When it comes to your home, first impressions matter. Your curb appeal is the first thing people notice when they approach your home, and it can significantly impact the overall impression of your property. While a beautifully maintained garden can add charm and character, certain plants can be a downright eyesore, detracting from your home’s visual appeal. Moreover, some of these plants can cause structural damage, leading to costly repairs. Here, you’ll find a list of 18 plants that might be sabotaging your curb appeal.
1. Bamboo
Bamboo might seem like an exotic and appealing choice for your garden, but beware! This fast-growing plant can quickly get out of control, becoming a visual nuisance and even damaging your property. Bamboo grows rapidly, making it difficult to contain. Its roots could also infiltrate your home’s foundation, leading to structural issues.
You can still enjoy bamboo in your garden by choosing clumping varieties over running types. Clumping bamboo grows in a tight cluster and is less aggressive, thus more manageable. Alternatively, if you still prefer running bamboo, consider planting it in a large container to restrict its growth.
2. English Ivy
English Ivy, with its lush, trailing vines, might seem like a romantic addition to your home’s exterior. However, this plant can quickly become invasive, covering windows and doors and damaging brickwork and siding.
To control English Ivy, regular pruning is necessary. If you still want to include it in your garden, consider growing it in containers or using it as a ground cover in areas where it won’t harm structures.
3. Tree of Heaven
The Tree of Heaven might sound divine, but this plant is anything but. It grows quickly and can reach towering heights, blocking views and creating a visual nuisance. It also has a strong, unpleasant odor and can cause allergic reactions.
If you want to include tall plants in your garden, consider slow-growing, non-invasive options. Native trees are usually a safe bet, as they’re adapted to your local climate and soil conditions.
4. Kudzu
Kudzu is a fast-growing vine that can quickly overtake your garden, covering everything in its path. This plant can smother other plants, and even buildings, affecting your home’s curb appeal.
If you have Kudzu in your garden, consider replacing it with less aggressive climbing plants like clematis or honeysuckle. These plants can add visual interest without becoming a nuisance.
5. Purple Loosestrife
While Purple Loosestrife’s bright purple flowers may be attractive, this plant is highly invasive. It can quickly spread throughout your garden, crowding out native plants and disrupting local ecosystems.
Instead of Purple Loosestrife, consider planting native flowering plants. These plants will be more in tune with your local ecosystem and less likely to become invasive.
6. Giant Hogweed
Giant Hogweed is not only a visual nuisance, but it’s also dangerous. Its sap can cause severe skin burns and even blindness if it comes in contact with the eyes.
If you come across Giant Hogweed in your garden, it’s best to call a professional to remove it. Never try to remove this plant yourself without proper protection.
7. Japanese Knotweed
Japanese Knotweed is a fast-growing plant that can quickly take over your garden. Its strong roots can even damage your home’s foundation and other structures.
If you have Japanese Knotweed in your garden, it’s best to hire a professional to remove it. They can ensure that it’s completely eradicated, preventing future growth.
8. Creeping Charlie
Creeping Charlie might sound cute, but this ground cover is anything but. It spreads quickly, crowding out other plants and creating a uniform, uninteresting look in your garden.
To control Creeping Charlie, regular weeding and mowing are necessary. Alternatively, consider replacing it with less aggressive ground cover plants.
9. Buckthorn
Buckthorn is a bushy plant that can quickly become a visual nuisance. It’s also invasive and can crowd out other plants in your garden.
Instead of Buckthorn, consider planting native shrubs. They’ll be more in tune with your local ecosystem and less likely to become invasive.
10. Poison Ivy
Poison Ivy is not only unattractive, it’s also dangerous. Contact with this plant can cause severe skin reactions.
If you find Poison Ivy in your garden, it’s best to hire a professional to remove it. Never try to remove this plant yourself without proper protection.
11. Dandelions
While Dandelions might seem harmless, they can quickly take over your lawn, creating a patchy, unattractive look.
To control Dandelions, regular mowing and weeding are necessary. You can also use a selective herbicide that targets broadleaf plants without harming your grass.
12. Canada Thistle
Canada Thistle is a prickly plant that can quickly spread throughout your garden. Not only is it unattractive, it’s also difficult to remove due to its deep, extensive root system.
To control Canada Thistle, regular mowing and weeding are necessary. You can also use a selective herbicide that targets broadleaf plants without harming your grass.
13. Wild Garlic
Wild Garlic is a plant that can quickly spread throughout your garden. It’s also difficult to remove due to its strong, persistent smell.
If you find Wild Garlic in your garden, consider replacing it with other aromatic plants like rosemary or basil. These plants can add sensory interest to your garden without becoming a nuisance.
14. Burdock
Burdock is a tall, spiky plant that can quickly become a visual nuisance. Its large leaves can also crowd out other plants in your garden.
If you find Burdock in your garden, consider replacing it with other tall plants like sunflowers or hollyhocks. These plants can add height and visual interest to your garden without becoming a nuisance.
15. Multiflora Rose
Multiflora Rose is a bushy plant that can quickly become a visual nuisance. It’s also invasive and can crowd out other plants in your garden.
Instead of Multiflora Rose, consider planting native roses. They’ll be more in tune with your local ecosystem and less likely to become invasive.
16. Tree of Life
The Tree of Life might sound appealing, but this plant can quickly become a visual nuisance. It grows quickly and can reach towering heights, blocking views and overshadowing other plants.
If you want to include tall plants in your garden, consider slow-growing, non-invasive options. Native trees are usually a safe bet, as they’re adapted to your local climate and soil conditions.
17. Mugwort
Mugwort is a bushy plant that can quickly spread throughout your garden. It’s also invasive and can crowd out other plants.
Instead of Mugwort, consider planting native shrubs. They’ll be more in tune with your local ecosystem and less likely to become invasive.
18. Prickly Pear Cactus
While Prickly Pear Cactus might be a unique addition to your garden, it’s not always the best choice for curb appeal. Its spiky appearance can be off-putting, and it can also pose a threat to children and pets.
If you want to include cacti in your garden, consider choosing species with softer spines or none at all. There are plenty of attractive, non-prickly options to choose from.