Though winter is in full swing, it is never too early to beginning planning for spring improvements! The front yard is the first impression your home gives to visitors and passersby. It sets the expectation for the rest of home and yet is, somehow, frequently underwhelming or uninspired.
Using a few simple landscaping ideas to boost your home’s curb appeal can increase the overall appearance of your home and increase home resale value. Landscaping does not need to be overly extravagant to stand out. Focus on a few key ideas to bring cohesiveness, structure, and character to your space. Here are some great front yard landscaping ideas to help increase the curb appeal of your home.
Path to the Front Door
Hardscaping can be a challenge to decide upon. A simple stone or brick path is a wonderful way to create a charming walkway to your front door. Not only does this add character to your walkway, but it also helps prevent anyone from tracking mud into your home on rainy days! If simple stone or brick designs do not fit into your aesthetic, perhaps a rock or concrete path is more your style. Whatever you may choose, keep in mind the natural path any foot traffic will take to your front door when planning your design.
Luscious Green Lawn
It goes without saying, but luscious green lawns are always a win for curb appeal. It is important when planning your lawn to consider your local climate and choose a variety of grass that will thrive in your area. For example, a popular choice for the New England area is Kentucky Bluegrass, a cool season grass, whereas Bermuda grass, a warm season grass, is a popular choice for Arizona for its durability.
Rock Gardens
Rock gardens can bring a simple, modern look to your front yard. In addition to being visually stunning, rock gardens are perfect for those wanting a lower-maintenance front yard. Create your rock garden with natural-looking stones that bring an authentic feel. Choosing rocks that appear almost as a naturally-occurring formation will complement any vegetation you plant. For an even more visually dynamic look, consider a multi-level rock garden! This adds more dimension, visual interest, and character to your landscaping.
Shrubs and Hedges
Consider including slow-growing shrubs and hedges in your landscape design. These can add color and height to your front yard without blocking windows or doors. When choosing shrubs and hedges it is important to consider their height and size at full maturity and the maintenance associated with each type selected. Otherwise you may find yourself needing to dig up or replace your shrubs or hedges within a few years.
Water Features
Photo: HGTV fan Landrock
Water features are another way to add visually dynamic elements to your landscaping. Depending on the type of water feature you choose, it can bring a grand, palatial feel to your entrance or create a quaint, cottage-like visual. These elements are tranquil and serene, creating an inviting entrance to your home no matter the type. Water features also incorporate sound into your landscaping. The sounds of a babbling brook or small waterfall bring calm and peace.
Flower Beds
A vibrant flower bed can add stunning color to your home and increase the curb appeal dramatically. Having a variety of flowers can brighten up the entire front of your home. Be sure when choosing your plants that they will thrive in the type of soil you have in your flower beds. If you want to have flowers or plants that require soil not presently found in your front yard or want to add a little more height or visual interest, consider raised flower beds. Raised beds can be made from all kinds of materials and add another architectural element to your front yard.
Potted Plants
Potted plants are a less labor-intensive addition to your landscaping. Brightly-colored flowers in large ceramic pots can brighten up corners of your landscaping or bring your landscaping on to the front porch! Since these potted plants and flowers are less labor, you can more easily change out your vegetation to suit your whim.
Lighting
Why should your hard work be lost to nighttime? Lighting can be used to light your path, improving curb appeal and safety, or to highlight some of your chosen landscaping features. Choose lights that lend themselves to the overall aesthetic of your home and you can tie in your exterior and interior!
As seen here, there are many ways to increase curb appeal and put your stamp on your front yard. What are some of your favorite ideas? Share with us what you have done for your home!
Spring is near! NVS Landscapes offers a number of Landscaping Services in Albany. Contact us using the form below if you’re interested in a quote, or give us a call:
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