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Living in the San Luis Valley offers unique beauty, but it also comes with unique landscaping challenges. The high altitude, intense sun, dry air, and sometimes unpredictable winds mean that what works in other climates often won't thrive here. At North River Greenhouse & Landscaping, we've seen our fair share of common blunders. Here are the top five landscaping mistakes we frequently encounter in the San Luis Valley, and how you can avoid them to create a landscape that truly flourishes.
With limited water resources and scorching summer heat, it's understandable why many homeowners believe that removing all grass in favor of a rock-only landscape is their only option for water conservation. However, while some traditional turf varieties, like Kentucky Bluegrass, prefer more water and less sun than is generally suited to the SLV, there better, prettier options than a barren rockscape.
The key lies in embracing drought and heat-resistant plants, including specific grass varieties that are well-suited to our unique climate. Consider Fescue, with certain varieties specifically bred to handle intense sun exposure while requiring less water than traditional lawns. Another excellent choice is Blue Grama grass, a native-like option that is incredibly hearty and does very well in the San Luis Valley. While these options might not offer the lush, deep green lawns found in more temperate climates, they provide a beautiful, cool, and well-maintained look to your yard with significantly reduced water needs.
Beyond grasses, the San Luis Valley boasts a remarkable array of native or hybrid forms of native plants. These resilient beauties can bring vibrant colors and year-round interest to your landscaping without using too much water. They also support local pollinators and wildlife. Instead of reaching for the rock, visit our plant experts at North River Greenhouse. We'll happily recommend the perfect, climate-appropriate plants for your unique situation, helping you create a landscape that is both beautiful and sustainable.
It might seem counterintuitive in a dry climate, but sometimes, more water isn't the answer to reviving wilting plants. In fact, overwatering can be just as detrimental as underwatering, leading to root rot, fungal diseases, and poor soil aeration. A common mistake we see is sprinklers running during the peak heat of the day. This leads to massive amounts of evaporation, wasting precious water and doing little to hydrate your plants effectively.
Equally problematic is overwatering your lawn in the evening. When water sits on your lawn overnight, especially in cooler temperatures, it creates a damp environment that can encourage fungal growth, root problems, and compromise overall soil quality.
Our top recommendation for efficient watering is to schedule your sprinklers for the pre-sunrise hours of the early morning. This gives your plants and grass ample time to absorb the water before the intense summer sun arrives, minimizing evaporation and maximizing absorption. Always remember to check the soil moisture before watering – stick your finger a few inches down; if it feels damp, you can probably wait. Lastly, always be sure to follow any water guidelines or restrictions from your local water provider to ensure you're watering responsibly.
Have you ever had a garden that explodes with color in June, only to look barren by July? This is a classic sign of planning for only one season. A truly dynamic and engaging garden offers visual interest throughout the entire growing year. This mistake can be solved with intentional garden design, particularly through companion planting and thoughtful plant selection.
Companion planting isn't just about plants helping each other grow; it's also about strategically choosing species that flower or offer foliage interest during different parts of the growing season. Imagine having early spring bulbs emerging, followed by vibrant summer annuals and perennials, then transitioning to the rich textures and colors of fall-blooming plants and ornamental grasses. When designing your garden beds and choosing shrubs, think about their mature size, bloom time, and foliage color across the seasons. Consider the impact of a shrub that offers brilliant fall color, even if it's just green in summer.
Beyond bloom times, it's crucial to map the course of the sun across your property throughout the day and across seasons. Plants have specific light requirements – full sun, partial sun, or shade. Placing a sun-loving plant in a perpetually shaded spot, or vice versa, is a recipe for disappointment. Observe your yard: where does the morning sun hit? Where does afternoon shade fall? Understanding these patterns ensures your plants get the right amount of light, thrive in their chosen spot, and contribute to a landscape that offers continuous beauty, not just a fleeting moment of glory.
Trees add immense beauty, significant property value, and much-needed shade to your home here in the San Luis Valley. Many people overlook or delay planting trees, missing out on their numerous benefits. One of the most crucial roles trees play in our unique climate is acting as an excellent windbreak. The San Luis Valley is famously wind-challenged, and strategically placed trees can drastically reduce wind speeds across your property, protecting smaller plants, conserving moisture, and making your outdoor spaces more comfortable. They also provide shade, reducing cooling costs for your home and creating pleasant, usable outdoor areas during our hot summers.
Beyond the practical benefits, trees are a long-term investment in the aesthetics and value of your property. They contribute to a healthier environment by producing oxygen and supporting local wildlife. What's more, the City of Alamosa offers a fantastic Tree Cost Share Program that can help offset the expense! You can apply through the city, and they may pay 25% of the cost of your tree, up to $250. This incredible incentive makes it even easier to start enjoying the many advantages of a mature tree.
This is perhaps the simplest, yet most common, mistake we see: putting off your landscaping dreams until "next year." Whether it's the daunting prospect of a big project or simply not knowing where to start, many people delay creating the outdoor space they truly desire.
You deserve the yard of your dreams – a beautiful, low-maintenance, and comfortable extension of your home. Waiting only delays the enjoyment you could be having. Every season you wait is a season without the shade of a new tree, the vibrant blooms of a planned garden bed, or the inviting atmosphere of a thoughtfully designed patio. Landscaping is an investment in your home, your lifestyle, and your well-being. Don't let uncertainty hold you back from enjoying the benefits of a well-designed outdoor space.
Avoiding these common landscaping mistakes in the San Luis Valley can transform your outdoor spaces from a source of frustration into a place of beauty and enjoyment. At North River Greenhouse & Landscaping, we're here to help you every step of the way. From selecting the right plants and understanding proper watering techniques to designing your dream garden and installing that much-needed windbreak, we have the expertise and resources to make your vision a reality.
Ready to get started on your landscaping project today? Stop by North River Greenhouse or give us a call at 719-399-3542 to talk to our experts!
