9 Things to Remove From Your Front Yard Right Now

First impressions matter, and your front yard sets the tone. Even if you’ve got healthy grass and pretty flowers, a few eyesores can undo all that effort. Sometimes it’s stuff we’ve gotten used to seeing—or didn’t even realize was dragging down the curb appeal.

If you’re getting ready to sell or just want your place to look more put together, these are the things that are worth clearing out. A few small changes can make a big difference in how your home looks from the street.

Faded or Broken Yard Decor

That cute metal wind spinner or garden gnome might’ve looked fun a few years ago, but if it’s sun-bleached, rusted, or cracked, it’s time to let it go.

Even quality decor pieces wear down fast in the elements. If it’s not adding to the space or it looks like it’s been through a storm, take it out and either replace it or skip it entirely for a cleaner look.

Overgrown Foundation Plants

Shrubs that are too big, too dense, or covering windows instantly make the house look unkempt. They also block airflow and light, which can cause problems inside too.

Cutting them back or replacing them with smaller, easier-to-manage options will clean up the whole front of the house. It opens up the space and makes your home feel more welcoming.

Empty Planters

Planters are great—when they’re full and healthy. But if they’re sitting empty, full of dead plants, or half-filled with dirt, they end up looking more like clutter.

Toss the sad leftovers, refill them with fresh soil and something seasonal, or move them out of sight until you’re ready to replant. It takes five minutes and instantly looks better.

Too Many Lawn Ornaments

One or two decorations can add character. But when there’s a herd of flamingos, six flags, and a half-buried wagon wheel, it starts to feel chaotic fast.

Pick a few that actually match the style of your house and let the rest go. A simpler setup gives your yard a cleaner, more intentional feel.

Plastic Edging That’s Coming Loose

That cheap black plastic edging works for a while, but once it starts popping up, cracking, or leaning, it draws attention in the wrong way.

Replace it with something more durable—or at least pull it up and reset it properly. Even a clean trench edge looks better than old plastic flopping over into the grass.

Dead or Struggling Trees

If you’ve got a tree that’s clearly dying—no leaves, peeling bark, or leaning oddly—it’s better to get it out before it becomes a bigger problem.

It’s not just about looks. Dead trees can fall, damage your house, or attract pests. Removing them clears space and makes the yard look better maintained and safer.

Random Garden Tools or Buckets

We’ve all left a shovel or hose lying out longer than we meant to, but tools, buckets, and bags of soil don’t belong in the front yard.

Find a spot behind the house or in the garage where these can live when they’re not in use. Keeping tools out of sight helps your yard look less like a worksite and more like a finished space.

Patchy Grass or Bare Spots

You don’t need a perfect lawn, but big bare patches stand out—especially near the sidewalk or driveway. It makes the whole yard feel neglected.

Rake, reseed, or cover them with mulch or groundcover plants that’ll fill in quickly. A little effort here makes a noticeable difference in curb appeal.

Mismatched or Broken Outdoor Furniture

That old chair with the ripped seat or the faded bench nobody sits on? It’s not helping your front yard feel inviting.

If it’s fixable, patch it up. If it’s not, haul it out. One nice bench or a pair of matching chairs looks far better than a random collection of tired pieces.

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