Serving Lewisham, Bromley, Greenwich, Southwark & Bexley

5 Common Landscaping Mistakes to Avoid in South East London

Landscaping your garden can transform your outdoor space, but without proper planning and experience, simple mistakes can cost time and money. At Top Fencing, we’ve worked with hundreds of homeowners across Bromley, Croydon, Lewisham, and beyond — and here are the top 5 issues we see:

1. Ignoring Drainage

London’s weather means heavy rain is common. Without proper grading or drainage planning, water can pool near foundations or kill your plants. Always ensure you install a working drainage system.

2. Choosing the Wrong Plants

Planting species that aren’t suitable for our UK climate or soil will result in frustration. We always recommend region-friendly, low-maintenance choices that thrive in South East London.

3. Overcrowding the Garden

It’s tempting to add many plants or features at once, but overcrowding leads to poor growth, root competition, and cluttered design. Focus on simplicity and balance.

4. Skipping Professional Advice

DIY is great — but complex landscaping like retaining walls, patios, or turfing often needs a professional touch to get right the first time. It saves you money in the long run.

5. Forgetting Maintenance Planning

Every design needs a maintenance plan. Think about lawn mowing, pruning, irrigation, and seasonal care. Our team can help set up a routine or take care of it for you.

Want to avoid these mistakes and create a long-lasting outdoor space? Request a free quote today from our expert team at Top Fencing.