First impressions really do count, which is why it’s important that your front yard be inviting to visitors and passersby. If you’re due for a front yard landscape renovation, there are a number of factors to consider with your landscape designer. Here are some tips to get you started:
- Choose your stone material wisely for your front walkway and landing. Consider color, texture, durability and style when picking out a hardscape material and choose something that reflects the character of your home. Stone landscape pavers, for instance, are a great choice for high traffic areas, but may shift over time depending on location and drainage variables. A wet-laid bluestone patio is another great choice, but may heat up to the point of discomfort in full-sun during the summer. Since this material will be the foundation of your front yard landscaping, consult with your landscape designer about which one is best for you. Always ask for samples of material and request to see neighboring projects to see how such material has worn over time.
- Construct a tasteful planting scheme around the walkway and landing. The plants you choose should complement the architectural style of your home, and have a variation of height, color, and texture. Also consider what the plants you choose will look like throughout the year. All varieties of Boxwoods, Hollys, Yews, and Rhododendron, for example, keep their foliage year round, giving your front yard a constant touch of green. Other front yard favorites such as Azaleas and Dogwoods lose all or most of their leaves in the winter, but will provide a burst of color in the spring and summer. Diversify the types and characteristics of the plants you choose so you can get the best of all worlds.
- Keep your front path clear and inviting. Don’t install plants, especially those with vines or thorns, too close to the pathway to avoid a nuisance or tripping hazard. Your guests, neighbors, and postal carriers should know immediately the best way to get to your front door. Otherwise you may find them trailblazing through other parts of your landscaping causing unnecessary damage.
Explore the benefits of outdoor landscape lighting. Aside from the obvious aesthetic value of a beautifully lit landscaping, a landscape lighting system will add value to your home. But outdoor lighting systems add more than curb appeal. A well designed, landscape lighting system can help protect your home from burglars and other mischievous persons after dark. And with the many energy-efficient LED lighting options on the market today, keeping your property lit into the wee hours is not nearly as costly as it used to be.
A thoughtful, well-designed front yard landscape renovation can be fun and rewarding. Making improvements to this often overlooked outdoor living space will pay dividends as and will be enjoyed by your family, neighbors and anyone who should have the pleasure of finding themselves on your doorstep.