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

Invasive and Overgrown Plants

While seasonal clean-up and regular pruning can keep your landscape looking tidy, removing high-maintenance, non-native plants can trim your to-do list and improve the look of your backyard. "Some non-native shrubs, such as boxwood, require frequent pruning to maintain a manicured shape, which takes time and effort," says Mary Phillips of the National Wildlife Federation. "Replacing them with native shrubs, like inkberry, can offer a tidier look with less maintenance."

Old Furniture

Some outdoor materials are designed to weather, but others wear out over time. “Rusty metal chairs, brittle plastic tables, or drooping hammocks can make your yard feel neglected rather than welcoming," says Alexander Betz, landscape designer at Plant by Number. "Take inventory of what is still sturdy and visually appealing, and remove or replace anything that no longer adds comfort or charm. Refreshing your setup with a few durable, weather-resistant pieces can instantly elevate the look and feel of the space."

Replace broken furniture for safety reasons, but try rejuvenating worn chairs, tables, and loungers before tossing them. “Old patio furniture can drag down the entire space—especially if it’s rusted, cracked, or structurally unsound," says Grey Joyner of Grey Joyner Interiors. "If a piece feels rickety or looks beyond repair, it’s time to replace it. On the other hand, if it’s just a little weathered, a deep clean and a fresh coat of paint can often revive it."

Tattered Cushions

If your furniture's structural elements are sound, consider replacing the cushions or covers. "Faded colors, mildew stains, or sagging foam are signs they’ve run their course," says Joyner. "If anything needs to be replaced, make sure you do so with performance fabrics that can withstand the elements and look nicer longer." Swapping out dated colors and patterns for on-trend textiles in neutral hues can also limit the visual clutter of your outdoor space. "Limiting your prints to one or two (like a stripe or subtle botanical) keeps the space feeling serene rather than chaotic," says Joyner.

Unpleasant Lighting

The right outdoor lighting can cast a warm glow over your evening dinner parties or provide added safety to paths and walkways, giving your outdoor space 24-hour functionality. But lighting that's too harsh, too bright, or in disrepair has a very different result. "Too much lighting (or the wrong kind) can make your backyard feel harsh and cluttered," says Betz. "Broken fixtures, overly bright bulbs, or mismatched styles create visual noise. Instead, use subtle, downward-facing solar lights or soft string lights to highlight key areas, such as seating or walkways, thereby keeping the space calm and intentional."

Excess Décor

When used intentionally, a pretty garden flag, a tiny fairy garden, or a dramatic art piece can be an eye-catching complement to your shrubs and flowers. "A few well-placed accents, like a sculptural bird bath or a beautiful planter, can add personality, but too many small ornaments, figurines, or garden signs quickly create clutter," says Joyner. "Choose fewer, higher-impact pieces and place them intentionally so they enhance rather than overwhelm the landscape."

Broken Bird Feeders

Broken bird feeders don't just detract from the overall look of your yard—they can also endanger your yard's winged residents. "If bird feeders are not cleaned regularly, they can spread disease," says Phillips. "If they are rarely visited, in disrepair, or there are too many for the space, removing them can make the backyard feel less cluttered."

Unfinished Garden Projects

Whether it's your stack of bagged mulch, leftover stones from your fire pit install, old gardening tools, or a pile of just-in-case wood planks, move extra project materials out of sight for a tidier look. Then, survey your yard for unfinished garden beds or patchy grass. "Large areas of bare soil without mulch or plantings can appear unfinished, leading to weed growth, soil erosion, or the establishment of invasive species," says Betz. "Covering them with native ground covers or organic mulch can provide a tidier appearance and benefit the soil."

Outdoor Toys

Even if they're used daily, toys and sports equipment can make your outdoor space look messy. Give away items your family has outgrown, and remove old play sets and climbing structures to create a calming, uncluttered space. Corral still-used toys into storage boxes and place them out of sight in a garage or shed.