5 Costly Mistakes When Gold Coast Landscaping Goes Wrong

Landscaping earns its keep by boosting kerb appeal and improving the looks and functionality of outdoor spaces. 

But, make a poor landscaping decision and you can easily end up with the opposite effect — paying good money to fix drainage problems, relieve maintenance headaches, and watch helplessly as budgets blow out.

Let's turn a spotlight on some of the most common (and expensive) landscaping mistakes we have seen across the greater Gold Coast, and talk about how to avoid them.

1. Over-Planting and Under-Thinking

Over-planting is one of the biggest mistakes we see. It’s easy to get carried away when planting your garden bed, but plants that are cramped for space compete for light, nutrients, and water. 

When mature plants are overcrowded, major reshaping or removal will be necessary.

For Example: A Southport garden was over-planted — more than a dozen shrubs in a 2m x 3m space. Within a year,  root systems were tangled, reduced airflow had become a problem with leaf mould forming underneath.

Fix it: In the case of the Southport garden above, we ended up removing half the shrubs and reconditioning the soil. Our advice is to plan your garden layout based on mature plant size — not how they look in nursery pots. To reduce water and maintenance needs, plant native species suited to local conditions.

2. Ignoring Drainage

If your garden turns into a soggy mess after rain, chances are efficient drainage was over-looked in the landscape design.

Improper grading and impermeable surfaces cause puddling that kills plants. Garden beds against the house can also direct water toward your foundations.

For Example: We were called in to fix an Ashmore yard where pavers had been installed without any slope. Water pooled near the home's slab edge after rain, leading to internal water ingress and insurance headaches.

Fix it: Channel water away from structures by incorporating gentle slopes, French drains, or dry creek beds. Allow airflow and moisture to escape by leaving space between planting zones and buildings.

3. Poor Tree Placement

Planting a large or fast-growing tree too close to a house, fence, or retaining wall is a classic landscaping blunder.

As the tree matures, overhead growth can become a storm hazard. It can block sunlight and gutters. Its roots can crack concrete, invade pipes, or push up paving.

For Example: A handsome leopard tree had been planted next to a pool in a Benowa backyard. Within five years of planting, along with the continual stream of leaves in the filtration system, the roots were lifting tiles.

Fix it: Consult a qualified arborist or landscape professional before you plant. This will give you the information you need to make decisions that allow for root behaviours and mature plant sizes.

4. Going Heavy on Hardscape

Beware the low maintenance appeal of paved courtyards, rock gardens, and synthetic turf. Without soft landscaping, the results can include heat traps and drainage problems.

For Example: Replacing lawn in a Nerang front yard, with white stone and black pavers, raised summer surface temperatures by over 10°C. The space became unusable in the afternoon and shrubs in the area were burned alive.

Fix it: Blend hardscape with permeable surfaces, mulch, and vegetation. This soft landscaping will keep the space cooler and more usable. It will also be more appealing to buyers if your property is to be sold.

5. No Planning for Maintenance

A garden is only as beautiful as your ability to keep it that way. High-maintenance plants, heavy reliance on lawns, or insufficient irrigation will prove time-consuming and costly.

For Example: One Helensvale property had an intricate hedge maze built from Murraya hedging. It was overgrown and patchy within 18 months, proving unmanageable without weekly professional trimming.

Fix it: Choose drought-tolerant native plants, mulch regularly, and consider installing smart irrigation systems.

How Gold Coast Landscaping is Done Right First Time

Whether it’s poor tree choice, blocked drains, or overgrown chaos — we fix landscaping issues for homeowners who’ve learned these lessons the hard way.

Book a consultation and let's design your landscape right. The French Crew will happily help you get back on track.