Did I create a money pit with my landscaping project?

A properly designed landscape should enhance property value, not drain your wallet. In Utah, well-planned projects can add 10–20% to home value while also improving livability. If yours feels like a money pit, the problem often lies in design or installation. High-maintenance plants may need constant water and pruning, driving up costs. Poorly built irrigation can leak or overwater, raising bills and requiring repairs. Unsuitable plant selections may die early, forcing replacements. Review your project: are the plants drought-tolerant and adapted to our climate? Is the irrigation system efficient? Are features functional rather than just ornamental? If not, adjustments can help—swap thirsty plants for native or low-water species, fix drainage issues, or install smart irrigation controllers. A money pit isn’t inevitable; it’s usually the result of preventable mistakes. With corrections, your landscape can shift from a liability to an asset that pays back in value and daily enjoyment.