A Simple Approach To Front Yard Landscaping

A Simple Approach To Front Yard Landscaping

Landscapes and gardens that include both the front and backyard of a property will usually stay within the same theme and style for both front and back. And even if there is a slight variation, it is usually to comply to the differences in purpose between backyard and front yard landscaping. Front yard landscaping will first make space for access into the home while backyards are usually focused on entertaining or relaxing. And since the front is what folks see first, front yards also takes curb appeal into consideration. So to address the two needs of appearance and access, designing front yards can often be as simple as designing the necessary elements and then designing the rest of the space around them.

Planting schemes in front yards will often follow how the house sits on the property. It’s important that the plants, as well as the other elements in the landscaping, complement and accent the home. Trees and shrubs can often be used to help the house and the landscaping transition together better by framing the home into the landscaping.

The front corners of the house and the front door entry are two areas that often need special consideration. In some instances the front door is the focal point of the house. And in order to  focus attention on it without hiding it, it’s good practice to place short plantings on both sides of it. For the corners however, taller plants are necessary to soften the corners as well as lead the viewer’s eye toward the front door.

Trees can also serve to frame the view of the home. If possible, you should choose trees that have a mature size that is close to the same scale of the house. While most trees are larger than most homes, still be careful to not plant trees that are extremely taller than the house. Too large will only end up dwarfing the house. More so, planting shorter trees can make the house look taller than it actually is and possibly create the wrong atmosphere as well.

Select trees with a shape that can match the overall design of the house. Steep angle roofed homes will most always look best with trees like Spruce and Birch which are pyramid shape. And for ranch type houses, trees that are horizontal or round in shape, like maples and dogwoods, are great choices.

And just as the other plants and trees, a little bit of lawn can help create a setting for the home. A lawn on the front yard with uncluttered flower beds, shrubs and ornaments can create the illusion of extra space. Keep in mind that shrubs can appear to be floating and out of place if not placed within the boundaries of planting beds.

As with all designs, the most important step in designing front yard landscaping ideas is to start with a complete and finished design. Whether you plan to do the entire project all at once or in steps, a finished plan is necessary to keep it on track. Without a finished plan, you’ll end up with a pieced together patch work landscape. Before you begin, consider all we’ve discussed in this article and create a finished plan.

In a nutshell, front yard landscaping is about creating curb appeal, access, and invitation while also accenting and framing the home. And as simple as it may sound, coming up with an appealing design can really be as simple as designating the necessary entries and then drawing the rest of the design around them.

Macomb County Landscape Design Services in: Sterling Heights, Shelby Township, Clinton Township, Utica, Macomb Township, Fraser, Warren, Mount Clemens, Roseville, Saint Clair Shores, Romeo, Richmond, Ray, New Haven, New Baltimore, Harrison Township, Centerline, Armada, Washington Twp.

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