1.  Improper planting hole size. The hole for a plant or a tree should be 2 to 3 times wider than the root ball, and no deeper than the root ball.  The "old" way of planting a tree deep is longer recommended.

2. Over "kill" with soil amendments in the planting hole. Do not add additional soil into the hole of a tree.  Let the tree get use to our your soil.

3.  Shallow watering. It is better to water deep and infrequent than water shallow and every day. One inch of water goes down about 6 inches into the soil.

4.  Not making water holding reservoir. Build up a donut of soil around a tree to help keep the water near the root ball.  You do not want the water running past the roots of the tree, and onto your lawn.  Water the tree roots, and not the lawn.

5.  Not investing in micro or drip irrigation. Drip irrigation is inexpensive and easy to install.  It waters the plants directly and deeply.  There is no water waste, and your plants get watered evenly.  Many plants do not like to have their leaves watered, and this method of watering is very effective.

6. Plants too close to structures and to each other. Plant your landscaping as if the plant is at its mature size.

7. Poor plant varieties used. Use plants which will do well in our area.  Example:  crape myrtles that are mildew resistant.

8.  Lack of weed control. For light germinating seeds use mulch, and take Bermuda grass seriously.  Use mulch, mulch, and more mulch, and Roundup for the Bermuda grass.

9. Improper pruning practices. Never butcher large trees, and do not remove the lower branches on trees that are less than 3 years old.

10.  Expecting perfection and instant success. Gardening takes times, and gardeners learn from their mistakes.  Do not be discouraged if your plants do not look like the magazines.