A well-maintained yard can boost your home’s curb appeal and even increase its value, but bad landscaping choices can have the opposite effect. Whether it’s overgrown bushes, poor plant choices, or neglected maintenance, certain mistakes can make your property look uninviting—or even reduce its resale price.
If you’re investing time and money into your landscaping, make sure you’re doing it the right way. Here are 13 common landscaping mistakes that could be hurting your home’s value—and how to fix them.
1. Neglecting Curb Appeal
First impressions matter, and your front yard is the first thing people see. Overgrown grass, dead plants, or a cluttered front porch can turn off potential buyers before they even step inside. Even if you don’t plan on selling, a neglected front yard can make your home look uninviting and unkempt.
A simple fix? Regularly mow the lawn, trim overgrown bushes, and keep pathways clear. Adding fresh mulch, seasonal flowers, or a few potted plants near the entrance can instantly boost your curb appeal.
2. Choosing the Wrong Plants for Your Climate
That tropical palm tree might look amazing in a Florida resort, but it won’t last long if you plant it in a colder climate. Choosing plants that aren’t suited to your region leads to stunted growth, dead plants, and wasted money.
Before planting, check your USDA Hardiness Zone and choose plants that thrive in your local conditions. Native plants are lower maintenance and require less water and fertilizer, making them a smart long-term investment.
3. Overgrown Trees and Shrubs
Large, leafy trees can provide shade and beauty, but if they’re blocking windows, growing too close to the house, or touching power lines, they become a liability. Overgrown shrubs can also make a home look dark and uninviting, reducing curb appeal.
Trim trees and shrubs regularly to keep them looking tidy and prevent them from damaging your home. If a tree is growing too close to your foundation, it may be time to remove it before the roots cause structural issues.
4. Ignoring Proper Drainage
Poor drainage can ruin your landscaping and your home’s foundation. If you notice puddles forming after a rainstorm or soggy areas in your yard, you may have a drainage issue.
To fix this, consider grading your yard properly so that water flows away from your home. Installing French drains or dry river beds can also help redirect excess water and prevent damage.
5. Too Much Hardscaping
A well-placed patio, walkway, or stone feature can enhance your yard, but too much hardscaping—like excessive concrete or gravel—can make your property look cold and unwelcoming. Hard surfaces also absorb heat, making your yard uncomfortable during the summer.
Balance is key. If you have a lot of hardscaping, soften the look with plants, grass, or decorative planters to add warmth and charm.
6. Using Artificial Grass
While artificial turf may seem like an easy-maintenance solution, it can actually hurt resale value. Many buyers prefer the natural look and feel of real grass, and some homeowners’ associations even ban artificial turf altogether.
If you want a low-maintenance lawn, consider drought-resistant grass varieties, ground cover plants, or a mix of native landscaping instead. These options look more natural and won’t deter potential buyers.
7. Planting Too Close to the House
It might seem like a good idea to plant trees or large shrubs near your home for shade and privacy, but this can cause long-term issues. Roots can damage foundations, branches can scratch siding, and dense shrubs can block airflow, leading to mold or pest problems.
Always check the mature size of a plant before planting it near your home. A good rule of thumb is to plant trees at least 10-15 feet away from the house to prevent future headaches.
8. Skipping Regular Lawn Maintenance
A patchy, brown lawn makes your entire home look neglected. If you skip mowing, watering, or fertilizing, your lawn can quickly turn into a weed-infested mess that lowers curb appeal.
To keep your grass green and healthy, follow a regular mowing schedule, water deeply but infrequently, and fertilize seasonally. If you live in a dry climate, consider switching to drought-resistant grass or xeriscaping.
9. Having an Unbalanced Landscape Design
Some homeowners go overboard with too many plants, while others leave their yard looking bare and uninspired. An unbalanced landscape can make your property look messy or unfinished, lowering its appeal.
To create a balanced look, aim for variety and structure. Use a mix of shrubs, flowers, and trees while maintaining open lawn space. Layering plants by height can also make your yard look more polished and visually appealing.
10. Overcomplicating the Design
Elaborate landscaping might look impressive, but if it’s too high-maintenance, it can turn off potential buyers. Features like complex garden beds, excessive water features, or high-maintenance plants can be a burden for homeowners who don’t have the time or expertise to maintain them.
A well-designed yard should be attractive yet practical. Opt for low-maintenance plants, easy-care mulch, and simple garden layouts to keep things manageable.
11. Neglecting Outdoor Lighting
A beautifully landscaped yard loses its charm if it disappears into darkness at night. Lack of outdoor lighting can make your home look less inviting and even pose a safety risk for visitors.
Adding solar path lights, uplighting for trees, or accent lights for key features can instantly enhance your yard’s appearance and improve nighttime curb appeal.
12. Allowing Weeds to Take Over
Weeds don’t just make your yard look unkempt—they also steal nutrients and water from your plants. If you let weeds spread, they can quickly overtake your lawn and flower beds, making your landscaping look neglected.
Regular weeding, mulching, and using pre-emergent herbicides can help keep weeds under control. A little effort goes a long way in maintaining a clean, well-kept yard.
13. Failing to Consider Resale Appeal
Landscaping should reflect your personal style, but if you plan to sell your home in the future, consider how your choices might appeal to potential buyers. Overly personal or extreme landscaping—like exotic plants, excessive rock gardens, or unusual color schemes—can turn buyers away.
If resale value is a priority, aim for a classic, well-maintained look with a balance of greenery and hardscaping. Neutral colors, functional outdoor spaces, and native plants will attract more buyers and make your home more marketable.
*This article was created with the help of AI.