Landscaping can add beauty and value to a home, but not every trend ages gracefully. Some once-popular outdoor features end up being costly mistakes that homeowners regret. Whether due to high maintenance costs, environmental concerns, or changing design preferences, certain landscaping choices can be expensive to undo. Before committing to any major outdoor project, consider these 12 landscaping trends that could end up draining your wallet in the long run.
1. Artificial Grass Lawns
Artificial grass was once seen as a maintenance-free alternative to real lawns, but many homeowners now regret the switch. Over time, synthetic turf can degrade, becoming patchy, discolored, and unbearably hot in the summer. It also lacks the natural cooling effects of real grass, making backyards feel like heat traps. On top of that, artificial grass isn’t biodegradable, so disposing of it properly can be costly and environmentally unfriendly.
Removing artificial turf is an expensive process that requires tearing out layers of synthetic material and restoring the soil beneath. Many homeowners find that the compacted ground left behind struggles to support new grass or plants, requiring additional costs for soil treatments and re-sodding. Some cities are even restricting artificial grass due to environmental concerns, making it a less desirable option. In the end, what seemed like an easy fix can turn into a costly and time-consuming reversal.
2. Overly Complicated Hardscaping
Elaborate patios, intricate paver pathways, and excessive stonework may seem like a great way to elevate a yard’s appearance, but they can quickly become a burden. Hardscaping can shift, crack, or deteriorate over time, requiring expensive repairs and ongoing upkeep. Some homeowners also find that too much hardscaping leaves their outdoor spaces feeling cold and uninviting. Additionally, excessive stonework can create drainage issues, leading to standing water or even foundation problems.
If a new homeowner prefers a softer, greener landscape, they may be turned off by an over-paved yard. Removing extensive hardscaping is labor-intensive and costly, often requiring professionals to break up and haul away heavy materials. Restoring the space with soil, grass, and plants can add thousands to the overall cost. For those looking to sell, an overly paved yard may reduce the property’s appeal and resale value.
3. Large Water Features
Fountains, koi ponds, and waterfalls can make a backyard feel like an oasis, but they come with hidden costs. These features require constant cleaning, chemical treatments, and algae control to keep them looking pristine. Pumps and filtration systems can break down over time, leading to expensive repairs. Additionally, water features can become breeding grounds for mosquitoes and other pests if not properly maintained.
If a homeowner decides to remove a water feature, the process isn’t cheap. Draining, dismantling, and filling in ponds or fountains can require heavy equipment and professional labor. Restoring the area with grass, plants, or other landscaping elements adds to the overall cost. Many people find that the ongoing maintenance and eventual removal costs far outweigh the initial appeal of these backyard additions.
4. High-Maintenance Exotic Plants
Exotic plants can create a striking visual impact, but they often require more care than homeowners anticipate. Many non-native species demand constant watering, special fertilizers, or controlled conditions to thrive. This can lead to higher water bills and increased maintenance efforts, making them an impractical choice for many regions. Some exotic plants also struggle in extreme weather, leading to frequent replacements.
In some cases, these plants can become invasive, spreading uncontrollably and crowding out native vegetation. Removing invasive species can be costly, requiring professional intervention to fully eradicate them. Additionally, many homeowners find that native plants are not only easier to maintain but also better for local wildlife. Choosing the wrong plants can result in years of expensive upkeep and potential legal issues if they become an ecological nuisance.
5. Decorative Gravel Gardens
Gravel gardens were once a trendy alternative to traditional lawns, praised for their low-maintenance appeal. However, over time, homeowners have discovered that gravel is far from hassle-free. Weeds can still grow between the rocks, requiring frequent herbicide treatments or manual removal. Plus, shifting gravel can create uneven surfaces, making it difficult to walk on or maintain.
The process of removing gravel and restoring the soil underneath is labor-intensive and costly. Many homeowners find that compacted gravel prevents healthy plant growth, requiring extensive soil conditioning before new landscaping can be installed. Additionally, gravel can scatter into unwanted areas, making cleanup an ongoing challenge. For those looking to sell their home, a yard full of gravel may be a dealbreaker for buyers who prefer traditional landscaping.
6. Large Concrete Driveways and Patios
Expansive concrete surfaces were once seen as a durable and practical way to enhance outdoor spaces. However, large concrete driveways and patios can crack over time, requiring costly repairs or full replacements. In hotter climates, concrete absorbs heat, making outdoor areas unbearably warm in the summer. Additionally, plain concrete lacks aesthetic appeal and can make a yard feel industrial rather than inviting.
