Yard Eyesores That Ruin Your Curb Appeal

What makes a yard an eyesore? It depends on who you ask. Like personal style and hygiene, everyone has different rules when it comes to yard upkeep and design. One person’s cherished garden gnomes might be another’s idea of tacky kitsch. Lawn decor might be a matter of taste, but neglected maintenance like a broken fence or rotting RV in the yard are harder to overlook.

The good news is that nobody has to agree on what makes one yard beautiful and another an eyesore (unless you live in an HOA!), but some yard features are bound to cause a head shake or two from the neighbors. Ahead, find some of the most controversial yard eyesores, with a reminder that curb appeal is always subjective. 

Overgrown Lawns and Weeds

Unmowed grass and overgrown weeds make a yard look neglected and can quickly crossover into eyesore territory. But that doesn’t mean everyone’s yard has to look perfectly manicured or exactly the same, either. “A yard that is basic is not a problem as long as it is well kept,” real estate broker Erik Leland says. “You could choose a meadow-style yard or a pollinator garden as long as it is intentional with defined paths and maintained edges.” 

Dead Trees and Shrubs

Vibrant, healthy trees and shrubs add to a home’s curb appeal, but neglected, overgrown or dead ones can quickly tank it. Even if the rest of the yard is well-maintained, lifeless hedges and trees make it look like an eyesore. “Dead shrubs may appear minor. However, they create a larger perception issue if the property owner is not maintaining something minor, like dead shrubs,” real estate agent Ben Mizes says. 

Clutter and Junk

Broken or unused bulky items like patio furniture, piles of lumber, old furniture or broken lawn equipment can quickly pile up in the yard and become an eyesore. Difficult to dispose of, these items can overwhelm homeowners. “When you see clutter and junk in or around a home, it can create stress and uneasiness, even for neighbors,” Realtor Dell Jeanty says. “Keeping the yard organized can make the property and the entire street feel cleaner and more welcoming.”  

Broken or Neglected Fences

Fences can add to a home’s curb appeal and value, but a neglected one is just a yard eyesore. Broken, rotting and leaning fences drag down a property’s appeal and give the impression it’s not cared for. However, “a fence does not have to be new to look good,” real estate expert Cameron Walker says. “Old fences can be painted, and neglected and damaged fences can be repaired to make a good first impression.”

Lawn Gnomes and Garden Statues

Adding statues and garden gnomes to your yard is a personal choice that not everyone will enjoy. What makes you smile may make your neighbor scratch their head. But, even if you are a fan, it is possible to have too much of a good thing. “The right amount of decorations can give personality to a yard and make it inviting, but too many can give a cluttered appearance,” Walker says. “Decorations should be placed to give ample space to display the landscaping.”

Artificial Turf

While low-maintenance artificial turf is appealing, it can look like an eyesore if not done correctly. Low-quality material and shoddy installation methods result in uneven seams and a cheap aesthetic. “One of the major problems is if it appears as if the grass has been glued to the ground,” Mizes says.  But, even when done right, some people just don’t like the look of fake turf. It comes down to personal preference.  

Excessive Lawn Ornaments

A few carefully placed ornaments can give a yard character, but too many create an eyesore of visual clutter. “A property can lose appeal with an overabundance of various garden ornaments competing for focal points throughout the landscape,” Mizes says. “[But] a collection within a defined area of the landscape can be better appreciated.” Just know that your vision of a beautiful yard might look like a flea market to your neighbor. 

Unattractive Garbage and Recycling Bins

“There’s nothing wrong with having garbage and recycling bins in the front yard during pick-up day, but leaving them lined up in front of the house all week doesn’t look great and robs the home of its curb appeal,” Jeanty says. “Tucking them beside the house or behind a small screen keeps the yard looking cleaner.” On the other hand, some folks just don’t see what the big deal is about hiding trash cans and that’s okay, too. 

Abandoned Vehicles and Equipment

Broken down cars, ATVs or campers strewn in a yard qualify as a yard eyesore in most people’s eyes. Mice settle in, lawn and weeds grow around it and your property can start to resemble a junk yard. It knocks down your curb appeal and impacts your home’s value and your neighbor’s, too. A non-working vehicle doesn’t automatically constitute an eyesore, though, if it’s stored intentionally and preferably out of sight. 

Inflatable Yard Decorations

While they may spread holiday cheer, not everyone cares for inflatable yard decorations. Where some see whimsy, others see tacky. No matter which side you’re on, most would agree that when deflated during the day, inflatables turn into a yard eyesore. “They just look like piles of plastic in your yard,” Leland says. Additionally, too many inflatables can be fun or make a yard look disorganized and cluttered, depending on your take. 

Neglected Outdoor Structures

“A derelict shed or rotting play structure is sure to give a bad impression,” Leland says. “If it’s not worth repairing, remove it. An empty space is the better choice.” When I moved into my current home, one of the first things we did was remove a large gazebo that was long past its prime. Our new neighbors all came by and thanked us for removing the neighborhood eyesore. 

Plastic Flamingos and Other Novelty Decorations

Kitschy lawn ornaments like plastic flamingos could elicit an eye roll from a neighbor, but perhaps not. “A couple of plastic flamingos can be funny and add personality to a yard, so I wouldn’t automatically call them an eyesore,” Jeanty says. “But when there are twenty of them with mismatched colors competing with signs, flags and other decorations, it becomes a little overwhelming.” Thoughtfully incorporate your outdoor decor into the landscape for a more tasteful display. 

About the Experts 

• Erik Leland is a real estate broker at Realty First in Lake Oswego, Oregon.
• Dell Jeanty is a REALTOR® and founder of Dell Residential Group, serving buyers and sellers across Northern Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C.
• Ben Mizes is a real estate agent and President at Clever Real Estate in Missouri. 
• Cameron Walker is manager of the agent network at Clever Real Estate. 

The post Yard Eyesores That Ruin Your Curb Appeal appeared first on Family Handyman.

Article source here: Yard Eyesores That Ruin Your Curb Appeal