We all want beautiful outdoor spaces that enhance our homes and add curb appeal. Across Chicago’s western suburbs – whether you’re in Naperville, St. Charles, Wheaton, or elsewhere - homeowners invest time and money into their outdoor spaces, yet many unknowingly follow what they believe to be best practice landscaping advice that's actually doing more harm than good. If your landscaping isn’t thriving the way you’d hoped, it might not be a lack of effort—it could be that some popular landscaping myths are working against you.

Let's set the record straight on some of the most common landscaping misconceptions and help you create the outdoor space you deserve.

Myth #1: All Plants Need Lots of Sun and Water

One of the biggest mistakes we see across Naperville and throughout the region is homeowners planting the wrong plants in the wrong places. The assumption that more sun and more water equals healthier plants is simply incorrect.

Different plants have different light and water requirements. While some plants thrive in direct sunlight, many prefer partial shade or dappled light, especially during hot summers. Planting in the wrong light condition for a specific plant leads to stress, poor growth, yellowing leaves, and disease susceptibility.

While all plants need some water, overwatering can be just as damaging (if not more so) than underwatering. What’s more? The symptoms of too much or too little water look similar, leaving you unsure how to fix it.

The solution? Know your plant's light and water requirements before planting. Match the plant to your garden’s actual conditions—whether the light is full sun, partial shade, or full shade and the soil dries quickly or remains moist even in the middle of a sunny day. You'll have healthier, more vibrant plants that require less intervention and look better year-round.

Myth #2: Mulch Should Be Piled High Around Trees and Shrubs

Here's a practice we see constantly in St. Charles and across Chicagoland that's actually damaging: piling mulch high against tree trunks and shrub bases in what's often called a "mulch volcano."

This practice traps moisture against the bark, promotes rot, and creates an ideal environment for pests and disease. It also encourages roots to grow upward into the mulch rather than downward into the soil, weakening the plant's foundation.

A better approach is to spread mulch in a 2-3 inch layer that extends out to the drip line of the plant, but keep mulch several inches away from the trunk or base. This provides the benefits of mulch—moisture retention, temperature regulation, and weed suppression—without the damaging consequences.

Myth #3: Perennials Are "Plant It and Forget It"

While perennials are wonderful additions to any garden, the "plant it and forget it" mentality sets many homeowners up for disappointment. Perennials still need care—just different care than annuals.

Many benefit from deadheading (removing spent flowers), occasional division to prevent overcrowding (looking at you, hostas), proper watering during establishment, and sometimes strategic pruning. Once established, they do require less maintenance than annuals, but ignoring them entirely leads to declining health, reduced blooms, and an unkempt appearance.

Treat perennials as long-term investments that need attention in their first year or two, then moderate care thereafter.

Myth #4: Concrete and Pavers Don't Need Maintenance

This hardscape myth can lead to disappointing results. Many homeowners assume that once a patio, walkway, or driveway is installed, it's maintenance-free. In reality, hardscape requires regular attention to look its best and last longer.

Concrete can crack, settle, or develop stains. Pavers can shift, sink, or grow weeds between joints. Sealing hardscape protects against weather, UV damage, and staining. Regular cleaning prevents moss and algae growth. Proper drainage prevents water damage underneath.

Investing in periodic hardscape maintenance—especially in our variable midwestern climate—extends the life of your investment and keeps it looking beautiful.

Myth #5: Shade Gardens Have to Look Boring

The myth that shade areas can't be beautiful often leads homeowners to leave shaded spots bare or neglected. The truth? Some of the most interesting, lush gardens are in partial or full shade.

Hostas, ferns, astilbe, coral bells, hellebores, and countless other plants thrive in shade and offer beautiful foliage, interesting textures, and seasonal color. Shade gardens often feel cooler, more intimate, and more sophisticated than sunny gardens.

Instead of fighting shade, embrace it and choose plants that celebrate it.

Myth #6: Stone Patios Must Have Sand Between Pavers

While sand is a traditional choice for paver joints, it's not always the best option—especially in our region. Sand can wash away, allow weeds to grow, and create an uneven surface over time.

Modern alternatives like polymeric sand or professional jointing compounds provide better stability, durability, and weed prevention. They maintain their position through weather and foot traffic, requiring less maintenance and providing a more polished, long-lasting result.

The Bottom Line

Your landscape's success depends on understanding the "why" behind landscaping practices, not just following conventional wisdom. Many myths persist because they seem logical, but they're often based on outdated information or misunderstandings.

At Montano's Landscaping, we believe in creating beautiful, thriving outdoor spaces built on solid design principles. Whether you're in Naperville, St. Charles, Oak Brook, or anywhere across western Chicagoland, we're here to help you break free from these myths and design a landscape that truly works—and looks stunning.

Ready to create the outdoor space you've been dreaming of? Let's talk about your vision.

Debunked: Landscaping Myths That May Be Hurting Your Lawn and Garden