Mistakes often include:

Incorrect wall height allowances
Lack of drainage behind walls
No engineering consideration where required

Retaining walls need to be designed for the forces acting on them, not just the look.

5. Not planning for how the space will be used

Spaces that don’t reflect actual usage often struggle long-term.

Examples include:

Driveways not designed for vehicle loads
Entertaining areas that don’t drain properly
Commercial spaces not built for traffic volume

Design should always reflect how the space will function day to day.

6. Choosing the cheapest quote without understanding scope of work

Cheaper quotes often omit critical elements such as:

Drainage
Proper base preparation
Structural allowances

This can lead to variations, delays, or costly repairs later. Understanding what’s included is just as important as the price.

7. Lack of local knowledge

Local conditions matter.

A contractor unfamiliar with Albury–Wodonga conditions may overlook:

Common soil behaviours
Typical drainage challenges
Local council requirements

Local experience helps avoid issues that only become apparent once work begins.

Avoiding these mistakes starts with the right approach

Most landscaping problems can be avoided with:

Proper planning
Construction-led thinking
Clear communication
Experience across landscaping and building

A considered approach from the start delivers better results — and fewer issues down the track.

Planning a landscaping project in Albury–Wodonga?

At Formscape Outdoor Solutions, we focus on getting the foundations right — so your landscape performs as well as it looks.

👉🏼 Request a tailored quote to discuss your project.

Common Landscaping Mistakes We See (And How to Avoid Them)