Yes, Your Front Yard Might Be Too Busy—6 Things Real Estate Pros Say You Should Ditch

Your home’s front yard and lawn are great places to design how you please, but it’s important to remember it’s one of the first parts of your house people see. Meaning, if you go overboard, that front exterior can start to look messy and busy.

“First impressions matter, big time,” says Jeremy Smith, a real estate advisor at Engel & Völkers Atlanta, says. “If your front yard looks like a yard sale met a flea market and they both exploded, it’s time to rein it in.”

So, what should you remove from your front yard to make it look less busy? We talked to Smith and other real estate experts on how to make your home’s exterior appear clean and inviting.

Overplanting Your Garden

Having plants in the front yard is great for the home’s curb appeal, but experts warn that too much can be detrimental, especially if it looks disorganized or if the plants and trees overgrow unexpectedly.

“Don’t crowd bushes together,” Haley Bartlett, a realtor of Your Aussie Agent, based in Denver, Colorado, says. “Talk to a landscaping expert before planting. Think about perennials, too, and how they will grow back every year.”

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Too Much Furniture

If you want to have patio furniture in the front yard, Bartlett advises limiting it to one seating area and not multiple, which will make it look crowded.

“A little bistro patio set or a bench can be great if you want to enjoy your front yard,” she says. “However, having multiple sitting areas can make it feel haphazard.”

Lots of Flags or Signage

While your lawn can be a good place for self-expression, it can also make your front exterior look busy. And if you’re house is on market, it could distract or turn off people who may want to make an offer. Smith suggests remove those items and put them up at your next home.

“You don’t want to risk turning off a potential buyer over something that has nothing to do with your home’s value,” Smith says.

Too Many Garden Ornaments

Bird baths, garden gnomes and other general lawn decor may make your home feel cozy, but too many can be distracting, especially if you’re looking to sell the house. Bartlett notes that having a lot of ornaments can make the house look cluttered, confusing, and like a second-hand store.

“A little flair is fine,” Smith says. “Pick your two favorite pieces and pack up the rest.”

Abundant Mulch

Mulch is a helpful weed deterrent in your front lawn, but too much will make your front yard look disorganized.

“It can also actually kill the plants you want to grow,” Bartlett says. “If you are looking to xeriscape, consider mixing mulch with rocks instead of just throwing mulch all over the yard.”

Mismatched Plants

It’s important to make sure your front yard’s garden has plants that match each other and look like there’s some harmony.

“Size, color, and look should all be cohesive,” Bartlett says. “Mismatched yards that are a little all over the place can give that feel of overcrowding.”