10 Landscaping Mistakes to Avoid in Your Alaska Yard
You’re ready to build a yard that makes your Alaska home feel complete. Whether starting fresh on new ground or improving what’s there, it’s an exciting step. But Alaska’s short summers, long winters, tough soils, and unique ecosystem can turn small mistakes into lasting problems. A thoughtful approach helps your outdoor space thrive through every season and add long-term value to your home.
Expert guidance can help you sidestep costly setbacks and move forward with confidence. Here are ten common mistakes to watch out for as you plan your landscape.
Mistake 1: Starting Without A Plan
Jumping into a landscape project without a plan often leads to frustration. Without a clear vision, homeowners may end up with scattered plantings, walkways that don’t flow, or features that don’t work well together. A thoughtful plan is the foundation for an outdoor space that looks beautiful and functions well for years to come, and if you have children, involving them can make the process more meaningful while teaching them to value the space you’re creating.
A solid plan should account for:
Property layout: Size, shape, grading, and how your home sits on the land.
Design goals: Whether you want outdoor living areas, play space, or low-maintenance beauty.
Budget and timeline: Knowing how much you can invest now and what can be phased in later.
Key features: Walkways, planting beds, seating areas, and focal points that bring balance.
Mapping out these details first makes the entire process smoother and prevents costly changes later
Mistake 2: Choosing the Wrong Plants
It’s easy to fall in love with plants you see in catalogs or on Pinterest, but not everything that looks good on a screen will survive in Alaska. Many homeowners spend money on plants that simply can’t handle our long winters or short summers.
Before buying, check the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map to understand your specific climate zone in Alaska. Pair that with knowledge of your soil type to make better choices. Native and cold-hardy plants are often the best options because they adapt well to the local environment, require less maintenance, and support pollinators and wildlife.
When selecting plants, keep these factors in mind:
☀️ Sunlight: Know how much light each area of your yard receives daily.
💧 Water needs: Match plants to the natural moisture of your soil.
🌲 Mature size: Plan for the full-grown height and spread, not just the small plant you see in a pot.
Smart plant selection helps your yard become stronger with time, reducing replacements and making care easier year after year.
Mistake 3: Ignoring Sun Patterns and Microclimates
Homeowners often underestimate how much sunlight different parts of the yard receive, especially with Alaska’s extreme daylight swings and tall surrounding trees or mountains. Exposure also matters. A north-facing slope stays cooler and shadier, while a south-facing area may receive more direct sun and heat. Planting sun-loving species in shade or shade plants in full sun leads to poor growth and wasted effort.
Mapping sun and shade patterns, along with exposure, before planting avoids frustration and helps every corner of the yard reach its potential
Mistake 4: Inviting Invasive or Problematic Plants
Don’t plant a problem. Invasive species overwhelm native vegetation and disrupt the food sources that Alaska’s wildlife depend on. What seems like a small addition to the garden can turn into years of costly removal work and long-term damage to the ecosystem.
Many plants sold in catalogs or seed mixes may appear harmless, but once established in an Alaska yard they can spread aggressively into surrounding areas and undo the progress of a carefully built landscape. Staying aware of what you plant is one of the simplest ways to protect your property and the environment.
🐝 Wildflower Mixes and Native Choices
Before scattering any “wildflower seed mixes,” check that they contain species native to Alaska. Many mixes sold online or in stores include plants that are invasive here. Choosing local, hardy species benefits pollinators, birds, and soil health while ensuring your yard supports the surrounding environment. For guidance, see the Pollinator Planting Guide Cards for Alaska for the National Park Service.
🫎 A Serious Example: Chokecherry Trees
Chokecherry trees (also called European bird cherry or Mayday trees) are already a problem in Anchorage, Homer, Hope, and Talkeetna. These fast-growing trees spread aggressively, shading out nearby vegetation and reducing the quality of food available for moose. The berries are toxic to moose and have even led to deaths from cyanide poisoning. Removing existing chokecherries and avoiding new plantings is an important step in protecting both wildlife and landscapes.
🔎 How to Check for Problem Plants
Planting invasive or aggressive species often leads to higher costs and more work over time. Before purchasing, research plant suitability using trusted local resources. A good starting point is the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s “Alaskans: Plant This, Not That” guide.
Mistake 5: Overlooking Drainage and Soil Conditions
Many homeowners overlook drainage, especially if they buy a property during a dry spell when issues are not obvious. In Alaska, spring melt and freeze-thaw cycles can quickly reveal problems through pooling water, erosion, or unhealthy plants. Poor grading can even put your home’s foundation at risk.
Simple solutions like regrading, raised beds, or French drains can make a big difference, and addressing these concerns early helps protect both your yard and your investment.
