Homeowners often update or refresh the interior of their homes by changing paint color or furniture, but the design of your lawn probably doesn’t receive your attention that frequently.

Why not? Adding new plants, reshaping existing ones or changing the color of your planters can be just as simple as buying a new throw pillow.

Your landscaping is always evolving, whether it’s seasonal or just maturation. That perfect look you once had may be slightly off balance thanks to the tree that grew too tall or the bush that didn’t survive the last windstorm. Plus, your attitude about your landscape can change, too.

Is your lawn overdue for a change?

Angie’s List member Linda C. and her husband felt the front yard of their ranch home in Newark, Delaware, was completely unremarkable.

“I found I could spend an afternoon doing yardwork, and the yard still looked pretty much the same … just ‘blah,’” Linda said.

The couple embarked on a landscaping project with the goal of creating a private outdoor summer “room,” complete with a curved stone landscaping wall, a tree canopy as the “roof” and a bird garden. Those big changes continue to lead to small ones.

“The success of the wall project has encouraged and inspired me to continue working on improving our bird garden and patio,” Linda says.

So when’s a good time to assess the look of your lawn? Try to take a hard look at your landscape plan at least every five to 10 years.

James Woodhead, president of Woody’s Custom Landscaping in Battle Ground, Washington, says most landscapes need changing over the years. A landscape that was installed 10 years ago, for instance, may not suit your landscaping needs today.

Woodhead pointed out that perhaps your children have outgrown that backyard play area, or maybe you desire a more inviting space that allows you to enjoy the outdoors with friends and family.

Because the components of your landscape are living (and hopefully growing) things, it’s important to keep an eye on the overall balance.

Patrick Anderson, administrator of plant health care at Heartwood Tree Service in Charlotte, North Carolina, likes to contrast the components of your lawn to your living room furniture.

As your couch becomes older it probably won’t be getting larger and encroaching upon other parts of your home, but your trees and shrubs definitely can, he said.

Anderson added that mature plant size, placement and the intent of design are paramount when choosing trees and shrubs.

What if I have to redo my landscaping from scratch?

Anderson said completely changing your landscape design is a good thing and something you shouldn’t be afraid to do. Why, he asked, should a homeowner nurse along an old decrepit azalea, when it can be replaced by one of the newer varieties?

— Jason Hargraves is a reporter at www.angieslist.com, a trusted provider of local consumer reviews and an online marketplace of services from top-rated providers.