15 Garden Products You Should Never Buy At Home Depot, According To Reviews

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Home Depot is a popular home improvement store that many homeowners rely on for just about everything from massive outdoor projects to simple supplies like garden hoses. Most of the products the chain sells from top brands like Ryobi and DeWalt are reliable and well worth the cost. However, there are also some things that you should never buy at Home Depot because they are poorly designed and fail to do the job that they were intended to do. 

To save you from the headache of purchasing and returning faulty tools and garden products, we've researched some of the lowest-ranked products in the home and garden space with ratings of 3.1 and lower. These do-not-buy picks are based on real customer reviews and repeated complaints about design flaws, durability issues, and poor performance. You'll find more information about our selection methodology at the end.

Weed killers are herbicides containing a variety of chemicals, such as glyphosate, which helps control invasive plants by starving them of important functions like photosynthesis. Contact herbicides only kill the parts of the plant they touch, while systemic weed killers move from the leaves to the root to kill the whole plant. Spectracide Weed Stop For Lawns is a systemic product, but it doesn't seem to hold up to its claims. While it has a battery-operated sprayer that should make it easier to use, many customers struggle with getting the product to work.

With a 2.7 out of 5-star rating across 145 reviews, only 35 of those reviews are 5-star. Some reviewers report using the product for multiple days without seeing results. Others claim the pump stops working shortly after the first use, making the bottle impossible to operate. When shopping, always check which weeds the formula works against. Some weed killers, like the Spectracide Weed Stop, are selective herbicides that only target certain plants, such as dandelion and chickweed, without harming your grass.

At just over $500, the Black and Decker Walk Behind Lawn Mower and Edger Bundle would seem like a good buy for those who take pride in their lawn. Both tools are battery-powered to save on fuel and are cordless. Well-designed battery-operated equipment is usually quiet, clean, and more than capable of getting the job done correctly. However, it sounds like after using this mower, some believe the best type of lawn mower to use in a small yard is a simple push mower. The biggest complaint customers have is that the batteries fail to last more than 20 minutes at a time, making it frustrating for those with large lawns.

This pair of products holds an average rating of 1.8 out of 5 stars and notably has zero 5-star reviews. One customer stated that unless you have multiple battery packs charged and ready to use, the mower is useless. Another complaint is that the edger functions more like a trimmer and that it didn't do the job they needed it to do.

If you're someone who loves growing and displaying a variety of plants in your home, a multi-level plant stand is an excellent addition to any room. Not only can you show off several plants at once, but it also gets them off the floor and away from pets and small children. An elevated stand will help your plants get plenty of light and improve circulation, helping them grow. This Large Wooden Plant Rack is 4 feet tall and is made of natural wood, but is designed for indoor use only. However, when it comes to holding any weight, the stand is unstable. 

With a 2.5 out of 5-star rating over 6 reviews, the stand has only one 5-star rating. Customers complain the stand feels very flimsy after it's put together, even though the specifications state it can hold up to 180 pounds. One reviewer pointed out that using plastic connectors instead of metal hardware makes the whole unit wobble and feel unreliable, especially when weighed down with plants.

Garden borders can enhance areas of your landscape and help when you're learning how to create a cohesive front garden. They offer separation for different types of flowers and plants, improve curb appeal, keep weeds out, and can prevent mulch and soil from washing away during a heavy rainfall, if they work well. This Afoxsos Cobbled Plastic Lawn Border Edging is described as being made from high-grade plastic. However, customers complain that the material is so thin it's difficult to get it to stick in the ground properly.

This edging has a 2.2 out of 5 rating across 9 reviews, with only one 5-star review. The plastic pieces are designed to connect to one another to create a continuous border. However, a major complaint is that the border isn't strong enough to provide support. One user stated they had to dig a trench to keep it stable and from pulling apart.

The PSI and GPM rating is extremely important when you're purchasing a pressure washer. PSI refers to the force at which the water comes out of the sprayers. GPM is the amount of water that flows through per minute. Unfortunately, the Black and Decker 20V MAX Cold Water Electric Pressure Washer has a PSI of 350 and a GPM rating of 1.0, meaning it simply doesn't have enough power to tackle big tasks.

