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 a landscaping enthusiast with years of experience, I have witnessed the transformative power of front yard landscaping ideas. By increasing the curb appeal of your home, you not only enhance its aesthetic value but also add value to your property. Let me guide you through the concepts mentioned in the article to help you understand how to make the most of your front yard.

The first concept mentioned is traditional front yard landscaping with foundation shrubs. Foundation shrubs are plants that are typically placed near the base of a house or building to provide a sense of structure and frame the entrance. They can include evergreen shrubs like boxwood or flowering shrubs like hydrangeas. This approach gives a classic and timeless look to your front yard.

If you prefer a more modern and architectural look, the article suggests using specimen plants. Specimen plants are unique and eye-catching plants that stand out in a landscape. They can be tall and sculptural, like ornamental grasses, or have interesting foliage, like variegated hostas. Incorporating these plants adds a contemporary touch to your front yard.

For those who prefer a breezy and charming feel, the article recommends a cottage plan. Cottage-style landscaping incorporates a mix of perennials, annuals, and flowering shrubs, creating a vibrant and colorful display. This approach is perfect for smaller yards, as it maximizes the use of space and adds a sense of coziness.

Another important aspect of front yard landscaping is the walkway. By edging it with easy-care plants like variegated hosta and boxwood, you can turn your front walk into a stylish statement. Additionally, adding a slight curve to the path gives it a soft and gentle look, adding visual interest to your front yard.

To make your front yard even more inviting, consider planting colorful bloomers. Using bold and bright hues, even in a small space, can create a significant impact. However, it's important to check your municipality's rules for planting on the parking strip, as there may be restrictions on plant height or proximity to fire hydrants.

If you have space, adding a patio to your front yard can make it feel even more welcoming. Similar to front porches of the past, a patio allows you to relax and interact with neighbors. Decorate it with flowers or a small hedge to create a more intimate and enclosed space without appearing unfriendly.

For hilly properties, a front yard landscaping idea is to beautify the slope. Instead of struggling to maintain grass on a slope, turn it into a display of foliage and flowers. By using a mix of groundcovers, grasses, evergreens, annuals, and perennials, you can create a beautiful and low-maintenance planting that makes your home appear grander.

To embrace nature's instincts, consider using plants and landscape materials native to your region. This not only enhances the ecological balance but also attracts birds and butterflies, adding enchantment to your front yard. Incorporating a birdbath or bird feeder can further increase the number of birds your yard attracts.

For a classic and beautiful look throughout the seasons, plant a variety of evergreens. From groundcovers to dwarf shrubs to large trees, evergreen foliage offers a wealth of textures and colors. Just ensure that you select evergreens that mature at the size you desire to avoid an overgrown appearance.

If you're looking to create a buffer between your home and the street noise, pack your small front yard with medium-sized plants. This not only helps shield your home but also adds visual interest with various textures, colors, and shapes. While designing, spend time looking out from your windows to ensure you enjoy the view as much as passersby.

Even if your front yard is primarily paved, you can still add vibrant colors with a container garden. Large pots filled with bright or fragrant flowers create a striking visual impact, turning your front landscape into a work of art. To make maintenance easier, install a simple drip irrigation system for the containers.

To add grace and elegance to your front yard, consider breaking it up with perpendicular plantings. A curved border, for example, can create a sense of flow and harmony. Additionally, you can use borders to partially hide unattractive features like driveways.

Small city properties can be enhanced by using a layered look in the front yard landscape. By incorporating a variety of sizes and shapes, you can create an eye-catching and visually appealing design. To maintain continuity, repeat an element throughout the design.

If you have a small ranch-style home that lacks height or grand proportions, good landscaping can help draw attention to it. Using an ornamental arbor or fence can mark the entrance and create visual interest. White structures stand out against colorful flowers and non-white homes, creating a striking contrast.

To create an established and comfortable look, blend natural and artificial elements in your yard. Placing boulders near the path and using groundcovers like pachysandra can soften the look of stone and add a touch of nature. Look for features from your home to guide your design, such as using small trees to echo pillars on a porch.

For a dramatic effect, select bold elements that call attention to themselves. Spiral-pruned junipers, for example, create a sense of grandeur and formality. Just ensure that the drama in your landscape complements your house. Bright blue front doors, in particular, can enhance the overall effect.

Sometimes, the architecture of your home provides clues for your landscape design. For example, if you have intricate brick-and-stone detailing, consider a similarly decorative landscape. Low boxwood hedges can echo the lines of the porch, creating a sense of formality. Playing with colors can also create a cohesive look or contrast with your home.

Lastly, consider creating a fork in your garden path to entice guests to explore your landscape. By splitting the path, you make more sections of your yard accessible for inspection. Including fragrant varieties adds to your landscape's sensory appeal, creating a delightful experience for visitors.

These front yard landscaping ideas are just some of the many ways you can boost the curb appeal of your home. By incorporating these concepts, you can create a front yard that is not only visually appealing but also adds value to your property. So go ahead and make your front yard the envy of the block!