Published March 17, 2026
5 Front Yard Features That Are Always Eyesores, According to Designers
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jhorrocks / Getty Images
Key Points
• Poorly maintained lawns, dead plants, and leftover leaves signal neglect and negatively impact the rest of the home’s appearance.
• Avoid cheap plastic garden decor and random, mismatched planters. Instead, invest in higher-quality pieces that create a cohesive overall look.
• Your mailbox is a small feature that can signal neglect if it’s dated, deteriorating, or crooked.
As you're tending to your front yard this summer, you may want to reconsider some features that are actually sticking out like eyesores. We tapped some designers to share their expertise on what front yard features you need to avoid, so you don't leave a bad impression on summer guests, friends, or family.
Below, we highlight 5 front yard features that still count as eyesores in 2026.
Overgrown, Patchy Lawn
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Jaclyn Vernace / Getty Images
Overgrown or patchy lawns can instantly signal neglect and negatively impact the rest of the home's architecture, Evgenia Ermolaeva, the founder and interior designer at ED Interior, says.
Try to keep a consistent schedule of mowing your lawn, so it always looks maintained. Additionally, depending on where you're regionally located, you'll want to adjust your watering schedule based on how warm it is.
Don't Miss
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Detect whether you're dealing with issues like brown patch fungus or pests, so you know how to properly treat your patchy lawn.
Plastic Garden Decor
"Plastic garden decor fades fast and cheapens the entire entrance experience," Ermolaeva explains.
Invest in higher-quality pieces that are both timeless and durable, so you don't have to keep replacing your decor. Additionally, opt for pieces that will create a cohesive look with the rest of your home's decor.
Dead Plants and Leftover Leaves
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Olga Dobrovolska / Getty Images
If you have wilting plants or leftover leaves scattered in your front yard, it may be time to schedule a day to remedy all of these issues, Tina Montemayor, the founder and principal designer at Tina Montemayor Design, says.
Trim back any dead plants, so it doesn't disrupt your overall front yard appeal, and collect any leaves on the ground for a tidier look.
Crooked or Dated Mailboxes
It can be easy to overlook your mailbox since you may not think it's a big feature, but it could stick out if the rest of your house is up to date and your mailbox isn't, Montemayor explains. Whether it's completely replacing it or giving it a fix with new paint, don't forget this small feature that can make a big impact.
Mismatched Planters
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Peter Carruthers / Getty Images
Montemayor emphasizes the importance of making sure your planters aren't completely random, since it could look messy.
" I treat them like part of the architecture/hardscape: consistent color palette or tone so the plants shine," Montemayor says.
Choose a specific colorway that complements the rest of your architecture to really create a blended look.
