8 Garden Eyesores You Should Get Rid of Right Now, Experts Say

Cleaning and decluttering your backyard is just as important as maintaining the inside of your home. Many backyards are used for eating, socializing, gardening, and more, which can lead to clutter. This clutter can make your yard less enjoyable and harder to use. To help you tidy up your outdoor space, here are some expert tips on what to remove for a cleaner, more functional backyard.

1. Invasive and Overgrown Plants

Some plants, especially non-native shrubs like boxwood, require constant care and pruning. These high-maintenance plants can take up too much of your time. Mary Phillips from the National Wildlife Federation suggests replacing them with native shrubs, like inkberry, which need less maintenance and give your yard a tidier look.

2. Old Furniture

Outdoor furniture is meant to withstand the elements, but over time, it can wear out. Rusty chairs, cracked plastic tables, or sagging hammocks can make your yard feel neglected. Landscape designer Alexander Betz advises replacing anything that’s no longer sturdy or appealing. If your furniture is just a little worn, a deep clean and fresh paint can often restore its charm.

3. Tattered Cushions

If your furniture is still in good shape but the cushions are worn out, it’s time to replace them. Faded colors, mildew stains, or sagging cushions are signs they need to go. Grey Joyner, an interior designer, recommends choosing performance fabrics that can handle outdoor conditions. Opt for simple, neutral patterns to avoid visual clutter and keep your space looking calm and inviting.

4. Unpleasant Lighting

The right lighting can make your backyard feel cozy and functional, but broken fixtures or overly bright lights can make it feel cluttered. Betz suggests using soft, downward-facing lights like solar lamps or string lights to highlight key areas like seating or pathways. This helps create a calm, intentional atmosphere.

5. Excess Décor

While small garden accents like bird baths or planters can add personality to your space, too many ornaments or signs can overwhelm the landscape. Joyner suggests choosing a few impactful pieces and placing them thoughtfully to enhance, not clutter, your garden.

6. Broken Bird Feeders

Broken bird feeders not only look bad but can also spread disease if not cleaned regularly. If your bird feeders are rarely used or in disrepair, it’s best to remove them. This will clean up your yard and keep your backyard birds safe.

7. Unfinished Garden Projects

Leftover materials from garden projects, like mulch, stones, or unused tools, can make your yard look unfinished and messy. Betz recommends moving these items out of sight and covering any bare soil with mulch or ground cover. This will give your yard a more polished look and help prevent weeds from growing.

8. Outdoor Toys

Toys and sports equipment can make your backyard look chaotic, even if they’re used often. Remove old toys and playsets your family no longer uses. Store current toys in storage bins and keep them out of sight in a garage or shed to create a tidier, more relaxing space.

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