Removing concrete is an expensive and labor-intensive process, often requiring heavy machinery. Once the concrete is gone, homeowners must invest in new landscaping, such as sod, plants, or alternative paving materials. Many buyers now prefer permeable surfaces like pavers or gravel, which allow for better drainage and a more natural look. What once seemed like a durable investment can quickly become an outdated liability.
7. Wooden Decks
Wooden decks can add warmth and charm to outdoor spaces, but they require ongoing maintenance to stay in good condition. Over time, exposure to the elements causes wood to warp, crack, or rot, leading to expensive repairs or replacements. Regular staining and sealing are necessary to prevent water damage, but even with proper care, decks have a limited lifespan. Insects like termites can also wreak havoc on wooden structures, creating additional costs for pest control and repairs.
Removing a deteriorating deck isn’t as simple as tearing up the boards. The support structure often needs to be demolished, and depending on the size of the deck, disposal costs can be significant. Replacing it with a new deck or patio requires additional investment, and some homeowners opt to return the space to grass or garden beds instead. In recent years, composite decking has gained popularity as a low-maintenance alternative, but the upfront costs are considerably higher.
8. Outdoor Kitchens
An outdoor kitchen can be a luxury addition, but it’s also a trend that doesn’t always age well. Built-in grills, mini-fridges, and outdoor countertops are expensive to install, and they require ongoing maintenance to withstand the elements. In colder climates, pipes and appliances need winterizing to prevent damage, adding to the cost and effort of upkeep. Many homeowners also find that they don’t use outdoor kitchens as often as they initially expected, making the investment hard to justify.
If an outdoor kitchen falls into disrepair, removing it can be an expensive and time-consuming process. Countertops, cabinetry, and plumbing all need to be dismantled, and restoring the space may require extensive landscaping work. Potential buyers may also see an outdated outdoor kitchen as an unnecessary feature rather than a selling point. As trends shift, many homeowners regret the high cost of installation and the even higher cost of removal.
9. Expansive Flower Beds
Large, elaborate flower beds can create a stunning visual impact, but they often come with hidden costs. Maintaining an expansive garden requires regular watering, fertilizing, and pruning, which can be both time-consuming and expensive. Some homeowners also struggle with seasonal replanting, as certain flowers only bloom for short periods, requiring frequent updates to maintain a vibrant appearance.
Over time, many people find that large flower beds become unmanageable, leading to overgrown or neglected areas. Downsizing or removing flower beds can be labor-intensive, requiring soil replacement and potential lawn restoration. Additionally, as water restrictions become more common in certain areas, high-maintenance flower gardens are increasingly seen as impractical. What once looked like a beautiful addition can turn into an expensive burden.
10. Privacy Hedges
Tall, dense hedges can provide privacy and a lush, green backdrop, but they require significant upkeep to stay attractive. Fast-growing hedges often need frequent trimming to maintain their shape, and if left unattended, they can quickly become overgrown and unmanageable. Some species, like bamboo, spread aggressively, making them difficult to control and even harder to remove if a homeowner wants a change.
The cost of removing large hedges can be substantial, requiring professional landscaping services to extract deep root systems. Once removed, homeowners may also need to invest in fencing or alternative privacy solutions, adding to the expense. In some neighborhoods, homeowners’ associations even have restrictions on hedge height and maintenance, making them a less desirable choice in the long run.
11. Large Expanses of Lawn
A perfectly manicured lawn has long been a symbol of suburban living, but maintaining one is becoming increasingly expensive and environmentally unsustainable. Watering, fertilizing, mowing, and pest control add up in both cost and time, and many homeowners are growing tired of the constant upkeep. In drought-prone areas, water restrictions make it difficult to maintain a lush lawn, leading to patchy, unattractive grass.
Many cities are now encouraging homeowners to replace grass with drought-resistant landscaping or native plants, and some even offer incentives for doing so. However, making the switch isn’t cheap—removing sod and installing alternative landscaping can cost thousands of dollars. Homeowners who invested heavily in maintaining traditional lawns may find that their efforts no longer align with changing environmental standards, making grass-heavy yards a financial liability.
12. Trendy Garden Decor
Trendy outdoor decorations, such as oversized metal sculptures, colored mulch, or themed garden ornaments, may seem like a fun way to personalize a space. However, what’s stylish today can quickly become outdated. Brightly colored mulch fades over time, garden gnomes and statues may not age well, and excessive decorations can make a yard look cluttered rather than inviting.
Removing garden decor can be an unexpected expense, especially if materials like decorative stone or artificial elements need professional disposal. Homeowners looking to sell may find that outdated landscaping trends hurt their property’s curb appeal rather than enhance it. Simple, timeless landscaping elements tend to hold value better, making them a smarter long-term investment.
