When landscaping, the front yard is usually done first – and for good reason. This is the area visitors notice immediately, and homeowners want to make a good impression. A nice landscaping job adds appeal to your home and improves overall value of the property.

Landscaping can be a costly project. It may seem to be an overwhelming task and you might feel more comfortable hiring a landscape designer to plan and do the work for you. But if you feel up to it, it’s not a bad idea to do it yourself. Here are a few tips and tricks to help you plan your landscaping project.

Front Yard Landscaping Tips #1 – Fill It With Flowers

Fill it with flowers. Planting some colorful blossoms is sure to make your yard more visually appealing. Bold bright hues leave a big impression, even in small spaces. But be sure to check your community’s rules for planting on the parking strip (the grassy area between the sidewalk and street). Some cities may have restrictions on plant height or how close they can be to fire hydrants.

Front Yard Landscaping Tips #2 – Leave Some Space to Entertain

Leave some space to entertain. You don’t want to overcrowd, and adding a patio is a great way to give your yard a more welcoming feel. You can add a small hedge or a skirt of flowers around the patio to make it seem more enclosed and intimate without appearing unfriendly to your neighbors.

Front Yard Landscaping Tips #3 – Spruce Up the Walkway

Spruce up the walkway by planting some easy-care plants along the edge. Putting a slight curve in the path will give it a pleasant appeal. Use materials like flagstone, cobblestone, or bricks to give it a little more charm as opposed to plain old cement.

Front Yard Landscaping Tips #4 – Use Evergreen

You can use evergreens to keep the yard looking classy for all seasons. Groundcovers, large trees, and dwarf shrubs work well for landscaping. Remember to choose evergreens that mature to the size you want to avoid an overgrown mess.

Front Yard Landscaping Tips #5 – Put In a Decorative Fence or Archway

Single-story homes and ranches can sometimes get lost in the shuffle. You can bring attention to it by emphasizing the entrance with a decorative fence or archway. White fencing stands out against colorful flowers and non-white homes.

Front Yard Landscaping Tips #6 – Put In a Decorative Fence or Archway

Create a fork in your walkway. Splitting the path invites visitors to inspect the landscaping. Be sure to include some fragrant flora to enhance your yard’s sensory appeal.

Front Yard Landscaping Tips #7 – Put In a Decorative Fence or Archway

Plants like spiral junipers add a sense of grandeur to your property. Potted plants work well for properties that are mostly paved.

Front Yard Landscaping Tips #8 – Use Native Plants

Let Nature be your guide. Choose plants that are native to your area to decorate your yard and give it a homey feeling. This will also attract butterflies and birds to your property, especially if you add a bird feeder or bird bath.

Front Yard Landscaping Tips #9 – Use Native Plants

Grassy knolls can be hard to maintain, so be sure to include plants that are easy to care for in those areas to avoid creating extra work for yourself in the future.

Front Yard Landscaping Tips #10 – Put In a Flowerbed

If you put in a flowerbed, it’s a good idea to plant the tallest flowers in back and work your way to the shortest ones in the front. This will make the plot look more attractive and make it much easier for you to maintain.