7 Landscaping Ideas For A Large Front Yard

Dark mulch and colorful plants create the ideal contrast for your front yard's landscape!

The temperature is rising, which means it's time to get our yards looking presentable again! In celebration of National Gardening Week, the first week of June, we've put together a list of landscaping ideas for a large front lawn and garden.

Easy landscaping ideas for a front lawn

1. Mulch

   A significant first step in your yard transformation is changing your mulch. Mulch is used as a layer on top of the soil to retain moisture, slow weed growth, and moderate temperate. Over time, it will add nutrients to the soil as it decomposes. Eventually, it will become dull and dried out, which can hurt your landscape. There are three common colors to choose from: black, brown, and red. Pick out a dark-colored mulch that is a substantial distinction from the other flowers in the garden. This color will only have minor dye loss, giving it a longer lifespan. Mulch can be bought at any local home improvement store for under $10 a bag, or go to your local mulch provider to order a significant amount.

2. Lighting

   Although the outdoors provide the best natural light source, adding lights to your front yard can make all the difference to your landscaping. Light up the front door with pathway lights, so it's easier to see at night! You can even place well lights or recessed ground lights directly in the ground to highlight the yard and garden areas.
   Types of Lighting
   Pathway
   • Moderate light, designed to navigate walkways
   • Place on both sides of main walkways
   • Often low-voltage, but will need a transformer to reduce
   • Energy-saving solar versions are available and have no wires
   Spotlights
   • Narrow beam, 45-degree angle
   • Easy to highlight your favorite landscape areas
   Downlights
   • Provide a large coverage area to help see when walking at night
   • Creates natural light, similar to moonlight or sunlight
   • It can be used on overhead structures
   Ground
   • Creates the illusion that light is coming up from the ground
   • It can be used to cast a dramatic look in the garden
   Security/Floodlights
   • Motion sensing floodlights on siding or walls
   • Built-in sensors detect movement in the area
   • High voltage with wider angles
   Experiment with different styles and finishes. Using cool and warm lights will give a contrast to the landscape. Setting the mood is also important- if you want to add a slight glow, choose short bollard lights that will cast the light downwards. The focus will be towards the edge of the front yard or walkway flowers and spice up your landscaping.

3. Rocks

   
   Rocks are an easy and low-maintenance way to add texture to your landscape. You can add rocks alongside the sidewalk/pathway to your front door, use them to build a stone fence, or create a border around flower gardens! You can also use a large rock to create a centerpiece. Rocks last longer than mulch while also preventing soil erosion. Mulch lasts about one year but needs to be replaced to keep up with the bold color. Rocks keep their shape, color and last a lifetime. This low-maintenance change will create a sleek front yard with large pavers and shrubs. Be sure to research what project you are looking to complete since there are different rocks, colors, and textures. Researching will save time and money overall since you can narrow down the best option for your dream landscape.

4. Trees and Flowers

   
   Planting a shade/ornamental colored tree or flower beds always adds an admirable look to any garden or lawn. If you grow a shade garden, you could add a bench as a relaxing reading spot. Choose colorful flowers to plant around your mailbox to stand out from others on the street. Pick flowers with different heights and colors to make a flower bed. If you are unable to create one, buy container plants to place around the front door.

5. Grass

   HomeProMatch will help find you a local aerator contractor to put small holes in your grass, welcoming the oxygen and water to the soil, which was previously blocked from the dirt above it. Another option is to rent an aerator machine for around $100. Reseeding will fill in any patchy grass spots, allowing more space to decorate your landscape. The aerator process will overall improve the growth of the lawn by receiving more nutrients. After using the aerator tools, water the spots, you worked on to ensure maximum growth. If you live in a climate where your grass does not grow, consider adding artificial grass or bricks. Perennial plants tolerate dry conditions, which would work best for dry grass situations.

6. Water Features

   The natural sound of water is calming for many people. Consider adding a fountain or stream to add that sense of tranquility to your landscape.
   • Ceramic/stone fountain
     • Endless options of colors and styles
     • These fountains are found at any outdoor decor store
     • Easy/intermediate level to install
   • Man-made fountain
     • It gives you the freedom to design and creates the perfect fountain
     • Click here to learn the steps of building your own

7. Arbor

   An arbor is a vertical structure used on a walkway, seating area with shade for a garden, or a unique accent for your landscape. Arbors are available in wood, vinyl, and metal. Choose one that matches the style and color of your home. Dress it up with flowers and vines! There are many ways to personalize an arbor; it all depends on your vision for your front yard.

Other landscaping ideas to keep in mind

Now is the best time to create your dream front yard. No matter how big it may be, break it into sections and design each part one at a time. Some other tips to keep in mind are:

• Research the growth and maintenance of the plants before buying
• Projects that require carrying piles of dirt, rocks, or bigger plants may be worth calling in professionals

Find a landscaping expert to design your perfect front yard

Conquering a landscaping task, big or small, can take a lot of time and effort. The first step to completing any task is planning; then, the hands-on work comes into play. If you're looking for some extra help on your next landscaping project, you're not alone. HomePro Match has a list of trusted landscaping contractors you can call for your next outdoor task. Find your local landscaping contractor and learn more about all the services we offer today!