Builder-Grade Landscaping: What to Expect, and How to Handle It
When you purchase a new construction home, everything looks fresh and polished, but one area that often falls short is the landscaping. Builder-grade landscaping is typically designed for cost-effectiveness and speed rather than long-term functionality and beauty. While it may look fine at first glance, many homeowners quickly realize that these landscapes require adjustments to truly thrive. Here’s what you can expect with builder-grade landscaping and how to upgrade it for lasting curb appeal and functionality.
What to Expect with Builder-Grade Landscaping
1. Minimal Soil Preparation
Most builders prioritize quick turnaround times, meaning the soil in your yard is often compacted, lacking nutrients, and poorly graded. This can make it difficult for plants and grass to establish deep, healthy roots.
2. Basic Plant Selection
Expect to see a few generic shrubs and small trees chosen more for their low cost than their ability to thrive in your specific climate. Many builder-installed plants may struggle to survive without significant adjustments.
3. Poor Drainage Solutions
New construction lots are often graded quickly, leading to standing water, erosion, and drainage issues. Without proper drainage solutions, water can pool in unwanted areas, damaging both your lawn and home foundation. Lazer Property Services tackles these issues by installing gutters, underground drainage, and more!
4. Thin, Patchy Sod
Most builders install sod as an easy way to make the yard look finished, but it’s often laid on poor soil with minimal preparation. Without proper care, this can lead to bare spots, weak grass, and excessive weed growth.
5. Basic Mulch & Rock Beds
Mulch beds may look tidy at first, but they’re often shallow and lack proper edging, leading to erosion and washout over time. Many builders also use cheap landscape fabric underneath rock beds, which can trap moisture and create long-term issues.
How to Handle and Upgrade Builder-Grade Landscaping
1. Improve the Soil
Healthy landscaping starts with quality soil. Consider aerating and adding organic compost, topsoil, or fertilizers to improve the nutrient content and create a strong foundation for your plants and lawn.
At Lazer Treatment Division, we specialize in custom soil treatments and lawn nutrition plans designed to improve soil health and promote long-lasting plant growth. Our team can assess your yard and provide the best solutions to ensure your landscape thrives. Healthy landscaping starts with quality soil. Consider aerating and adding organic compost, topsoil, or fertilizers to improve the nutrient content and create a strong foundation for your plants and lawn.
2. Upgrade the Plant Selection
Swap out generic builder-installed plants for hardy, climate-appropriate shrubs, trees, and flowers that will thrive in your region. Consider adding native plants that require less maintenance and provide year-round interest.
3. Fix Drainage Problems
If you notice pooling water or erosion, call Lazer Property Services ASAP to invest in proper drainage solutions such as:
Seamless Gutter Install on the roofline of your house
French drains beneath rock beds
Regrading to direct water flow away from your home
Dry creek beds for decorative and functional drainage
Siphons or underground piping to prevent standing water
4. Reinforce Lawn Health
Overseed patchy grass areas and apply high-quality fertilizer.
Consider installing an irrigation system for even watering.
Dethatch and aerate the lawn to promote deeper root growth.
At Lazer Property Services, we offer comprehensive lawn care solutions, from aeration and overseeding to irrigation system installations and drainage fixes. Our team ensures your lawn remains lush, green, and healthy year-round.
Overseed patchy grass areas and apply high-quality fertilizer.
Consider installing an irrigation system for even watering.
Dethatch and aerate the lawn to promote deeper root growth.
5. Enhance Mulch & Hardscaping
Replace thin mulch layers with thicker applications to prevent erosion.
Use elevated border blocks to keep mulch and rock beds in place.
Consider upgrading to decorative stone, flagstone, or pavers for added durability and style.
Final Thoughts: Make Your Landscape Work for You
Builder-grade landscaping may be a starting point, but it’s rarely the best long-term solution. By addressing soil quality, plant selection, drainage, and hardscaping, you can transform a basic yard into a stunning, functional outdoor space.
At Lazer Property Services, we specialize in upgrading builder-grade landscapes to ensure they are both beautiful and built to last. Contact us today to learn how we can help you enhance your yard’s appearance and functionality!
