When it comes to home value, we all know that first impressions matter, and your landscaping plays a big role in that. Whether you're planning to sell or just looking to maintain your investment, it’s important to know that not all landscaping is good landscaping. In fact, certain choices can detract from your home’s appeal and reduce its market value.

Let’s take a look at a few exterior mistakes that are easy to overlook, but, fortunately, they are just as easy to fix!

Shrubs spilling over walkways, tree branches brushing the roof, or flower beds covered with weeds can quickly make a home look neglected, and if you're trying to sell, buyers may wonder if the details inside have been just as ignored.

A bit of regular upkeep can make a big difference. Pruning trees, trimming hedges, and keeping garden beds weed-free helps your landscaping look intentional and shows the property is cared for.

On the other hand, a completely bare yard can make a home feel stark and uninviting. Without greenery or defined landscaping, there’s no real visual interest, and that can lead to an unfinished look, especially if surrounding yards include colorful plantings or simple decorative elements.

Consider incorporating a few low-maintenance shrubs, a defined walkway, and maybe a splash of color using potted plants. Even a little mulch around trees or borders can provide a cleaner, more intentional look. 

Elaborate gardens and intricate designs can be beautiful, but they can also take a lot of time, effort, and money to keep up. High-maintenance landscaping, like exotic plants, extensive flower beds, and climbing vines, can quickly become overwhelming for the average homeowner and may also deter potential buyers who view it as a time-consuming chore rather than a visual asset.

Instead of going all out, aim for a balanced approach. Choose simple native plants, add mulch or ground cover to reduce weeds, and try to design with simplicity and sustainability in mind.

Even with well-planned landscaping, curb appeal can fall flat if the exterior of the house itself appears neglected. Chipped paint, faded siding, or rust-streaked surfaces create a worn and dated impression, which can give buyers the feeling that the home is dilapidated.

Simple tasks like repainting trim, washing windows, and power washing the siding can quickly give your home a refreshed look. A clean exterior makes your landscaping stand out and leaves a stronger first impression.

Outdoor living spaces add significant value, but only if they look safe, clean, and inviting. A patio covered in moss, a deck with splintering boards, or cracked concrete slabs can quickly turn this potential asset into an eyesore.

Regular cleaning and small repairs help keep these areas in good condition. Adding a few simple touches, like planters, lighting, and a few pieces of outdoor furniture can transform a tired space into a functional and attractive extension of your yard.

Walkways, retaining walls, fire pits, and water features can add character and function, but if they dominate the space, your yard can feel crowded and less welcoming. Too much hardscaping can also leave little room for future owners to make the space their own, which can be a major turnoff.

Aim for a good balance between greenery and hardscape to keep your yard feeling warm, inviting, and flexible for any style.

Your lawn doesn’t have to look like a golf course, but it should appear green and well-kept. Brown spots, weeds, and patchy grass can bring down the overall look of your yard. If traditional grass isn’t a good fit for your area, consider options like native plants, ornamental grasses, or drought-tolerant landscaping, but make sure the design is purposeful and visually appealing.

A dated porch light, faded house numbers, or a crooked mailbox might seem like small details, but together, they can easily stick out and detract from your home’s exterior. 

Replacing or refreshing these fixtures is an easy win. Choose updated lighting that complements your home’s architecture, install stylish address numbers that are easy to read, and make sure your mailbox is upright and in good condition. These small touches help create a polished look that can easily enhance curb appeal. 

Landscaping doesn’t have to be expensive or elaborate to add value, but it does need to be thoughtful. Keep it clean, low-maintenance, and in line with your home’s style, and you’ll be sure to create a welcoming space that lasts!