New Front Yard Landscaping Ideas

The best front yard landscaping draws the line of sight to the front door and features eye-catching color and textural combinations along the way, says Roseann Foley Henry. Here are a few simple but effective tips for boosting curb appeal with trees and bushes, your driveway and walkways, and more from Roseann Foley Henry and bobvilla.com.

First and foremost, don’t hide your door behind large shrubs and trees. You want your landscaping to sweep the eye up to the door, not block the view completely. Position larger plants and trees off to the sides, says Roseann, and keep them trimmed back to allow a full view of the door.

Front Yard Landscape Design, Winnetka, IL.,  Schmechtig Landscapes

Henry’s second tip, don’t skimp on foundation plantings. A typical two-story home should have a bed about eight feet deep around the front to soften the view. Use plants of varying heights, different shades of green, and different textures to create an interesting mix. Use containers on the front steps and walkway to add variety and color, but not so many as to make things look chaotic. Keep it simple and elegant.

Front Yard Landscape Design Ideas, Glenview, IL., Schmechtig Landscapes 

Finally, Roseann says, don’t forget your hardscaping—that is, the walkway, driveway, and other hard surfaces. Little things like changing a straight walkway to one with a little curve or flair, or allowing plants to drape over a wall, can have outsized effects on your entry.

Lake Bluff, IL., Front Landscape Design Ideas with stone, Schmechtig Landscapes

See more photo ideas of front landscape design in our website and in Roseann Foley Henry’s article:  http://www.bobvila.com/articles/bob-vila-radio-front-yard-landscaping/#.VTUjerlOWrR

Courtesy of  Roseann Foley Henry’s  and bobvilla.com