Some landscaping materials look great at first but don’t hold up the way you’d hope. I’ve seen plenty of gardens struggle with stuff that just doesn’t stand the test of time.
Lucky for you, I’ve put together five common materials to watch out for and better options that really last. Switching things up can save you headaches and keep your outdoor space looking sharp for years.
Let’s make sure your garden ages like fine wine, not like yesterday’s news!
1. Untreated Wood Mulch
Regular wood mulch breaks down rapidly, especially in rainy climates. The rich brown color you initially loved fades to a dull gray within months, requiring frequent replacement and creating ongoing maintenance headaches.
As it decomposes, untreated wood mulch becomes a magnet for pests like termites and carpenter ants. Additionally, it can develop unsightly fungal growth during humid seasons, making your carefully designed landscape beds look neglected rather than nurturing.
2. Rubber Mulch
Made from recycled tires, rubber mulch initially seems like a smart, eco-friendly choice. However, the artificial colors fade dramatically when exposed to sunlight, leaving behind an unnatural, weathered appearance that clashes with living plants.
The material can leach harmful chemicals into your soil over time, potentially damaging your plants. Rubber mulch also tends to migrate during heavy rains, creating messy spillover onto walkways and lawns that’s difficult to clean up and restore.
3. Pressure-Treated Pine Decking
Despite chemical treatments designed to extend its life, pressure-treated pine decking warps, cracks, and splinters as it ages. The surface becomes rough and uneven, creating both aesthetic issues and safety hazards for bare feet.
The greenish tint from chemical treatments fades unevenly, resulting in a patchwork appearance. Even with regular maintenance like staining and sealing, these boards typically require replacement within 10-15 years, making them a short-term solution for a long-term investment.
4. Plastic Landscape Edging
Inexpensive plastic edging quickly becomes brittle when exposed to UV rays and temperature fluctuations. The material cracks and breaks apart, creating jagged edges that defeat its purpose of creating clean garden boundaries.
Frost heave in colder climates pushes plastic edging out of the ground, leaving it misaligned and ineffective. The color fades dramatically, turning black edging to a washed-out gray and green edging to an unappealing yellowish hue that draws unwanted attention.
5. Concrete Pavers
Standard concrete pavers absorb moisture readily, making them susceptible to cracking during freeze-thaw cycles. The surface becomes rough and pitted over time, collecting dirt in the tiny crevices that becomes nearly impossible to clean effectively.
Colors fade dramatically, especially in sunny locations, leaving behind a dull, washed-out appearance. Weeds find their way through the joints relentlessly, creating ongoing maintenance headaches that can make your once-pristine patio or walkway look neglected and unkempt.
6. Cedar Mulch
Cedar mulch offers natural pest-repelling properties that keep unwanted insects at bay. The rich reddish-brown color adds warmth to garden beds while breaking down slowly enough to provide lasting coverage and weed suppression.
The pleasant aroma creates a sensory garden experience that enhances outdoor enjoyment. Cedar mulch’s natural oils resist decomposition, meaning fewer refresher applications and less maintenance compared to standard wood mulches, saving both time and money over the long run.
7. Pine Straw
Pine straw creates a natural-looking ground cover that stays in place even on slopes where other mulches wash away. The interlocking needles form a protective mat that allows water to penetrate while effectively blocking weed growth.
The golden-brown color complements most landscape designs without the artificial appearance of dyed mulches. Pine straw doesn’t compact over time like wood mulches, maintaining better soil aeration and root health for your valuable plants and shrubs.
8. Composite Decking
Composite decking combines wood fibers with recycled plastic to create boards that resist warping, cracking, and splintering. The color remains stable for years without the fading problems common to wooden decks, maintaining your outdoor living space’s aesthetic appeal.
The material requires minimal maintenance—no staining, sealing, or painting needed. Modern composites mimic natural wood grain patterns while offering superior resistance to moisture, insects, and rot, creating a beautiful deck surface that can last 25+ years with basic cleaning.
9. Metal Landscape Edging
Steel or aluminum edging creates clean, professional-looking borders that maintain their appearance for decades. The material develops a subtle patina rather than deteriorating, adding character while maintaining structural integrity and clean lines between different landscape areas.
Metal edging resists frost heave and stays firmly in place through seasonal changes. The slim profile allows for creative curved designs while remaining nearly invisible, letting your plants and hardscape elements take center stage rather than drawing attention to the edging itself.
10. Natural Stone Pavers
Granite, bluestone, and limestone pavers develop a beautiful patina over time instead of deteriorating. The natural variations in color and texture hide dirt and wear patterns that would be obvious on uniform materials.
These dense stones resist cracking even in harsh freeze-thaw cycles, maintaining their structural integrity for generations. Natural stone’s timeless appearance complements any architectural style, from ultra-modern to historic, ensuring your investment remains stylish regardless of changing design trends.
11. Porcelain Pavers
Engineered to withstand outdoor conditions, porcelain pavers resist staining, fading, and moss growth that plague concrete alternatives. The non-porous surface prevents moisture absorption, eliminating the freeze-thaw damage that causes cracking in traditional pavers.
Available in countless styles, from wood-look planks to marble replicas, porcelain offers design flexibility without maintenance headaches. The consistent 3/4-inch thickness makes installation straightforward, while the material’s strength handles heavy furniture and foot traffic without cracking or wearing down.
12. Corten Steel
Corten steel develops a protective rust patina that actually prevents further corrosion, creating a rich, earthy appearance that improves with age. The material’s warm reddish-brown surface complements both contemporary and natural landscape designs while requiring zero maintenance.
Used for retaining walls, planters, and decorative features, Corten creates striking architectural elements that stand the test of time. The material’s industrial-chic aesthetic pairs beautifully with both lush plantings and minimalist hardscapes, adding character without the deterioration of standard steel.
13. Decomposed Granite
Decomposed granite creates permeable pathways and patios that drain naturally, preventing the puddles and erosion issues common with solid paving. The material compacts to form a firm surface that remains stable underfoot while maintaining a natural, informal appearance.
Available in earthy red, gold, and gray tones, decomposed granite blends seamlessly with natural landscapes. When properly installed with stabilizers, it resists washing away during heavy rains and requires only occasional raking to maintain its neat appearance and functionality.
14. Ipe Hardwood
Naturally resistant to rot, insects, and decay, Ipe hardwood decking maintains its structural integrity for 25+ years without chemical treatments. The dense grain resists splintering and wear, creating a barefoot-friendly surface that remains smooth and comfortable even after decades of use.
The rich brown color naturally weathers to a distinguished silver-gray patina if left untreated. Ipe’s incredible hardness makes it virtually impervious to scratching and denting, standing up to heavy furniture, high heels, and pet claws without showing damage or wear patterns.
15. Crushed Seashells
Crushed seashells create charming, coastal-inspired pathways and driveways that brighten landscape designs. The material crunches pleasantly underfoot while naturally deterring weeds and pests due to its alkaline properties.
Shells gradually break down to enrich soil with calcium, benefiting nearby plants. Their reflective white surface brightens shady areas and creates striking contrast against green plantings, adding dimension to garden designs while providing excellent drainage and requiring minimal maintenance beyond occasional raking.