10 Landscaping Fads That Will Look Tacky in a Year

Trendy yards might catch attention right now, but a lot of those eye-catching features start to feel outdated fast. The problem is, landscaping isn’t something you want to redo every year—it’s expensive and time-consuming.

Chasing trends usually means you’ll be stuck ripping something out later once it starts looking tired or awkward. If you’re working on your yard and want it to hold up long-term, these are the landscaping fads that are better left alone.

Bright White Gravel Everywhere

White gravel might look crisp on day one, but it doesn’t stay that way. It shows every bit of dirt, leaf, and weed, and cleaning it is a hassle. Before long, that bright white turns gray and patchy.

This trend also feels harsh in most residential settings. It reflects a ton of sunlight, heats up fast, and can look out of place if the rest of the home has warmer tones. It’s better suited for modern commercial spaces than front yards.

Overuse of Metal Planters

A few metal planters can look clean and structured, but when they’re used all over the place—lining pathways, scattered across the lawn, crammed on porches—it gets old quick. They can also rust, stain concrete, or overheat the roots of your plants.

The look is popular now because it feels sleek and minimal, but it doesn’t age well. Once the finish wears or the plants start looking stressed, the whole setup ends up looking neglected instead of fresh.

Too Much Faux Grass

Artificial turf is everywhere right now, especially in spots where real grass struggles. But covering too much of your yard in it starts to feel unnatural. It doesn’t drain well, gets hot, and looks flat and plastic under close inspection.

It also shows wear fast—especially in high traffic areas—and once it starts to mat or wrinkle, it’s an expensive fix. Natural elements, even drought-friendly ones like clover or native grass blends, hold up better over time.

Neon-Colored Mulch

Bright red or dyed black mulch is meant to make flower beds pop, but it fades quickly and can bleed color onto your driveway or sidewalk. After a few months, it turns patchy and dull, making your yard look dated.

Natural mulch tones age more gracefully. They break down into the soil better too. That trendy, high-contrast look may be flashy now, but it rarely holds up past the first season.

Rock Gardens with No Greenery

Minimalist rock gardens are showing up in more yards, but when they’re done without any greenery or texture, they come across as dry and lifeless. They photograph well, but in person, they feel unfinished and sterile.

Rocks alone don’t make a space feel inviting. If you’re using them, balance it with native plants, grasses, or groundcover. Skipping the plants altogether is a shortcut that starts looking out of place once the novelty wears off.

Over-the-Top Water Features

Massive water fountains or overly stylized ponds might look fancy now, but they often turn into high-maintenance eyesores. Algae, leaks, and pump failures aren’t uncommon, and once the upkeep starts slipping, the whole thing looks out of place.

Unless you’re fully committed to maintaining it, skip the oversized, decorative pieces. A smaller, tucked-away water feature will usually feel more natural and stay attractive longer.

Painted Concrete Pavers

Painting or staining concrete pavers in trendy patterns or bold colors is having a moment, but those colors don’t stay sharp forever. Fading, chipping, and uneven wear can happen fast—especially in areas with lots of sun or foot traffic.

What started as a fun DIY look can quickly become something you want to cover up. Natural stone, unstained concrete, or brick tends to age more gracefully and won’t leave you stuck redoing it every year.

Outdoor Mirrors in the Yard

Hanging mirrors outside on fences or garden walls feels stylish right now, but most aren’t made to handle long-term weather. The backing peels, the glass fogs or cracks, and it becomes one more thing that needs fixing or replacing.

Plus, mirrors in bright sun can actually pose fire risks or damage nearby plants. It’s a look that’s fun for a photo but rarely holds up in real-life conditions.

Front Yard Fire Pits

Fire pits belong in the backyard. Installing one in the front might feel trendy, but it often looks awkward, especially if it’s right off the sidewalk. It draws attention to the wrong part of your yard and can feel a little out of place for guests or neighbors.

Once the trend fades, you’re left with a built-in feature that’s tough to repurpose. Keep the fire features tucked away in the backyard where they make more sense and offer real function.

Overstuffed Vertical Gardens

Vertical gardens are popping up on fences, porches, and even garage walls. But when they’re jam-packed with tiny plants or herbs, they quickly become high maintenance. If one section dies or dries out, it throws off the whole look.

Without regular watering, trimming, and replanting, vertical setups look messy fast. They’re great in controlled environments, but in an exposed front yard, they tend to fall apart and feel dated before the year’s over.

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