Landscaping on Martha’s Vineyard isn’t just planting grass and calling it a day. The island has its own set of rules—literally and naturally. Homeowners often learn the hard way. One missed step and their plans backfire fast. Martha's Vineyard landscaping needs more than just good taste. It needs strategy, local sense, and patience.

Here’s where most people slip up.

1. Ignoring Local Climate

The Vineyard has strong winds, salt spray, sandy soil, and rough winters. Some days are bright and warm. Others are cool and damp. This messes with plant choices. People often pick trees and shrubs from catalogs that look good but fail here.

For example, tropical or soft-leaved plants don’t last long near coastal areas. The wind dries them out. Salt turns them brown. Use native plants instead. They last longer and cost less to maintain. Plus, they need less water.

2. Not Thinking About Drainage

The island’s soil drains fast. That sounds great—until you realize your new lawn or flower beds can’t hold moisture. Some parts, especially low spots, get soggy after rain. Others dry up within hours.

People often skip a proper soil test. That’s a mistake. Testing can tell them how well water moves through the ground. It aids them pick the right turf, trees, and ground cover.

Fixing drainage later costs more. And it can lead to root rot, water pooling, or even basement leaks.

3. Overplanting

A common issue across Martha’s Vineyard residential lands is cluttered yards. Folks want privacy or instant results, so they plant too much too soon.

It may look lush for a year. But fast forward 3–5 years and things get crowded. Plants fight for light and water. Some don’t survive. Others grow into each other or block views. Trimming becomes a regular (and costly) job.

Landscape design is a long game. Start small. Leave room for growth. Space things out smartly.

4. Not Following Zoning Rules

Martha’s Vineyard has tight zoning laws. Every town has different sets of rules. There are limits on tree removal, building heights, and shoreline work.

A homeowner might hire someone to remove trees, only to get fined later. Before starting, check local laws. Ask if a permit is needed. Don’t rely on past rules—some changed in 2024. For example, Chilmark updated its buffer zone rules in early 2025. Not knowing can slow down work or lead to penalties.

5. Hiring Without Doing Research

People often go with whoever is available fast. That’s risky. Martha’s Vineyard has a tight network of skilled workers—but also many seasonal crews.

The wrong team might cut down healthy trees. Or build paths without checking slope direction. Mistakes can cost thousands to fix.

Ask for photos of past work. Get references. Make sure they know how the island soil and winds work. Good crews are booked early. Start looking before spring or fall rush.

6. Not Protecting Trees During Work

Trees take years to grow but just one mistake to ruin. Often, during home upgrades or landscaping, crews park too close to trunks. Roots get compacted. Bark gets scraped.

In 2024, local arborists reported a 20% rise in tree stress cases after home construction projects. Most could’ve been avoided with simple root barriers or protective fencing.

Trees near driveways or patios need extra care. Plan for that early on. Don’t wait until leaves drop or branches die.

7. Forgetting Maintenance Costs

Some yards look great at first. But the cost of keeping them up isn’t cheap. Lawns need mowing. Hedges need shaping. Trees need pruning.

Many people plant things that need weekly care. Then they leave town or rent the place out. That’s when things fall apart.

Think ahead. Use mulch to cut back weeds. Choose slow-growing shrubs. Add ground covers that fill in over time. Keep things low-maintenance when possible.

8. Planting Too Close to the House

Bushes and trees that grow too close to homes can cause problems. Roots crack foundations. Branches scratch siding or clog gutters.

In 2025, local insurance claims saw a small rise from damage due to overgrown plantings. A little planning can stop that. Keep trees at least 15–20 feet from homes. Shrubs should stay a few feet away from walls.

Also, tight plantings trap moisture near the home. That can cause mold or pests.

9. Ignoring Wildlife

The island isn’t just home to people. Birds, deer, and even wild turkeys roam the yards. People forget this and plant things that deer love to eat.

In 2024, deer numbers grew in West Tisbury and Edgartown. That means more damage to gardens and young trees. Use fencing or deer-resistant plants like boxwood, lavender, and yarrow.

10. Skipping a Plan

Some people begin with “just a few changes” and end up with a patchy mess. No flow. No path. No shade where it’s needed. It happens when there’s no map.

A plan saves time and cash. It helps them think through shade, views, access, and care. Even a basic sketch can help avoid redoing beds or moving trees later.

Conclusion

Landscaping on Martha’s Vineyard needs smart choices. It’s not just about beauty—it’s about balance. Homeowners need to think local, plan well, and stay ahead of rules and weather. Those who skip these steps often pay more, both in money and in time. Don’t let that be their story. Their land deserves better. Martha's Vineyard landscaping should work with nature, not against it.

For those who want help avoiding these mistakes, Bilzerian Tree and Land Services is a trusted name. They offer skilled, careful work built for island life. From safe tree removal to smart property care, they’re a smart choice for anyone who wants the best for their land.