A beautiful home garden can increase property value, improve your quality of life, and become a place of peace and relaxation. But one wrong decision in your landscaping plan can lead to poor plant growth, wasted money, and constant maintenance headaches.
Ignoring Your Climate and Soil Type
Why it’s a problem:
Planting species that aren’t suited to Nairobi’s highland climate or soil type leads to poor growth and constant replanting.
Solution:
Choose native or climate-adapted plants that thrive with less water and care. Test your soil before planting.
Poor Planning and Layout
Why it’s a problem:
Planting without a master plan often results in cluttered or awkward-looking spaces.
Solution:
Create a landscape design that includes softscapes, hardscapes, pathways, and focal points. Amir Outdoor Masters can help with custom garden designs that blend beauty with functionality.
Overcrowding Plants
Why it’s a problem:
Overplanting leads to poor airflow, competition for nutrients, and faster disease spread.
Solution:
Give each plant space to grow. Plan with mature size in mind, not how they look at planting time
Underestimating Maintenance
Why it’s a problem:
What looks pretty now could turn into a maintenance nightmare later.
Solution:
Go for low-maintenance plants and features like drip irrigation, mulch, and native ground cover. Let us help you build a yard you can enjoy without stress.
Choosing the Wrong Grass
Why it’s a problem:
Some types of grass need too much water or don’t handle foot traffic well.
Solution:
We recommend hardy, drought-tolerant grass types that suit Nairobi’s climate and your lifestyle.
Forgetting About Drainage
Why it’s a problem:
Poor drainage can lead to soggy roots, dead plants, and even structural damage.
Solution:
We install proper slope grading, French drains, and gravel beds to keep water flowing away from your house and garden.
Skipping Mulch
Why it’s a problem:
Bare soil dries out faster, attracts weeds, and erodes easily.
Solution:
Use organic mulch to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and give your garden a finished look.
Using Too Many Hardscape Elements
Why it’s a problem:
Overusing concrete, bricks, or tiles can make your garden feel harsh and unwelcoming.
Solution:
Balance softscapes with hardscapes. Let plants, grass, and flowers soften the look and feel of your space.
Placing Swings or Pergolas in the Wrong Spot
Why it’s a problem:
A pergola in full sun with no shade plants = unbearable. A swing near a wall = poor flow and awkward use.
Solution:
We help you position features like swings, pergolas, and water features for both comfort and aesthetics.
Not Hiring a Professional
Why it’s a problem:
DIY landscaping often misses out on long-term planning, proper installation, and plant compatibility.
Solution:
Work with professionals like Amir Outdoor Masters to ensure every element—from soil to softscapes to lighting—is well thought out and expertly installed.