1. OVER-PLANTING YOUR LANDSCAPE
Too many shrubs and perennials in the area can look cluttered and overgrown. It’ll do more harm than good. You need to have a focal point in your front yard for the best visual interest. That could be a tree, an impressive hydrangea or another shrub.
Check the tags on plants at the garden center to see how big they will they eventually get and give them enough room to grow and mature. Professional landscapers will make sure there’s room for the plants to grow.
2. TREES AND PLANTS PLANTED TOO CLOSE TO THE HOUSE
Remember that a tree’s root system reaches as far out as the branches. You don’t want roots against your foundation, you don’t want limbs hanging over your roof or rubbing against your house. This could damage your roof, siding, and gutters. A good rule of thumb is planting trees at least five feet from the house.
3. TOO MANY SHRUBS AND TREES IN THE FRONT YARD
You want to be able to see your home and find your front door walkway! so don’t overplant trees, especially if you have a small front yard. Landscaping can depend on the size of your front yard; typically one tree will do. Look at the direction your home faces to determine how much sun you get on the house. If your home faces north or east, you would only need an ornamental tree, like flowering crabs, Japanese maples, serviceberry, etc. A south- or west-facing home will benefit from a shade tree such as oaks, tulip trees, and large maples. Need help choosing the best tree for your front yard? Call us for a free consultation.
4. TOO MANY PLANTING BEDS and BUshes IN THE FRONT YARD
Landscaping can be exciting with all the options of colors, sizes – the possibilities are endless! Don’t overdo it with flower beds, bushes and shrubs everywhere - less is more! A nice planting bed along the foundation of the home and maybe an accent bed somewhere is plenty for the front yard.
5. IGNORING YOUR LAWN
A nice healthy green lawn is a wonderful thing but lawn care can take a lot of maintenance. How much time do you want to spend fertilizing, aerating, overseeding, mowing? Sign up for a lawn care program that will make your front yard sparkle.
6. CHOOSING ONLY LARGE PLANTS
Try to select plants that don’t get too big and take over everything. Many nice dwarf varieties of plants can beautify even a small front yard. Back in the '70s, yews and junipers were the go-to plants. They got very large! Ornamental grasses can get big as well. There are so many nice new plants to pick from that stay a reasonable size. Consider these: little lime hydrangea, magic carpet spirea, dark horse weigela, and dwarf sweet spire, also called little Henry itea. Check out our catalog for more ideas.