5 Front Yard ‘Upgrades’ That Will Lower Your Home’s Value

Curb appeal is the first impression your home gives, and it’s more important than many realize.

“Before a buyer even steps inside, they’re already forming opinions,” says Stacie Staub, CEO and co-founder of West + Main Homes. “Those first few seconds really matter.” However, in a scramble to upgrade a front yard and try to impress, many homeowners often overdo it and make expensive aesthetic choices that end up working against them.

From bold landscaping statements to costly hardscaping mistakes, here are some common improvements that may actually lower your home’s value—plus, what you should try instead.

Overdone Landscaping

Lavish landscaping—think sculpted topiaries, elaborate flower beds, or towering hedges—might feel like a flex, but it can quickly overwhelm. “Buyers see ongoing maintenance headaches and get nervous about repair bills,” says Danny Niemela, vice president of ArDan Construction.

Overgrown hedges, in particular, can also block architectural lines and create a boxed-in feeling, making buyers wonder what’s being hidden.

What to do instead: Keep landscaping clean, intentional, and low-maintenance. Nice trees, trimmed hedges, fresh mulch, and some pops of seasonal color may be less daunting than a topiary jungle.

Bold Exterior Paint Choices

A neon front door, bright blue trim, or unconventional siding might be your style, but that doesn’t mean it’s market-friendly.

“Buyers want a blank canvas, not a statement piece that feels personal to someone else’s taste,” says Niemela. So no matter how cute those purple shutters look, they’re not adding value to your home—unless you plan on painting them white before selling.

What to do instead: Stick with timeless neutrals. Even your front door should complement the home’s architectural style and overall palette.

Too Much Decorative Stone

Gravel may seem like a chic, low-maintenance fix, but it often creates more problems than it solves.

“Without a proper base, weeds take over in a season and the clean look disappears,” says Sergey Mashkov, senior designer at Sheds Unlimited. “Buyers who’ve ‘been there, done that’ know they’ll have to rip it out.”

What to do instead: Limit gravel and decorative stone to accent zones, and make sure it’s properly installed. Defined walkways made of durable materials make a better impression.

Dramatic Light Fixtures

Massive lanterns, outdated sconces, or colorful uplighting might seem like a way to make a statement, but it often backfires. “Aggressive lighting reads as light pollution,” says Mashkov. “And what looks trendy today can feel tacky tomorrow.”

Besides, no one is buying a house in the dark. Lighting that overwhelms the eye adds zero real value, and can even turn buyers off.

What to do instead: Choose warm-toned, well-placed fixtures that subtly enhance your home’s architecture. Solar or low-voltage LED options offer energy efficiency, functionality, and timeless curb appeal.

Cluttered Entryways

It’s easy to get carried away with planters, seasonal décor, welcome signs, and lanterns, but too much at the front door can feel overwhelming. “Less really is more,” says Staub. “You want buyers to imagine themselves there—not get distracted by someone else’s taste.”

What to do instead: Keep the entryway clean and simple. A stylish doormat and one or two planters are perfect for a welcoming first impression.