Landscape for Curb Appeal: 8 Expert Tips for a Stunning Front Yard

Maximizing your front yard's appeal doesn't have to be difficult or expensive. Here are eight expert ideas to transform your streetside view, no matter your style.

1. Consider the House

Your house is the largest element. Design for its size, shape, and relationship to the street. "The most enormous thing in the garden is your house," says garden author Leslie Land.

2. Work with Masses and Shapes

Use plant groupings that reflect the house's lines. Midsize shrubs lining a path or repeated rows create impact visible from the street—individual flowers get lost.

3. Use Secondary Hardscape Elements

Deepen a sidewalk for a wider flower bed. Add a bench with surrounding shrubs. Spotlight existing or added features.

4. Emphasize the Rite of Passage

Design the journey from street to door. Break up the walk with a curve (keeping door in sight) or urns at a bend.

5. Turn to the Color Wheel

Match plant colors to your house. Blue house: purple, pink, yellow, white. Red trim: orange, bright yellow, red. "If the garden doesn't go with it, it might be because of color."

6. Include Big Things Where Appropriate

Large shapes and masses attract from a distance. But don't block windows or the facade—the house should remain the star.

7. Keep It Low-Maintenance

Elaborate gardens deter buyers. Choose clean plants (petunias that don't litter) and shrubs needing minimal care.

8. Think Through the Seasons

Include structural evergreens, trees/shrubs with winter berries, and materials that look good year-round.

Discover front-yard landscape secrets. Consider more ways to add curb appeal.