5 Landscaping Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Curb Appeal

Creating a beautiful, welcoming yard doesn’t happen by accident. It takes planning, proper care, and knowing what to avoid. At Malterer's Landscaping & Lawncare, we’ve seen the good, the bad, and the downright expensive when it comes to landscaping decisions gone wrong.

If you’re investing time or money into your outdoor space, avoid these 5 common landscaping mistakes that can hurt your curb appeal—and learn how to fix them the right way.

1. Overcrowding Plants or Poor Spacing

It’s tempting to fill every inch of your yard with greenery, but overcrowding leads to poor air circulation, competition for nutrients, and a cluttered, chaotic appearance. Small plants grow bigger—and fast.

Fix:
Plan for growth. We create landscape designs with long-term spacing in mind, giving each plant room to thrive without competing with its neighbors.

2. Ignoring Soil Health and Drainage

Planting without considering soil quality or drainage is a recipe for failure. Poor soil equals unhealthy plants. And bad drainage? That leads to pooling water, erosion, and root rot.

Fix:
We test your soil and amend it as needed before planting. If your yard has drainage issues, we offer grading, French drains, or proper runoff solutions to protect your landscape investment.

3. Using Too Much (or the Wrong) Mulch

Mulch is great—but only in the right amount and type. Too much mulch suffocates roots, encourages mold, and invites pests. Colored mulches can also fade quickly or leach chemicals into the soil.

Fix:
We apply the right type of mulch at the correct depth (typically 2–3 inches), using natural, high-quality products that nourish the soil and boost curb appeal without harming your plants.

4. Neglecting Seasonal Maintenance

Even the best landscaping will look tired without routine upkeep. Letting shrubs overgrow, lawns thin out, or leaves pile up sends the wrong message—and lowers property value fast.

Fix:
Malterer’s offers seasonal cleanup and maintenance plans to keep your yard looking fresh and healthy year-round. We handle trimming, weeding, edging, leaf removal, and more.

5. Forgetting the View from the Street

Homeowners often focus on the backyard or garden beds, but curb appeal starts from the street. An unbalanced front yard, neglected walkway, or bare foundation can drag down your whole exterior.

Fix:
We design front yard landscapes that frame your home, guide the eye to your entry, and make a great first impression. That includes shrubs, lighting, walkways, and seasonal color.

Transform Your Curb Appeal with Confidence

At Malterer's Landscaping & Lawncare, we help homeowners avoid costly mistakes and create landscapes that are functional, beautiful, and built to last.