Mistake 6: Planting Too Close to Homes or Driveways
Planting too close to structures is a mistake that often shows up years later. Tree roots can damage foundations, driveways, and walkways, while overgrown branches may block sunlight or create hazards when heavy snow builds up in winter.
Trees
Plant at least 10–20 feet from your home, depending on mature size. This prevents root damage and allows enough space for healthy canopy growth without interfering with roofs or power lines.
Shrubs
Keep 3–5 feet from foundations or pavement. Proper spacing improves airflow, reduces moisture against siding, and makes pruning or snow removal easier.
Perennials
Allow room for spreading so they do not crowd or compete with one another. Grouping by height and bloom time can also create natural layers of color and texture through the growing season.
If plantings are already too close, there are options like transplanting young trees or removing problem shrubs before they cause damage. Still, planning the right spacing from the start saves time, money, and frustration down the road
Mistake 7: Ignoring Year-Round Yard Design in Alaska
Many Alaska yards look vibrant in summer but turn stark and unwelcoming once the snow sets in. Without planning for all seasons, an outdoor space can feel abandoned for half the year, reducing curb appeal and making the property look unfinished. Designing for year-round interest ensures you’ll enjoy your yard in every season instead of waiting half the year for it to look alive again.
Spring and Summer: Select plants that bloom in succession to keep steady color throughout the growing season. Layering different heights and textures can also make the yard feel fuller and more balanced during the peak months of growth.
Fall and Winter: Rely on evergreens, conifers, and textured shrubs to maintain structure once flowers fade. Adding elements with strong shapes or interesting bark can keep the yard visually engaging even under snow.
Mistake 8: Forgetting Yard Maintenance Needs
A costly mistake many homeowners make is assuming a landscape will take care of itself. Even low-maintenance yards need seasonal attention. Without it, plants become overgrown, pests spread, and soil can erode. Left unchecked, these issues often require expensive fixes and far more time than steady upkeep would have taken. Building a realistic maintenance plan from the start saves money, protects your investment, and gives you more time to enjoy the yard rather than repair it.
Typical seasonal tasks in Alaska include:
Pruning trees and shrubs for plant health, aesthetics, reducing damage from winter snow loads
Managing soil health with mulch or fertilizer as needed
Watching for pests or disease that can spread quickly in stressed plants
Checking drainage areas in spring to prevent pooling from snowmelt
Protecting young trees and shrubs from moose or voles during winter
Clearing heavy snow away from delicate plants and smaller shrubs
Refreshing mulch or groundcover each spring to insulate roots and conserve moisture
Mistake 9: Using the Wrong Patio Materials
In Alaska, some patio materials consistently perform better than others. Frost-resistant pavers designed for northern climates hold up well against extreme temperature shifts. High-quality stone is another reliable choice, as it can withstand repeated cycles of freezing and thawing without breaking down.
Just as important is a properly prepared gravel base with good drainage, which helps prevent heaving. Applying protective sealants adds an extra layer of defense against moisture and extends the overall lifespan of the patio.
Mistake 10: Ignoring Snow Management in the Yard
Landscapes in Alaska need to function in winter as much as summer. Ignoring where snow will pile up can damage plants, block pathways, or create icy hazards. Driveways and roofs shed enormous loads of snow, which can crush shrubs or compact soil.
By planning snow storage areas and leaving space around structures, you keep people safe while also protecting your yard and helping plants withstand winter.
Avoid Mistakes and Build with Confidence
Creating a yard in Alaska is an investment, and starting the right way prevents costly problems down the road. Issues like poor planning, unsuitable plants, drainage challenges, or overlooking seasonal needs are easier to avoid with expert guidance. At Walker Landscapes, we bring both experience and modern tools. Using advanced design software and site-specific imagery, we create clear, realistic visuals so you know exactly how your yard will look before work begins.
Ready to improve your current yard or design landscaping for a new home? Explore our residential services and new home landscaping options to see how we can help.
About Walker Landscapes
Walker Landscapes is a trusted landscaping company proudly serving the Mat-Su Valley and surrounding areas including Sutton, Glacier View, Chugiak, Eagle River, Big Lake, and Anchorage. Our services include custom landscape design, professional lawn and grass installation, patios, retaining walls, garden beds, and raised planter boxes. Whether establishing a new lawn through hydroseeding or sod, we bring expertise to both residential and commercial properties. Every project is tailored to the site and to Alaska’s demanding climate. With a strong commitment to quality and client satisfaction, we create outdoor spaces that are healthy, functional, and visually impressive.
Seth Walker, Co-Owner
Jeff Walker, Co-Owner
