We’ve all driven past those houses – you know the ones. Where something about the landscaping just feels… off. Maybe it’s the massive hedge that swallows half the house, or that lonely shrub floating in a sea of mulch. The funny thing about curb appeal is that we usually notice when it’s missing, but we can’t always put our finger on why.
After years of observing both stunning and struggling landscapes, I’ve discovered that great curb appeal isn’t about expensive materials or elaborate designs. Instead, it’s about avoiding some surprisingly common mistakes that can make even the most expensive landscaping look amateur.
1. The “Floating” Foundation Plants

One of the most common landscaping missteps is what designers call “necklacing” – that lonely line of shrubs pressed against the house like a string of green pearls. These isolated plants create an awkward gap between the house and lawn, making your home look like it’s floating on a green island.
Create depth by layering plants of varying heights, textures, and bloom times. Think of your foundation plantings as the bridge between your home and landscape, not as a decorative afterthought.
2. Scale Confusion

When you first plant those cute little shrubs, they look perfect. Fast forward five years, and suddenly your windows are playing hide-and-seek behind overgrown evergreens. Or worse, you’ve chosen plants that will never grow large enough to balance your home’s proportions.
Research mature plant sizes and plan for growth. That adorable dwarf spruce might be 20 feet tall in a decade. Consider your home’s architectural features when selecting plants – a ranch-style house needs different scaling than a two-story colonial.
3. The Mulch Volcano

Nothing screams “amateur landscaping” quite like mulch piled high against tree trunks. These “mulch volcanoes” aren’t just unsightly – they’re slowly killing your trees by promoting rot and disease.
Think of mulch as a protective blanket for roots, not a decorative cone. Keep mulch 2-3 inches away from tree trunks and no more than 3 inches deep.
4. Random Acts of Planting

We’ve all been there – impulse-buying that gorgeous blooming plant without any real plan for where it goes. The result? A polka-dot landscape of disconnected elements that never quite comes together.
Start with a cohesive plan that considers your home’s architecture, your climate, and your maintenance preferences. Group plants with similar water and light needs together to create visual harmony and practical care zones.
5. The Lawn Obsession

A perfect green lawn has become the default setting for American landscapes. But massive lawns without definition or purpose often look bland and can actually decrease curb appeal.
Break up large lawn areas with thoughtfully placed beds, pathways, or hardscape elements. Consider reducing lawn size in favor of more diverse, environmentally friendly plantings.
6. Ignoring the Night View

Your landscape doesn’t disappear after sunset, but many homeowners forget to consider how their yard looks after dark. Poor lighting (or no lighting at all) can negate all your careful daytime planning.
Implement strategic landscape lighting that highlights architectural features, provides safe passage, and creates evening ambiance. Solar options make this easier and more affordable than ever.
7. Color Without Context

Those vibrant annuals caught your eye at the garden center, but now they look like random splashes of color against your home’s carefully chosen exterior palette.
Choose a color scheme that complements your home’s exterior and stick to it. Consider the year-round view – what will those beds look like when the flowers fade?
8. Neglecting Entry Impact

Your front entrance should be the focal point of your landscape, but too often it gets lost in a sea of competing elements or lacks the emphasis it deserves.
Create a clear, welcoming path to your front door using a combination of hardscape and plants. Make sure the route is obvious and inviting, even to first-time visitors.
9. The Privacy Wall

Tall privacy hedges might seem like a good solution for screening, but solid green walls can make your property feel fortress-like and unwelcoming from the street.
Create layered privacy using a mix of deciduous and evergreen plants at varying heights. Consider partial screening that maintains an open, friendly feel while still providing privacy where needed.
*This content was assisted with the use of AI.