This pressure washer has received a 2.6 out of 5-star rating across 34 reviews. Most customers complain about the lack of pressure unless you connect it directly to a hose. This defeats the purpose of buying a portable washer that's also designed to suction water from a bucket. Another complaint is about how long the battery lasts. Individuals say you can only clean small areas at a time unless you have multiple batteries.

Quality pavers resist cracking, require little to no maintenance, and are easy to install. You can use them to create a focal point in your landscape or place them together in groups to create a patio. These Pavestone Panorama Supra Cape Cod Concrete Pavers are available in two different colors and have a weathered look. However, many customers complain that the quality and appearance do not justify the premium price, especially when you're ordering a full pallet.

In spite of the benefits, these pavers average 2.8 out of 5 stars. One customer even questioned why the pavers cost top-dollar when the color is inconsistent and not as attractive as the listing suggests. Others complain that the largest stone is extremely heavy, making it hard for the average homeowner to lift and work with. To ensure you purchase pavers that you'll love, if possible, browse them in person.

A chainsaw is one of the most important lawn care tools to have on hand for yard and garden maintenance. For basic yard cleanup, a small one is perfect for cutting up small branches and logs and trimming up storm debris. This 18-inch Handheld Gas-Powered Chainsaw is described as compact with a large fuel tank, which would mean fewer fill-ups during small jobs. However, this is where the benefits seem to end. Customer reviews suggest that the parts availability and durability are major issues with this power tool. 

The chainsaw has a 2.9 out of 5-star rating from 7 reviews and only one 5-star review. As with many compact and portable tools, this saw is made with plastic parts, which can deteriorate and break when handling tough jobs. One customer complained that the instructions weren't in English and that it's impossible to find a replacement chain. So, you might want to look to similarly-priced, yet highly-reviewed options from brands like Ryobi and Dewalt. 

A fire pit creates a cozy ambience outdoors for when you like to entertain, especially when you want to warm up your patio during the winter months. Most feature a large open flame, allowing you to roast marshmallows and access the fire from all angles. The VIVOHOME Outdoor Propane Firepit is a tabletop design. It can be placed on nearly any non-flammable surface, but it doesn't leave many customers with warm and cozy feelings.

It has a 1.7 out of 5-star rating from 7 reviews, none of which are 5-star. One of the biggest complaints is the odor of burning paint that the pit emits when it's lit. The same customer complained that the glass beads turned black and cracked when heated. A propane tank is required for operation, which won't give the same crackling vibe as a wood-burning fire. If you want a cozy option to place on a table, look for models, like Solo Stove's Mesa XL, that are highly reviewed and burn wood instead.

If you live in a sandy or rocky climate, artificial turf is the perfect solution to add some greenery in areas where it's hard to grow grass. It can also withstand high traffic, such as a garden pathway, and hold up well in homes with pets and children. Traditional artificial turf usually comes in rolls for a more seamless appearance. However, these CapHaus Artificial Grass Interlocking Tiles come in 12-by-12-inch squares that have a hard time staying together.

These artificial grass interlocking tiles have a 2.7 out of 5-star rating. While some customers claim these interlocking tiles are ideal for small areas, others complain they constantly pull apart and are difficult to connect. Some claim they won't interlock at all, thus leaving gaps from the minute they are installed. If you're looking for full coverage, it's better to trust a product like the Weidear Artificial Turf Grass, which comes in a bigger size.

Hand-held blowers use forced air to blow away leaves, grass clippings, and other debris from outdoor spaces. They come in either gas- or electric-powered models and are typically lightweight and easy to use. The Yard Force 140 MPH Electric Blower and Vacuum Kit may seem like an excellent bargain at under $100, but customers report issues with durability, making this yard tool one you should probably skip over.

