Need some front yard landscaping ideas? We’ve got the cream of the crop for passersby to feast their eyes on. When it comes to the front yard, a manicured lawn isn’t the only way to go. In fact, grass may be your least interesting option, says renowned Los Angeles landscape designer Scott Shrader. “It’s been out of fashion for 25 years, in my opinion,” he says. “The fertilizer, the water, the mowing—all that energy goes into a green patch that isn’t really doing much aesthetically.”
Instead, Shrader sees front yard landscaping as a chance to set a distinct tone for your property: “Your house doesn’t start at the front door—it starts at the street.” Amy Hovis, owner of Eden Garden Design in Austin, adds that investing in your landscape transcends mere considerations of curb appeal and resale value, although these are undeniably important factors. “While maintaining resale value suggests allocating at least 20% of your property’s worth towards landscaping—a prudent financial strategy—it’s equally crucial to prioritize how your home nurtures your everyday well-being,” she says. “A beautifully landscaped environment can profoundly influence your emotional connection to your home, transforming the act of returning each day into a rejuvenating experience,” she continues, noting that a captivating landscape engages all the senses, from the aromatic scents to the varied textures, gentle breezes, and dynamic movements of, say, hummingbirds and butterflies.
To up your home’s curb appeal, we’ve sourced 85 of the best front yard landscaping ideas—plus answers to commonly asked questions.
What time of year is best to redo your front yard landscaping and why?
The optimal times to plan and design a landscape are during the middle of winter and the height of summer, says Hovis. This is because such strategic timing allows ample preparation for the ideal planting seasons, per Hovis, which typically occur during fall, the onset of winter (both before and after any freezes), and spring. “By planning during these periods, you ensure that you have sufficient time to research, conceptualize, and finalize your landscape design, maximizing the opportunity to create a flourishing and well-prepared outdoor space,” says Hovis. Plus, dare we say, having this twice-yearly landscape opportunity gives you time to mix things up if you’ve grown tired of your current front yard landscaping look.
How can I make my front yard beautiful?
When planning your front yard design, making the space beautiful is naturally going to be top of mind. “Having an appropriate response to architecture is paramount to the success of any front yard,” says Geoff Valentino, Chicago studio director of Hollander Design, an architectural landscaping firm. The scale, form, and materiality of your home’s architecture should all be carried into the landscape design, so it’s always a good first step to learn as much as you can about the style and design of the home itself before embarking on the landscaping.
How do I make my front yard landscape?
Once you understand the design of your home and (hopefully) the style of landscaping that will suit it well, plan your specific project. “Start by developing circulation patterns for vehicles, parking areas, and pedestrian walkways in and around the architecture,” Valentino says. “Then you can begin to layer in site features and planting that relate to the home and become an extension of it.”
How can I make my front yard look more expensive?
No matter how much or little money you put into your front yard, dying plants, patchy grass, and general disorganization will make the space look cheap. “Every yard has microclimates—sun exposure, wind, climate, soil, drainage patterns, existing plants, and habitats—that influence where plants will thrive and where you’ll be comfortable spending time,” Valentino explains. He notes that using these elements to guide design decisions will give you the best luck in creating a sustainable and long-lasting front yard.
