Are you planning to redesign your front yard? Many people feel that there aren’t a lot of options when it comes to front yard landscaping and that it is a bit on the restrictive side. Fortunately, we tell you that it couldn’t be further from the truth. Front yard landscaping is about striking the perfect balance between aesthetic beauty and practical usage. It is all about ensuring that your outdoor space is used to its fullest potential. Here are a few questions you will need to ask before starting your front yard landscaping project.
How Do You Intend To Utilise Your Space?
When starting a front yard landscaping project, it is easy to get influenced by all the inspirational pictures and ideal front yards that you want to recreate. But at the end of the day, your front yard will revolve around your needs. What are the things that your house requires? Storage space for your bikes, parking space, privacy screen, elaborate design to enhance outer appearance, etc. Once you have decided how you want to use your area, only then can you think about planting or paving plans. The blend between paving and lawn will depend on the practical usage. For example, if you are using most of your space for parking, there must at least be some potted plants or low-growing plants to balance the look.
What Plants Work Best?
Plants suit every front yard, despite the size and the house’s architecture. Plants are versatile that suit every front yard landscaping project. You can opt for space-saving options such as potted plants or window boxes if you have limited space. Most front yards tend to be smaller than the elaborate backyards, where we can truly show our personality. Therefore, we need to consider proportion while choosing plants. You cannot plant a giant tree if you have limited front yard space and cover up the entire area. Instead, some strategically placed shrubs and bushes would suit better.
You also need to consider the direction of your house as this can restrict your choices. If you are lucky with a sun-facing aspect, you can plant an array of flowers, vegetables, shrubs, etc. If your front yard doesn’t get as much sun, you can opt for plants that grow in low light. Your front yard can represent your personality despite popular belief and is always better than a bare backyard.
How Critical is Pathway?
All landscape design experts agree that the path toward the house is one of the most critical design aspects of the front yard design. The person entering the house should have a clear idea of which route they need to take to reach the front door. If your front yard is smaller, it is visually appealing to have the front door visible from the yard entrance. On the other hand, if we deal with a massive estate, one route should lead up to the main entrance.
What Material Should I Choose for My Pathway?
The big question arises on what material is suitable for your pathway. Most front yard landscaping experts would advise you to skip on uneven materials. They are incredibly difficult to walk on and require regular maintenance and replacement. Gravel is a good and cheap option for those on a budget. It is due to its versatility in colour, material, and underfoot sensation. Experts suggest that 20mm diameter gravel is the perfect choice as it won’t get stuck between shoes and tires and uses stabilizing pads to prevent gravel from getting displaced.
If loose material is not your cup of tea, a popular choice is paver, blocks, or slabs. They can be used for straight and winding routes only if the sizes are altered. However there is a downside, it can get slippery during rain or winter. Consider both the positives and negatives before making a choice.
Can I Make My Front Yard Wildlife-Friendly?
When deciding which plants to include in your front yard, add a range of various flowers and plants that attract pollinators and birds. If your front has bare soil or some gravel mulch, chances of attracting birds and wildlife increase. Incorporating a small water feature like a birdbath or a small pond would easily attract birds over time. Bird feeders are also a guaranteed way to attract birds and squirrels occasionally. The greener your front yard, the higher your chances of having wildlife roam.
What is the Right Choice for Materials and Colors?
Harmony is fundamental in front yard landscaping, so it is best to try and limit yourself to three hard landscaping materials. On the other hand, Paint should complement the colours of the house. This does not mean it should be the same colours as the house, but simply in coordination. The landscape designers should also consider the backyard and tie them together as a cohesive whole.
If you live where there is something equivalent to a homeowners association, consult them regarding the materials that can or cannot be used, if there are any. There are times you might even want to make your front yard similar to match neighboring yards to maintain visual unison.
Find The Best Front Yard Landscaping Company!
With all this information, you are set for all your front yard landscaping endeavors, but whom should you rely on to deliver results flawlessly? Trust Land-Con. Land-Con is one of the best landscaping companies in Ontario, with over thirty-five years of experience that can recreate your vision and transform it into reality. To learn more about us, call us at 416-504-5263 or drop us an email at info@landcon.ca.
