By B. E. Conrad
When it comes to curb appeal, nothing is more important than the front yard, and the front yard is one of the most critical of all landscaping challenges. There are many ways to beautifully landscape the front yard, and it is important for every homeowner to choose the landscaping style that best meets his or her unique needs and taste.One of the most popular ways to landscape the front yard environment is through the use of trees, shrubs and bushes. Shrubs and bushes are perfect for creating a well landscaped and well organized appearance to virtually any front yard. A line of perfectly spaced bushes and shrubs along the exterior of the home can provide a striking first impression, as well as serve as a useful windbreak. The ability of shrubs and bushes to reduce energy loss should not be discounted, especially in these days of rising energy and home heating costs.
Trees can be another great part of an exterior landscape, and trees can provide wonderful shade and many opportunites for family recreation. It is important, however, to choose the right trees, and to understand that some trees will be more labor intensive to care for than others.
For instance, trees that lose their leaves can be difficult to maintain, and it is a good idea to locate such trees well aware from walkways, which could become slick with leaves and rain. Trees like dogwoods, and various fruit trees, can be a great choice for landscaping the front yard and walkway areas. These trees are beautiful to look at, and they make a striking impression on virtually any landscape.
There are of course other important elements in the exterior landscape, and the good news is that landscape plants can be used to accent any area of the home exterior, including porches, patios, sidewalks, flagpoles and even mailboxes.
Adding accent pieces such as benches, tables and potted plants is a great way to increase the enjoyment of the home while at the same time increasing curb appeal. This curb appeal is essential, of course, for those selling their homes, and often a few simple and inexpensive design elements can greatly enhance the value of the home on the open market.
Porches can also be beautifully accented through the addition of flowering vines and climbing plants. Climbing varieities of roses can be particularly striking, as can a variety of climbing foliage growing along a railing or over an archway.
Sidewalks and pathways can be another great venue for the skillful landscaper. Planting a row of colorful flowers along a pathway or sidewalk can provide a feast for the eyes and a lovely first impression for all visitors.
Landscaping the exterior of your home need not be difficult or complicated. The key is to plan for the landscape elements and to choose those elements according to your own individual sense of style. Often the best designs for the front yard are also the simplest.
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