10 Landscaping Trends That Are Making Your Yard Look Dated

Some landscaping trends hang on way too long—and not in a good way. Styles change, materials improve, and what once looked fresh can start making your yard feel stuck in another decade.

If you’re trying to boost curb appeal or just want a space that feels more current, it might be time to rethink a few things. Here’s what’s starting to look out of place and what to consider instead.

Too Much Mulch Everywhere

There’s nothing wrong with mulch, but burying your entire yard in it doesn’t look modern anymore. Massive mulch beds around every tree, fence line, and mailbox can make the whole yard feel flat and lifeless. It also bakes the soil if overdone. Instead, break it up with groundcovers or low-maintenance plants to add texture and color.

Plastic Edging

That skinny black plastic border used to be the go-to for separating flower beds from grass. Now, it sticks out like a sore thumb. It doesn’t age well, tends to warp, and gives off a budget feel. Swapping it for natural stone, metal, or even brick edging can clean up your lines without making your yard feel outdated.

Overdone Rock Gardens

Rock gardens had a moment, especially in drought-prone areas, but many of them have turned into bare, hot, lifeless spaces. If it’s all gravel with a few sad plants clinging on, it might be time to rethink the layout. Mix in native plants, mulch, and a little variation in height to make it feel more alive and less like a parking lot.

Perfectly Clipped Boxwoods

Those little green meatballs lined up in front of every window? They’re starting to feel a little tired. The uniformity doesn’t bring much interest to your landscape, and honestly, it’s a lot of upkeep for a pretty bland payoff. Try breaking up the symmetry with layered plantings, seasonal color, or more natural shapes.

Bright Red Mulch

Red mulch might be eye-catching, but not in a good way. It often looks artificial and clashes with your plants instead of complementing them. It fades quickly in the sun, too. If you want a cleaner, more modern look, stick to dark brown or black mulch—it lets the greenery stand out instead of competing with it.

Decorative Gravel Paths That Go Nowhere

Gravel walkways can look great, but too often they’re thrown in as an afterthought—leading to nothing or connecting random spots. If it doesn’t serve a real purpose, it’s just clutter. Instead, think about how you actually use your yard and build paths that work with that. It should feel intentional, not just decorative filler.

Overused Solar Lights

Lining every walkway, flower bed, and patio with those little solar lights might seem like a good idea, but too many can look cluttered and cheap. Most of them don’t put out much light anyway. If you want lighting that works and looks good, go for a few well-placed, higher-quality fixtures that actually highlight your space.

Too Many Garden Ornaments

A yard full of gnomes, statues, and decorative flags can easily cross the line from charming to chaotic. When everything’s competing for attention, nothing really stands out. Try scaling back to one or two pieces that really matter to you and let your plants take center stage.

Water Features That Don’t Work

That fountain or pond might have looked nice when it was brand new, but if it’s cracked, dry, or full of algae, it’s hurting your yard more than helping. Water features require upkeep, and if they’re not maintained, they quickly make the space feel neglected. If you’re not up for the maintenance, it might be better to remove it entirely.

Perfect Green Lawns in Drought Areas

Still trying to keep a golf-course lawn going in a dry climate? It’s not just a headache—it’s outdated. Water restrictions, rising costs, and sustainability concerns are making these thirsty yards feel out of touch. Swapping out at least part of your lawn for native plants or xeriscaping can look good and save you work (and money) in the long run.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.