Curb appeal matters. Whether you’re pulling into the driveway after a long day or welcoming guests to your home, your landscape sets the tone. Great landscaping doesn’t just add beauty — it adds comfort, value, and a sense of pride in your home.

But even well-intentioned landscaping can work against you if the design is unbalanced, high-maintenance, or simply outdated. At Vicente Outdoor Living, we help homeowners design outdoor environments that feel clean, modern, and timeless — without falling into common traps that quietly ruin curb appeal.

Here are the mistakes we see the most often and how to fix them.

1. Overplanting or Crowding Plants Together

More plants doesn’t always mean better landscaping. In fact, overcrowding can make your yard look messy and unplanned.

Problems caused by overplanting include:

  • limited airflow
  • increased insect issues
  • plants competing for nutrients
  • a cluttered, chaotic appearance

Fix:

Space plants properly and design for mature size — not how they look the day they’re planted.

2. Choosing Plants That Don’t Fit the Climate or Sun Exposure

Many homeowners fall in love with plants that simply don’t thrive in their yard.

Issues that arise:

  • constant replacement
  • burnt leaves
  • stunted growth
  • unnecessary maintenance

Fix:

Choose plants that match:

  • Texas heat
  • your yard’s sun/shade patterns
  • soil conditions

Native and drought-resistant plants are often the most reliable.

3. Neglecting Edging or Borders

Without borders, landscaping beds spill out into grass or walkways, making everything look unkempt.

Problems include:

  • mulch washing into the lawn
  • grass creeping into beds
  • no visual separation

Fix:

Add clean edging using:

  • stone
  • pavers
  • metal edging
  • concrete curbing

Defined lines make a world of difference.

4. Mulching Incorrectly (Yes, It Happens!)

Mulch is great — but too much or the wrong type can cause problems.

Common mistakes:

  • piling mulch against tree trunks (“volcano mulching”)
  • using mulch that floats away
  • applying layers too thick

Fix:

Use quality mulch and apply 2–3 inches evenly. Keep mulch away from the base of plants and trees.

5. Not Planning for Growth and Maintenance

Landscaping that looks perfect on day one can become overgrown in two seasons without proper planning.

Issues include:

  • plants blocking windows
  • shrubs overtaking walkways
  • trees planted too close to structures

Fix:

Plant with spacing for mature growth and choose low-maintenance species when possible.

6. Forgetting About Year-Round Color

Landscapes shouldn’t look beautiful only in spring. Without year-round plants, your yard can look flat for half the year.

Fix:

Incorporate plants that provide:

  • spring blooms
  • summer greenery
  • fall color
  • winter structure

Evergreens and textured shrubs help keep things interesting all year.

7. Landscaping Only the Front of the Home

Great curb appeal matters — but so does the experience of your backyard.

Problems with front-only landscaping:

  • backyard looks bare
  • outdoor spaces feel unfinished
  • patios lack softness or balance

Fix:

Add plants around:

  • patios
  • pergolas
  • fences
  • walkways
  • retaining walls

Your outdoor living areas deserve attention too.

8. Overcomplicating the Design

Too many colors, textures, and plant types create visual chaos.

Fix:

Stick to a simple palette with repeating plants or materials. Cohesion is more attractive than randomness.

9. Ignoring Hardscape Integration

Landscaping should complement your hardscaping — not compete with it.

Fix:

Blend plants intentionally around:

  • patios
  • walls
  • steps
  • walkways
  • fire features

Balanced landscapes feel natural and polished.

10. Allowing Weeds and Overgrowth To Take Over

Even the best design loses impact when weeds creep in or shrubs grow out of shape.

Fix:

Regular trimming, mulching, and light maintenance keep everything looking clean.

11. Not Considering Lighting for Evening Curb Appeal

Your home should look beautiful after sunset too.

Fix:

Add low-voltage lighting to highlight:

  • walkways
  • trees
  • planting beds
  • the home’s façade

Lighting boosts safety and ambiance.

12. Forgetting That Less Is Sometimes More

Great landscaping is organized, intentional, and timeless — not overly busy.

Fix:

Choose quality over quantity, create structure, and use plants purposefully.

Ready To Elevate Your Curb Appeal With Clean, Modern Landscaping?

Tell us your vision, and we’ll design a landscape you’ll love coming home to every day.