Just like your closet or a cluttered kitchen cabinet overflowing with stuff you no longer use, your garden benefits from an occasional edit. If you haven’t done so lately, step back and give your landscape a long, critical look. What’s your initial impression? What looks messy? What looks faded or lackluster?
Your garden should be a beautiful space where you actually want to spend time. If it’s messy or unkempt, it also sends a negative message and downgrades your curb appeal.
“Gardens communicate values,” says landscape architect Jodie Cook, PLA, of Jodie Cook Landscape Architecture. “When they are beautiful on the outside and ecologically alive on the inside, it sends a message. Neighbors notice, and that message is contagious.”
We know time is precious, but many of these garden cleanup tasks won’t take all weekend, and they will make your landscape look so much more inviting. And if you need a little nudge to part with stuff or permission to let go, consider it granted. Ahead, we’ve consulted top landscape designers and architects to identify the things you need to get rid of in your garden right now—as in this weekend!
Dyed Mulch
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Here’s the hard truth: “Red and black mulch looks dated and tacky and the dyes leach into the soil,” says landscape designer Katherine Aul Cervoni, landscape designer and founder of Staghorn NYC and The Cultivation by Kat. It also doesn’t age well, appearing faded and bland by the end of the season. Stick with an organic mulch that’s not dyed a bright, unnatural color.
Mismatched Planters
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Planters that do not go together look untidy and messy. “Properly curated planters look stunning,” says landscape designer Kristian Thiem of Tidal Creek Designs. Aim for planters that are the same shape, color, or material for a more cohesive look.
Overgrown Shrubs
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We know it’s hard to let go sometimes, but shrubs that have outgrown a space need to be yanked out ASAP, says Cervoni. There’s no sense trying to hack them back a couple of times a season because they’re never going to look good and you’re just making work for yourself. The same goes for a plant that’s blocking a window or that constantly drops needles, sticks, or leaves. Plant something else that you love in that space.
Lots of Yard “Art”
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People often advise homeowners to remove tchotchkes because they look tacky, but there’s also a deeper reason. “They don’t contribute to a beautiful garden, and they create lasting waste,” says Cook. “Most are made of cheap plastics that never truly degrade. Artificial turf, plastic mulch or edging, and faux rocks harm the soil, shed microplastics, trap heat and break down into debris.”
Leaning Trees
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These are not only a safety hazard that can come crashing down on your house, car or yard, they’re unsightly. “Unless it is a palm tree that is purposely grown that way, it needs to go,” says Thiem. “If a tree was not planted properly or has an air pocket, it can start to lean over. It needs to be staked to correct its growth.” That being said, stakes can look messy, too, so they should only be temporary.
Invasive Species
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Invasive species are even more problematic. “I know your burning bush (Euonymous elata) looks incredible in the fall, but it’s probably gotten too big for the place you planted it 20 years ago and is most definitely sending out seedlings into the wild and into your garden and your neighbor’s yards,” says Cervoni. Ditto for seeded rose of Sharon, barberry, pampas grass, ivy, and many other non-native grasses. Ditch these and replace with native species that will feed and support local pollinators and other wildlife.
Unused Expanses of Hardscape
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Large areas of concrete, gravel, or pavers prevent rainfall infiltration and reflect heat. “Replace them with permeable surfaces softened by ground covers or natural pea gravel for a more elegant, natural look,” says Cook.
Broken or Damaged Garden Edging
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We know edging doesn’t last forever, especially if you accidentally hit it with the mower or string trimmer. If yours is looking raggedy, it needs to be replaced. “You’re better off doing a clean edge with the shovel if the thought of buying or installing new edging is too much to take on now,” says Cervoni.
Dead Plants
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If drought knocked out some of your ilex or your boxwoods have gotten scraggly from too much shade, it’s time to dig them up and send them to the compost pile. “Dead plants hanging out in the yard for more than a couple of weeks is a massive curb appeal killer,” says Cervoni.
Garden Tools and Supplies
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Half-used bag of garden soil? Garden rake and shovel? Empty pots? We know you’re busy but make a habit of putting these items away for a nice, tidy yard. The same goes for your mower and string trimmer. Storing these items properly also will help them maintain their quality and lifespan, says Thiem.
Broken Landscape Lighting
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If you have a few path lights that have burned out, are unevenly spaced or are sticking out in different directions, let them all go and start fresh, says Cervoni.
Out-of-Control Vines
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Whether you need to fully eradicate some invasives, or keep aggressive growers in check, managing vines can be a lot of work. “But letting them get away from you and go rampant is terrible for curb appeal and the overall health of your other plants,” says Cervoni.
Messy Hoses
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Is your hose piled up in a tangled up heap? That just looks bad, and it’s also a royal pain when you need to use it. Plus, they can be a tripping hazard. Invest in a hose reel to keep them wound up, out of sight and ready to use the next time, says Cervoni.
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