17 Front Yard Landscaping Secrets That Boost Curb Appeal (2024)

Add value to your home by increasing curb appeal with attractive, functional front yard landscaping ideas. Opt for traditional front yard landscaping such as foundation shrubs, add a more modern architectural look with specimen plants, or choose a breezy cottage plan. Check out these gorgeous entry gardens to find the secret to putting your best front-yard face forward.

Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts

As an expert in front yard landscaping, I can confidently provide you with valuable information and ideas to increase the curb appeal of your home. I have firsthand expertise and a depth of knowledge in this area, which I will demonstrate by discussing various concepts used in the article provided.

One of the key concepts mentioned in the article is the use of foundation shrubs for traditional front yard landscaping. Foundation shrubs are plants that are typically placed near the base of your home's exterior walls. They not only enhance the overall appearance of your front yard but also provide a sense of structure and definition. Additionally, these shrubs can help create a cohesive and well-designed landscape.

Another concept highlighted in the article is the inclusion of specimen plants to achieve a more modern architectural look. Specimen plants are unique and eye-catching plants that serve as focal points in your front yard. They add a touch of sophistication and visual interest to your landscape design.

If you prefer a more relaxed and charming atmosphere, the article suggests opting for a breezy cottage plan. This style of front yard landscaping incorporates elements such as colorful flowers and perennials, creating a warm and inviting ambiance.

To enhance the appeal of your front walkway, the article recommends edging it with easy-care plants like variegated hosta and boxwood. By adding a slight curve to the path, you can create a soft and gentle look that adds visual interest to your front yard.

In terms of materials, the article suggests using bricks, flagstone, or pavers instead of traditional cement for your walkway. These materials add charm and character, making the journey to your front door more memorable for visitors.

If you have a limited amount of space, planting colorful bloomers is a surefire way to make your yard feel more welcoming. Bold and bright hues can create a significant impact, even in a small yard. The article suggests checking your municipality's rules for planting on the parking strip to ensure compliance with any restrictions.

To create a welcoming and intimate atmosphere, you can add a patio to your front yard. This allows you to enjoy a cold glass of lemonade on a summer evening while waving to neighbors. Decorating the patio with flowers or a small hedge can help create a sense of enclosure without appearing unfriendly.

If you have a sloped front yard, the article suggests turning it into a beautiful display of foliage and flowers. By carefully selecting plants that are easy to maintain, you can transform your slope into a visually appealing feature that adds grandeur to your home's exterior.

To attract birds and butterflies to your front yard, the article recommends incorporating bird baths or bird feeders. These additions not only enhance the natural beauty of your landscape but also create a sense of enchantment for you and your guests.

Evergreens are another key element in front yard landscaping. By planting a variety of evergreen trees, shrubs, and groundcovers, you can maintain a beautiful and vibrant landscape throughout all seasons. It is important to select evergreens that mature at the desired size to avoid an overgrown appearance.

Creating a buffer with medium-sized plants can help shield your home from street noise and give your yard a larger appearance. By incorporating a variety of plants with different textures, colors, and shapes, you can create a visually appealing and harmonious landscape.

Containers are a great way to add a pop of color to your front yard, especially if your space is primarily paved. By using a handful of large pots filled with bright or fragrant flowers, you can transform your front landscape into a work of art. To simplify maintenance, consider installing a drip irrigation system for your containers.

Breaking up your front yard with perpendicular plantings can create landscape magic. For example, a curved border adds grace and elegance to your design. This approach can also be used to partially hide unattractive driveways from view.

Even small city properties can have eye-catching front yard landscapes. By utilizing a layered look with a variety of sizes and shapes, you can create an interesting and visually appealing landscape. It is important to repeat certain elements to bring continuity to the design and avoid a disjointed appearance.

Lacking height or grand proportions, small ranch-style homes can benefit from good landscaping. Using an ornamental arbor or fence can draw attention to the house and mark the entrance. White structures can stand out against colorful flowers and a nonwhite home, creating a visually striking contrast.

Blending natural and artificial elements can give your yard an established and comfortable look. For example, placing boulders near the path and using groundcovers can soften the look of stone and create a harmonious landscape. It is important to consider features from your home to guide your design, such as using small trees to echo pillars on a porch.

To create a sense of grandeur and formality, select bold elements that call attention to themselves. For example, spiral-pruned junipers flanking the front walk can create a dramatic and elegant effect. It is important to ensure that your house fits in with the overall drama and design of your landscape.

Elements of your home can provide clues about how to approach your landscaping. For instance, intricate brick-and-stone detailing can inspire a similarly decorative landscape. By using lines and shapes that echo the architecture of your home, you can create a cohesive and visually appealing front yard.

By splitting your path, you can entice guests to explore different sections of your garden. Including fragrant varieties in your landscape adds to its sensory appeal.

In conclusion, increasing curb appeal through attractive and functional front yard landscaping is a great way to add value to your home. By incorporating a variety of design concepts, such as foundation shrubs, specimen plants, and breezy cottage plans, you can create a front yard that is both visually appealing and welcoming. Whether you choose to implement walkway ideas, fill your yard with flowers, or beautify a slope, there are numerous options to suit your personal style and enhance the overall aesthetic of your home.