Why a Professional Landscape Plan Saves You Time, Money, and Stress

Written By Pete Widin

Many homeowners I talk to have either been winging it on their own in the landscape, or they’ve hired an install company that did the same thing under the guise of “years of experience.”

The Problem with “Winging It” in Landscaping

Soil erosion in a residential landscape bed caused by installing plants without a professional landscape plan.

Backyard landscape installed without a professional plan, where clients experienced erosion, plant loss and mulch sliding downhill

Without a native or edible landscape design that’s tailored to your property, site conditions, and goals, the initial savings often turn into costly re-dos, plant loss, and ongoing maintenance headaches.

Real Client Example: When Shortcuts Backfire

I recently met with a couple who hired a small landscape install company to put in native plants along their backyard fence.

Five months later, they were disappointed:

  • Mulch had washed downhill.

  • About 25% of the perennials had died because they weren’t suited to the site.

  • Their irrigation system was blocked and needed rerouting.

detailed professional landscape plan showing native plants and edible landscaping design

Detailed landscape plan drawing with native plants and edible garden areas clearly laid out

A professional landscape plan considers more than aesthetics. It accounts for ecology, soil, drainage, and how your yard will function years down the road.

Native & Edible Design Done Right

edible landscape design with fruit trees, herbs, and native flowers in a backyard garden

Native and edible landscape with herbs, berry shrubs, fruit trees and native flowers

A native landscape design can provide habitat, support pollinators, and thrive with less care. An edible landscape design adds productivity—fruit, herbs, and vegetables that blend into your yard’s beauty.

Choosing Long-Term Beauty and Low Maintenance

mature low-maintenance native landscape providing pollinator habitat and beauty

Low-maintenance native landscape with mature plants, screening evergreens, native trees and pollinator habitat

That’s the difference between winging it and investing in a professional plan. A thoughtful design ensures peace of mind, lasting results, and a landscape you’ll enjoy for years.

family enjoying a patio surrounded by native and edible plants designed for low maintenance

Finished family fire area patio surrounded by native wildflowers and edible plantings, with fall and winter interest (October picture)

Your landscape is one of the biggest investments you’ll make in your home. Done right, it can transform your daily life.


If you’re ready for a custom native or edible landscape design that saves you time, money, and stress, contact Pete today to start your plan.

Which result will you choose?

Pete Widin