When it comes to landscape design, beauty, and function should never come at the expense of good neighborly relationships. The following common landscape features, if not thoughtfully planned, can easily become sources of frustration for those living nearby. FSI Landscape Supply shares expert insights on how to approach these elements with care—using smart material choices like natural stone, landscape lighting, mulch, and landscape fabric—to achieve designs that satisfy clients while keeping the peace. (Source: The Spruce, 7 Landscaping Features That Are Annoying Your Neighbors, Real Estate Pros Say, Lee Wallender, February 19, 2025, https://www.thespruce.com/landscaping-features-annoying-neighbors-8789060 ).

Fire Pits

Fire pits remain one of the most requested landscape features for outdoor entertaining. However, according to real estate professionals, the smoke, placement, and scale of fire pits often spark neighbor complaints.

FSI Landscape Supply shares, “When designing fire pit areas, consider not just the aesthetic but also how the fire’s smoke may affect adjacent properties. Placement is key—situating a fire feature downwind from neighboring homes can prevent smoke from becoming a nuisance. We also recommend using natural stone for both the fire pit construction and surrounding seating areas, as it’s not only heat-resistant but adds a grounded, organic look that complements the landscape. Surrounding the space with hardy shrubs or coniferous trees like juniper or spruce can serve as a natural windbreak, helping to control smoke drift while adding privacy and softening hard edges.”

Motion Lights

Motion-activated lighting enhances safety and security, but poorly positioned lights that blast into neighboring yards or windows can feel intrusive.

FSI Landscape Supply notes, “Effective outdoor lighting is all about control and placement. Adjustable landscape lighting fixtures allow contractors to direct beams precisely where illumination is needed—along pathways, entries, or focal points—without creating glare for nearby properties. Consider integrating warm-toned LED lighting with dimmers and motion sensors set on lower sensitivity to prevent unnecessary activation. Using layered plantings or ornamental trees like serviceberry or dogwood around lighting can diffuse harsh beams naturally, creating ambiance while respecting neighboring sightlines.”

Water Features

The soothing sound of a fountain or waterfall can create a peaceful outdoor oasis—but stagnant water or overly loud features can quickly become points of irritation.

FSI Landscape Supply suggests, “Maintaining water features isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about health and neighborliness. Regular care prevents algae buildup and mosquito breeding. Incorporating natural stone basins and strategic grading ensures proper water flow and reduces maintenance issues. For features near property lines, consider using taller plantings like cedar hedges to soften sound and add a privacy screen. When possible, use mulch around the base of water features to help control moisture levels and suppress weeds, keeping the area neat and low-maintenance.”

Yard Structures

Sheds, pergolas, and gazebos add functionality, but oversized or poorly placed structures can block views and feel imposing.

FSI Landscape Supply recommends, “When integrating yard structures, scale and placement should always be part of the design conversation. Positioning these elements away from shared property lines reduces potential friction. Using natural stone pathways leading to structures can help them feel integrated into the landscape rather than dropped in. Surround the area with mulch beds and low-maintenance shrubs like boxwood or hydrangea to soften the visual impact. Consider climbing plants such as clematis or ivy on trellises to break up solid walls of structures, offering a softer, greener look.”

Above-Ground Pools

Above-ground pools are popular for their convenience but often stand out awkwardly in the landscape, sometimes affecting neighborhood harmony.

FSI Landscape Supply advises, “Transforming an above-ground pool area into an attractive focal point takes thoughtful design. Surround the pool with decking and integrate natural stone retaining walls or accents to ground the structure visually. Planting privacy trees like arborvitae or fast-growing hybrid poplar around the perimeter not only improves the view but helps reduce noise pollution from both the pool area and the surrounding environment. Mulch can be used beneath these plantings to retain moisture and suppress weed growth, supporting healthy tree establishment.”

Too Much Concrete

Over-reliance on concrete can lead to harsh, uninviting spaces and drainage problems that may impact neighboring yards.

FSI Landscape Supply notes, “Balance is critical in hardscape design. Instead of expansive concrete slabs, consider permeable options like natural stone pavers with gaps filled by river rock or ground cover plants. This approach improves drainage and reduces heat reflection. Framing these surfaces with mulch beds and ornamental grasses like feather reed grass or switchgrass can soften hard edges and create a welcoming transition between hardscape and softscape. Proper grading combined with landscape fabric beneath the mulch ensures long-term stability and weed control.”

Invasive Plants

While certain fast-growing plants may seem like an easy solution for coverage, invasive species can spread aggressively, disrupting not only your client’s property but the entire neighborhood ecosystem.

FSI Landscape Supply warns, “Choosing plant material should always involve consideration of both growth habits and environmental impact. Stick to native or well-adapted species that won’t encroach on neighboring yards. When creating privacy screens, trees like eastern white pine, red maple, or hornbeam provide beauty and structure without the aggressive spread of invasive species. Using landscape fabric beneath mulch helps keep plantings in check and simplifies maintenance. Mulch also promotes soil health and moisture retention, supporting the growth of intentional plantings while discouraging unwanted spread.”

Final Thought

Landscaping is about harmony—not just within the yard but with the broader community. Professional landscapers who prioritize thoughtful material choices like natural stone, proper landscape lighting, quality mulch, and landscape fabric help their clients achieve beautiful, functional designs without stepping on neighbors’ toes.

FSI Landscape Supply encourages contractors to keep these insights in mind to create spaces that both clients and their communities can enjoy.