Need landscape ideas - what to do with my slopping front yard
Cathy F
6 years ago
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (18)
Cathy F
6 years agoChristopher CNC
6 years agoRelated Discussions
Need ideas for flowers/landscaping for my tiny zone 5 front yard
Comments (8)Based on your last picture, I would begin removing lower branches from the tree in an attempt to regain a view of the house and so that lawn can be maintained easily below the tree. To not remove lower limbs encourages the upright oriented limbs to become future trunks and compete with the main trunk. Not that that is bad in and of itself, if that's what one wants. But it often results in a trunk formation that is less attractive when trunks branch below the canopy. (Unless it's a multi-trunk tree and then it looks best if it "branches" at the ground.) It's already happened and when allowed to go too far, is too difficult to correct without maiming the tree's appearance. Also, the one low branch on what looks to be a weeping cherry at left corner of house seems odd and out of place. I would get rid of the white gravel mulch and replace it with wood-based mulch. Plan so that plants eventually cover everything and there is no longer need for mulch. In my drawing I'm showing an idea for creating a landing off of the stoop. It's not a finished plan, but you could create a workable plan that improves the approach to the entrance. I'm surmising that the slab continues behind the hedge, in which case, I'd get rid of the hedge and all plants in front of it and bring only grass to slab ... the purpose being to make a welcoming entrance instead of a secret, purposeless hideaway. It is not necessarily the case that ADDING plants is the key to improving your property. The large shrub left of walk seems too close to the walk. If you can't relocate it to in-line with the window (about 4' from the wall,) I'd scrap it and get another shrub for that location. I'm showing only groundcover around the weeping cherry. It looks a bit junky to have those other plants coming up under it....See MoreHelp! Need ideas/tips on front yard landscaping and entry area
Comments (5)It's a fact ... you'll not be able to get rid of the mess until you create a permanent, hard walk where there is now mulch. The magnolia roots are going to make it harder, but it must be done if there is to be a cure. I agree with others that something like concrete (simplest and cheapest) or pavers/brick are suitable. A walk laid out to acknowledge the tree will look and work better than one that doesn't. The bench only makes sense if there is a way to get to it ... i.e., use it. But because of Magnolia roots, it would add a lot of difficulty extending the walk to the bench. Therefore, I'd recommend using the bench elsewhere and having only plantings at the front of the house. Consider using a groundcover like Asiatic Jasmine to cover the magnolia roots....See MoreNeed shrub and tree ideas for front yard landscaping. Zone 6a
Comments (4)big city location would help .. as z6 is about half the US and rather divergent ... with that darn sidewalk.. [i hate buliders and architects for the lack of imagination in dealing with this] .... if you want any kind of shrubs or conifers.. or small trees... work out into the useless lawn ... with that couple feet of garden bed.. you really dont have space for anything but annuals and perennials inside the walkway .. unless you want to be out there shearing twice a year .. ergo.. you would have to kill me.. before i ever planted box in there ... and if those two shrubs are still by the garage.. get rid of them also ... really.. one of them is square.. whats that all about .. lol ... and im thinking it might be an invasive burning bush ... but that is just a gut reaction... but i just had taco bell.. so take that for what its worth .. lol... maybe my gut is lying to me ...lol .. also.. while its barren .... work that soil off the lattice under the deck ... avoid future problems ... either dirty plastic.. or rooting wood ... and be honest.. is the lawn used for anything other than complaining someone has to mow the lawn every few days ... if not.. start with some nice trees out on the lawn ... make you landscape 3 dimensional.. instead of focusing on a few feet right on the foundation ... never forget..... foundation plants are to hide the foundation.. not to BE PLANTED on the foundation.. thats the root problem with your square shrub ... its a giant plant.. planted when it was a babe.. on the foundation. with no real idea of its future potential ... lets not do that again ... and as part of the 5 year plan.. i would hide the foundation on the extreme right.. and no one wants to look at the basement walls ... do you have two front doors .. reminds me of the old doctors houses in my rural town ... kinda cool ... anyway.. plan and plant your backbones.. trees ... in teh proper planting season ... plan out future shrub locations not in the foundation ... and for this year.. just plant some pretty flowers in teh beds you now have... and if it takes 3 to 5 years.. so be it ... it will be stunning ... if you want the instant gratification.. as embo noted.. just go to big box.. and buy whatever strikes your fancy ... but search out future potential.. before you plant that babe which will end up a 10 foot problem ... ken...See MoreI need landscaping ideas for my big front yard
Comments (6)What are the trees that you have there? Do you want something that will eventually give you privacy, such as evergreen trees or a tall hedge on one or both sides? Do any of your neighbours have plantings that you admire? It can get pricey to landscape a large area - how big is the area we are looking at?...See Moreillsstep
6 years agoCathy F
6 years agoCathy F
6 years agoChristopher CNC
6 years agolast modified: 6 years agoSacred Roots Nursery
6 years agoemmarene9
6 years agoChristopher CNC
6 years agoemmarene9
6 years agocecily
6 years agol pinkmountain
6 years agoYardvaark
6 years agomad_gallica (z5 Eastern NY)
6 years agoChristopher CNC
6 years agol pinkmountain
6 years agolast modified: 6 years agoYardvaark
6 years ago
Related Stories
LANDSCAPE DESIGNFront-Yard Makeover Ideas With Mojo
Make a statement in your front landscape with one of these standout styles
Full StoryFRONT YARD IDEAS10 Ideas for a Front-Yard Edible Garden Your Neighbors Will Love
Choosing attractive, well-mannered plants and sharing the bounty will go a long way toward keeping the peace
Full StoryLANDSCAPE DESIGN7 Stylish Front Yard Ideas for Homes on Busy Streets
Create privacy and cut down on traffic noise while maintaining curb appeal
Full StoryLANDSCAPE DESIGN10 Friendly Front-Yard Seating Ideas
These gathering spots bring the party to the front of the house. Chat with neighbors and watch the world go by
Full StoryMOST POPULARCreative Ideas for Small Front Yards
A little imagination goes a long way in a petite landscape
Full StoryLANDSCAPE DESIGNYard of the Week: Elegant Poolside Retreat and Front Yard Lounge
A landscape design-build firm gives a family in New Jersey an outdoor oasis for swimming, eating and relaxing
Full StoryGARDENING AND LANDSCAPINGTake Back Your Front Yard: 8 Ways to Make It Social
If only trees and squirrels gather in your front yard, you're missing out on valuable socializing space. Here's how to remedy that
Full StoryCURB APPEAL7 Finishing Touches for a Thoughtful Front Yard
Make a great first impression with artful house numbers, water features, garden art and more
Full StoryCURB APPEAL7 Great Structures for an Attractive Front Yard
Create a tasteful tableau for all to admire with a fountain, gate, statue or other eye-catcher
Full StoryFRONT YARD IDEASMeet a Front Yard Designed for Gathering
Hanging out with neighbors comes naturally in front of a Southern California home, thanks to comfortable zones and beautiful plantings
Full StoryInnovative & Creative Landscape Contractors Servicing VA
Yardvaark