Exterior Mistakes

Outdated & Overgrown: 6 Exterior Mistakes That Are Aging Your Home

First impressions matter—especially when it comes to your home. Whether you’re planning to sell or simply want your property to feel fresh and inviting, your landscaping plays a huge role in how current (or dated) your home looks from the street. Even if your house is beautifully maintained, tired landscaping choices can add decades to your curb appeal.

Let’s explore six common exterior mistakes that quietly age your home—and what to do instead to create a timeless, polished look.

1. Overgrown Foundation Plantings

You know the look: oversized evergreens crowding the windows, or shrubs so tall they hide your front door. While these plantings may have looked fine a decade ago, they’ve now become a visual barrier and make your home feel neglected.

Modern Fix: Choose lower-profile shrubs and ornamental grasses that frame (rather than conceal) your home’s features. Keep sight lines open and prune regularly to maintain a tidy, intentional look.

2. Red Lava Rock or Outdated Mulch

Decorative red lava rock might scream 1980s, and sun-bleached mulch does little to enhance your garden beds. Outdated or poorly maintained ground coverings make your yard look tired—even if your plants are thriving.

Modern Fix: Swap out rock mulch for natural shredded bark, black mulch, or even pea gravel for a contemporary aesthetic. These options not only look cleaner but also help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.

3. Underwatered Brown Grass

A lawn dotted with dry, brown patches doesn’t just signal a lack of water—it instantly makes your property look neglected and dated. Whether it’s the result of prolonged heat, inconsistent watering, or poor soil health, a parched lawn diminishes your curb appeal and can make even a well-maintained home appear tired.

Modern Fix: Implement a consistent watering schedule, ideally in the early morning to reduce evaporation. Consider upgrading to a sprinkler or drip irrigation system for even coverage, and overseed problem areas to encourage fresh growth. Adding drought-resistant grass varieties can also help maintain a healthy green lawn with less upkeep.

4. Outdated Edging Materials

Plastic scalloped edging, faded railroad ties, or leaning metal borders not only date your landscape—they can also be a tripping hazard or maintenance nightmare.

Modern Fix: Upgrade to clean, modern edging using natural stone, metal, or concrete curbing. These materials add structure to your beds and create a crisp, polished appearance that stands the test of time.

5. Staining Your Deck Red

Once a popular choice, bright red deck stain now instantly dates an outdoor space. Over time, red stain can also fade unevenly, leaving your deck looking patchy and worn. Instead of enhancing your backyard, it often draws attention away from the rest of your landscaping and makes your outdoor area feel stuck in another decade.

Modern Fix: Choose a more timeless stain or finish—think natural wood tones, soft greys, or deep charcoals—that complements your home’s exterior and blends seamlessly with surrounding landscaping. These shades age more gracefully, work with a variety of styles, and help create a cohesive, modern outdoor space.

6. Outdated Outdoor Lighting

If your home disappears after dark, you’re missing a huge opportunity to showcase its best features. Poor or nonexistent lighting not only dates your landscape—it can also compromise safety.

Modern Fix: Add low-voltage or solar-powered landscape lighting to highlight paths, steps, architectural elements, and focal plants. A well-lit landscape adds drama, security, and instant curb appeal.

Ready for a Refresh?

Updating your landscaping doesn’t require a full backyard renovation. Small, strategic changes—like swapping out materials, refining your layout, or decluttering plantings—can dramatically modernize the feel of your entire home.

Bonus Tip: If you’re not sure where to start, take a walk around your neighbourhood or browse photos of recently built homes. You’ll quickly spot the difference between timeless and tired.