This blower has a 2.4 out of 5-star rating. This particular blower comes with attachments that convert it to a vacuum and a mulcher. One customer claimed the mulching feature jammed constantly. Another customer purchased a second tool after the first broke, only to have the second one break within the first several minutes of use. If you're looking for an affordable leaf blower with excellent reviews, the Wolfmen Electric Cordless Blower might be a better choice.

Unlike traditional bug zappers that are powered by electricity and hung from a ceiling or other support, the Pure Garden LED Light and Bug Zapper is solar-powered and serves two purposes. You can use it to line a pathway or walkway of your garden or illuminate your yard at night while attracting flying insects. However, in order for these to work at all, they must be installed in a location that receives sunlight most of the day. Customers complain that even then, the zapper isn't strong enough to kill insects.

The Pure Garden Bug Zapper has a 2.6 out of 5-star rating. Some customers complain that the product is simply ineffective. The lights stop working after just a few months, so you'll need to find another solution for the rest of the season.

Flexible water hoses also have extra benefits compared to heavy traditional hoses. They are lightweight, resist kinks, and move easily around corners. The Bionic Flex Pro Light-Weight Heavy-Duty Premium Garden Hose has a 50-foot length designed from a polyester weave, making it lighter and easier to move from one location in your yard to another. However, the lightweight material isn't quite as durable as a traditional hose, making it prone to leaks after just a few months.

This hose holds an average rating of 3.0 out of 5 stars across 53 reviews. While 41% are 5-star, almost half are 1-star.  Some customers complain that the narrow diameter opening doesn't provide adequate flow, so it takes forever to water plants. Customer service from the manufacturer also appears to be nonexistent, so if you have issues, you may be on your own. 

Hedge shears are the scissors of the gardening world. They are perfect for shaping shrubs, tidying hedges, and keeping your ornamental plants neat without the need to start up a gas-powered trimmer. The Echo 9-inch Hedge Shears claim to have a low-friction design, designed to make them easy to operate. So, the blades should provide clean cuts and leave you feeling less hand fatigue after a day of working. However, the blades are thin, and the shears are lightweight, which compromises the quality and can cancel out all the benefits.

The Echo Shears have a 3.1 out of 5-star rating. Customers complain that the shears fall apart after just one use, and the blades are so flimsy that they bend even when pruning thin branches, such as rose bushes. Another reviewer stated the hinge became loose after a few uses and needed to be constantly re-tightened. 

There are several different types of rakes available for yard work, each with its own specific uses. Leaf rakes are used to pull debris from flower beds and to keep your lawn neat and tidy when leaves start to fall. The Zenport Heavy-Duty 24-Tine Leaf Rake features a chrome-plated spring coil to improve durability. However, the rake doesn't come with a handle. You have to purchase one separately if you plan on getting your work done.

This garden leaf landscaping rake also has a 2.2 out of 5-star rating. Many customers were frustrated that they couldn't use the rake without the handle. Many customers feel the price isn't justified once you factor in the cost of buying a handle separately. If it were sold as a complete and ready-to-use rake, like the Oliynedy Adjustable Leaf Rake, it could be a straightforward and satisfying purchase. 

If you love sunshine and being outdoors, a pergola is a great way to enhance a patio or deck. The Egeiroslife Aluminum Outdoor Pergola has an arched canopy for an extra aesthetic. Compared to other pergolas, this one is designed to be lightweight and easily moved from one location to another. However, because it's not a permanent shade, it lacks the stability other pergolas offer unless it's anchored. Also, because the cover is solid, rain tends to gather on the top and weigh the structure down.

Customers report stability problems that defeat the entire purpose of a pergola. This one averages 3.1 out of 5 stars, and not one buyer recommends the product. One reviewer stated that when it rained, the weight of rainwater bent the poles, rendering the whole structure useless.

To build this list, we focused on Home Depot's home-and-garden products with consistently low ratings and multiple bad reviews from actual customers with real-world experience. We looked for multiple complaints of the same issues, such as parts breaking, poor performance, missing parts, or products failing under normal conditions. Our list focuses on products where the reviews showed a trend and not just one bad experience from a single customer.