When summer hits Florida, the soaring temperatures and heavy rains can take a serious toll on your landscape. Whether you are a homeowner looking to protect your lawn or a commercial property manager focused on curb appeal, avoiding common landscaping mistakes is essential.
At Valerio’s Landscaping, we provide Destin Florida landscaping services designed to help your property thrive during even the harshest months.
- Overwatering or Poor Irrigation Timing
One of the biggest mistakes in landscape maintenance across Florida is improper watering. Many property owners assume more water means healthier plants — but in reality, overwatering can cause root rot, disease, and mold.
Instead, try this:
- Schedule watering early in the morning (before 10 a.m.)
- Use smart irrigation systems to reduce water waste
- Ask Valerio’s about our irrigation services in Destin, Florida to automate and optimize your schedule
- Planting Non-Native or High-Maintenance Species
Using plants not adapted to Florida’s hot, humid climate leads to high water usage, increased pests, and disappointing results.
What works better:
- Incorporate Florida native plants like beautyberry, firebush, and muhly grass
- Use Florida-friendly landscaping designs that reduce long-term costs
- Consult with our experts on drought-tolerant plant options that deliver color and resilience
- Neglecting Soil Health in Florida’s Sandy Conditions
Florida soils are often sandy and nutrient-poor. Without proper amendments, your plants may suffer no matter how often you water.
How to fix it:
- Enrich your soil with compost or organic matter
- Mulch with organic materials to boost water retention
- Schedule a soil test and let us create a plan tailored to your landscape
- Improper Mulching Practices
Too much mulch, or mulch in the wrong place, can suffocate plants or encourage fungal growth — especially during Florida’s wet summers.
Mulching tips from our Florida landscaping team:
- Keep mulch 2–3 inches thick — no more
- Never pile mulch against tree trunks (“volcano mulching”)
- Use eco-friendly mulch materials that support sustainable landscaping in Florida
- Cutting Grass Too Short or Fertilizing Incorrectly
During the summer, lawns go under stress. Cutting your grass too short or applying the wrong fertilizers can damage it beyond recovery.
Best practices for lawn care in Florida summer:
- Raise mower blades to protect root systems
- Use slow-release fertilizers and avoid mid-summer applications
- Let Valerio’s create a custom lawn care schedule for Florida summers
- Ignoring Wind and Sun Exposure in Landscape Design
Open spaces with no shade or windbreaks dry out fast and lead to plant burnout.
Design with Florida in mind:
- Plant native trees and tall grasses as natural barriers
- Use trellises, pergolas, or hardscape features to reduce sun intensity
- Ask about our Florida landscape design services to build smarter, more resilient spaces
Thrive This Summer with Destin Florida-Friendly Landscaping
Avoiding these Destin landscaping mistakes can save you money, time, and frustration. At Valerio’s Landscaping, we specialize in Florida-friendly, sustainable landscaping tailored to local conditions.
Whether you need help with plant selection, irrigation, or full-service maintenance, we’re here to support your vision and protect your investment.
Ready to upgrade your outdoor space?
Contact Valerio’s Landscaping today for a free consultation and discover how our expert team can help you create a vibrant, low-maintenance Florida landscape built to last.
