69% of Homeowners Get Secondhand Embarrassment From Neighbors’ Yards

Have you ever taken a stroll through your neighborhood, only to be overcome with secondhand embarrassment as you look at a neighbor’s dead or overgrown lawn? Or maybe the lack of maintenance and upkeep makes their yard look like a dumping ground? Unfortunately, this experience isn’t uncommon for many homeowners. Neglected yards are not just an eyesore but a source of embarrassment for neighbors.   

We surveyed 869 homeowners about their feelings toward their neighbors’ yards and the financial and emotional impact these practices have. 

Key Takeaways: 

• 69% of homeowners have experienced secondhand embarrassment from neighbors’ yards.
• More than half of respondents say the appearance of their neighbors’ yards impacts their ability to enjoy their own yards. 
• 82% of people agree that a privacy fence would increase their enjoyment of their outdoor space.
• 75% of homeowners say poorly maintained yards would deter them from moving to a neighborhood.

Most Homeowners Feel Embarrassed or Frustrated About the Appearance of Their Neighbors’ Yards 

Many homeowners said they feel bothered (36%) or experience feelings of frustration (34%) by the appearance of their neighbors’ yards.  

Millennials (42%) and Gen X (37%) experience the strongest feelings of frustration, and 45% of both generations admit to feeling embarrassed by their neighbors’ yards. On the other hand, 34% of baby boomers have no feelings about the look of their neighbors’ outdoor spaces. 

But don’t be fooled; not every homeowner experiences negative feelings. In fact, 29% said they admire their neighbors’ yards. One in five respondents said they feel envious of their neighbors’ yards — with more men (25%) having this feeling than women (15%). 

More Than Half of Homeowners Say the Appearance of Neighbors’ Yards Impacts Their Ability To Enjoy Their Outdoor Space

Outdoor spaces ​​have become a top priority among homeowners after the pandemic. Sal Dimiceli, owner of * Lake Geneva Area Realty *, says, “The months-long restrictions to go out fortified the importance of having outdoor spaces where the homeowners can enjoy nature, do gardening, or hang out with their loved ones. So, homebuyers are leaning more toward tidy, landscaped yards to soothe their minds with the greenery and prefer properties with such features.” 

But can the appearance of a neighbor’s yard impact a homeowner’s ability to enjoy their outdoor space? Unfortunately, more than half (55%) of respondents said it can — with more men (63%) agreeing than women (47%).

Trash (59%), overgrown grass (55%), and overgrown landscaping (52%) were deemed the biggest eyesores in a neighbor’s yard. Respondents also said junk cars (47%) and dilapidated structures (42%) like sheds or carports were embarrassing. 

So what makes a neighbor’s yard a source of pride rather than embarrassment? Our survey shows that landscaping (31%) and lawn care (27%) take the lead for the most influential features to improve a yard’s overall appeal. According to the National Association of Realtors 2023 Remodeling Impact Report, lawn care services and landscape maintenance can yield a significant return on investment. 

Other impactful features for homeowners include fencing (15%), outdoor living spaces (14%), and hardscaping (14%).

75% of Respondents Say Poorly Maintained Yards Would Deter Them From Moving to a Neighborhood 

Alt text: Would neighbors with poorly kept yards deter you from moving to a neighborhood? 75% say yes and 25% say no. 

* Research * shows that homeowners value curb appeal and an “impeccable” exterior is important to them. So just how much can poorly maintained yards impact a potential homebuyer’s decision to move to a neighborhood? Our survey revealed that a whopping 75% of respondents wouldn’t move to a community if the surrounding neighbors’ yards were an eyesore. 

Adam Chahl, Vancouver real estate agent and founder of Vancouver Home Search, explains, “A messy yard can make it difficult for buyers to envision the property’s full potential, leading to a less emotional connection with the home. This often results in fewer offers and can even drive down the property’s market value. First impressions are crucial in real estate, and a poorly kept yard can quickly turn a buyer away.” 

Houston, Texas, real estate agent * Scottie Attaway * says that in their experience, “Most buyers will rule out a property altogether if they or their neighbor’s yard is junked up. You’re losing a sale if you aren’t getting buyers through the door.” Attaway goes on to explain that, “Your home may be lovely inside but if your neighbor has a rusted-out car up on blocks in their front yards, a lot of buyers, and agents for that matter, will take your home off their list of prospects.”

82% of Respondents Say a Privacy Fence Would Increase the Enjoyment of Their Outdoor Space

82% of respondents agreed that installing a privacy fence to block a neighbor’s yard would increase the enjoyment of their outdoor space. Privacy fencing creates a visual barrier to shield you from the unsightly aspects of a neighbor’s yard, like overgrown grass, weeds, or trash. A privacy fence can also make your home feel safer and improve the overall appearance of your outdoor space. 

5 Tips for Improving and Maintaining a Yard 

Follow these tips to transform your outdoor space into an attractive and inviting yard that you (and your neighbors) will appreciate. 

• Install fencing: Installing wood fencing or entry fencing can not only add a layer of privacy and safety but also transform the overall look of your yard and potentially increase your home’s value. 
• Maintain your lawn: Trimming and maintaining a healthy lawn can boost the appearance of your home and also increase your home’s price by 15% to 20% if you decide to sell. 
• Incorporate low-maintenance plants: Low-maintenance plants, like liriope or distylium, are great options to improve the look of your yard with little effort. Chahl also recommends low-maintenance landscaping to attract potential buyers. They explain, “Features such as fresh sod, well-defined garden beds, and a mixture of perennial plants can create a welcoming atmosphere without requiring too much upkeep.”
• Build a patio: Outdoor living features like a patio, deck, seating area, or even outdoor kitchens can make your space more enjoyable, and experts agree that adding these amenities is a major selling point for buyers. 
• Create inviting walkways: Enhance your outdoor space with plants for color and texture, or add ambiance and safety by installing pathway lights. Installing outdoor rails along walkways or adding a gate to an existing fence can also improve the overall look, feel, and functionality of your walkways.

Upgrade Your Yard With Top Rail Fence

Our survey data shows the emotional and financial impact your yard can have on surrounding neighbors. Landscaping improvements and the right type of fence are simple and effective ways to enhance the look of your outdoor space — and 15% of homeowners agree. 

Ready to transform your yard? Contact Top Rail Fence today for a free estimate.

Methodology

The survey of over 869 adult homeowners ages 18+ was conducted via SurveyMonkey Audience for Top Rail Fence on August 20, 2024. Data is unweighted and the margin of error is approximately +/-3% for the overall sample with a 95% confidence level.