The first question..."has the tree outlived its usefulness?" begs another, HOW is the tree useful? Like a giant parasol, it provides protection from strong summer sun. It even provides a little protection from beginning rains. Visually, it adds interest as a sculptural object. And it frames and enhances (or obliterates depending on how it's controlled) the view of the house/property. I cannot see that it has outlived these functions. But I can see that it could be controlled a little differently so it does a better job of framing the view. Here's a little sketch that illustrates my point. I offer it not to convince you, but in order to let you know what to look for as you observe trees in others' front yards. As you travel about during the day, notice the difference in effect between trees that have been limbed up and those with low-hanging limbs. In general, large older trees that are limbed up present a cleaner, more stately appearance. If they have been limbed up properly (with balance and without protruding stubs) the character of the trunk may be much more impressive than one which has the competition of low limbs and foliage. The tree on the left competes and obstructs; the one on the right frames and shelters. Take this suggestion with a grain of salt as it's based solely on the view shown in the next photo. I've marked red Xs to show which limbs I'd probably remove, but this is something that would really depend on what the tree looks like from all angles of view. The goal would be to have the tree be balanced from all views and get the limbs high enough to visually clear the house. Remember that limbs left on the tree will get LOWER in the future as they grow longer and heavier. (It is hardly ideal to "organize" the branching structure of a tree after trees have grown for many years without guidance. It's far preferable to prune frequently along the way. But we're working with what we have.) Keep in mind that limbing up the tree also has the benefit of allowing more light to enter below while still retaining the tree's ability to shade from the high sun. This means that one's ability to grow other landscape plants below it is improved. "Is the tree too big for the house?" Imagine a little log cabin at the base of giant redwoods. Could there not be a more charming picture? In my view there's no problem whatsoever with a tree towering over a house. But they need to work together, not be in competition. The tree should shelter the house, not obliterate it visually. The tree roots should not interfere with the house foundation. One must desire the shade. When those requirements are met, a tree can be welcome. Though big old trees sometimes do fall over in severe storms, the likelihood of this happening is small enough that one can find thousands of danger-causing conditions that can be worried about before it. I just measured the trunk diameter of an oak tree that stands 14' from my house. It's 62". But before I would cut it down (It's benefits to me are tremendous even though it can also be a PITA,) I'd quit driving or riding with others as that's far more dangerous and likely to cause me injury. Keep the new walkway WELL clear of the tree trunk. I think you must pay much more attention to the geometry (shape and layout) of the new path than what is shown in either of the proposed schemes. It is a built object that is an extension of the architecture. It should demonstrate this. Because of the tree, it would almost certainly have a curving component to it. You might need professional assistance here to come up with the right scheme. (Though it MIGHT work out that way, in my mind, it is not a "given" that best location for the porch steps is at the center of the porch. Design is often a balancing act and you'd be considering more than just the porch and the steps.) Regarding "what to plant in front of the house"...the first thing to do here is work out the shape & form of the plant masses before thinking about the species of anything. You have to do this before you can figure out what plants are capable of making these forms. Consider that a very attractive custom built section of decorative fence could be the basis of screening the AC unit. It could be an opportunity to further enhance the architecture of the house and work in unison with plants. For some brainstorming ideas, Google images for: air conditioner screen.

Thanks for the comments. jpinard, Long Island is very lush and green. In the early Spring I put out all my house plants and Bonsai plants and they just thrive outside. I believe it's the dampness at night. Many moons ago we spent 3 months living in Las Vegas (on an extended business trip) Upon returning to Long Island, I couldn't believe all the Green and lushness I saw from the ride home from the airport. We lived on the Island all our lives, but it was like I was seeing it for the first time. No, I don't have any allergies. Why would you ask?

If you haven't purchased your crape myrtles yet, you might want to wait until they bloom to buy them. Lots of mis-marked crapes in garden centers, so much better to tell when blooming and leafed out. Crapes are hardy, so even though it would be best to plant now, they will be fine if you wait, as long as you are mindful of watering while they are establishing. As far as your soil quality - it depends alot on what you are going to plant. If you are going native then less ammending is better - maybe just add a little compost. But if you are planting what I call "picky plants", the more the better. I'd decide on what you want, then look at their soil requirements at ammend accordingly. You can plant shrubs and perennials just about any time - be mindful of water if you wait until it gets really warm. Enjoy your new landscape. Expect to make some mistakes - plants that don't like the spot you picked, but keep at it. Trial and error.......

The absolutely best advice I can give you is TAKE YOUR TIME! There are many considerations that you will need to address: here are some off the top of my balding head! 1. What is the style of house you have purchased. 2. What is the square footage of the lot with the house on it and what is the square footage of the house. 3. Are you part of a new neighborhood with all the houses in the same boat? If not what are the landscaping features of the neighboring houses. 4. What are your personal preferences as to landscaping style: rustic, rocky, bare-bones, low maintenance, indoor outdoor carpeting, gravel, cement, naturalistic, patio gardens, etc. This forum has several different sections: check them out for any possible images as to styles presented. 5. What is the dollar limit you really want to put into your garden/yard. $100, $1000, $2000, ????? No matter what you may prefer in the style of a garden setting for your home the bottom line will the the limiting factor as to what options you can make. It just requires being able to work within your limitations and use a creative approach to resolving some rather basic issues such as type of ground cover, etc. So before you get started and are still lacking in ideas. Take a cruise around the area and see what is being done.