Improving your front yard doesn’t have to cost a fortune. In fact, there are many inexpensive changes you can make that will completely transform the look and feel of the outdoor space. If you’re willing to do the work yourself you can DIY most projects to save even more money on labor costs. Here are some of the top ideas for upgrading your front yard on a budget:
One of the simplest changes you can make to your front yard is adding or enhancing a walkway or garden path. An easy and inexpensive DIY project involves creating a pathway with gravel or larger stone pavers. If you already have a path, such as a basic concrete walkway from the sidewalk, you can dress it up by adding edging materials. Popular choices for pathway edging include brick, stone and wooden planks. Creating crisp, clean edges to gravel pathways is a simple way to get that professional landscaping look for a fraction of the cost. Adding color and texture to a plain concrete walkway with stone or brick edges will make the pathway more inviting and eye-catching. The best part is that these projects are easy to DIY and will make an enormous difference in the look and feel of your front yard.
Mulching serves more purposes than just helping your plants thrive. Mulch can also upgrade your plant and flowerbeds to look just like professional landscaping. Cost depends on the type of mulch you use—after all, mulch technically is any material spread over the surface of the soil. Bark and wood chip mulch is the most commonly used variety and will make your plants and flowers stand out against a clean backdrop. Mulching will also help prevent weeds which is another huge benefit to the aesthetic and health of your front yard. It may not seem like much, but spreading mulch around your flowers and plants in your front yard can create contrast and a professional look.
There are plenty of options for low-maintenance and low-cost flowers to enhance the look of your front yard. Perennials are flowers that you only have to plant once and don’t require a lot of ongoing attention. Time is money and perennials will definitely help you save time otherwise spent working in the garden. Some great examples of easy perennials for your front yard would be chrysanthemums, coneflower and peonies. These will add a splash of color to the landscape and flourish throughout their growing season in a variety of climate zones.
If you are looking for green or non-flowering perennials, go for hosta and sedum. Both are very hardy plants that will add lush green color and texture to your yard. While hosta prefers the shade, sedum is a type of succulent and prefers the sun. Hostas come in a wide variety of foliage shades and patterns and will thrive with minimal upkeep, saving you time and money on new plants every year.
These are just a few of the ways to enhance the look and feel of your front yard. All are inexpensive and DIY-friendly, saving you time and money in the long run while still giving you the look of an expensive professionally designed landscape.
Terese Ferrara is a long-time resident of the Bay Area and has been a partner with the Goss | Ferrara Real Estate Team. She and her husband raised their two daughters in San Jose, where she successfully continues to build her real estate career.
After earning a bachelor’s degree from San Jose State University, she went on to teach in the San Jose Unified School District for 9 years. Transitioning to real estate was a logical choice, utilizing her patient demeanor to educate all levels of buyers and sellers. Knowledge and experience demonstrate her vested interest in delivering the highest level of care and professionalism to every client. She consistently strives to exceed her client’s expectations throughout the entire real estate transaction and remains a trusted advisor long after each close.
As a board member on KW Bay Area Estates’ Associate Leadership Council (ALC), she aids in support of culture and professional development strategies for over 180 associates. Terese is also a Director for the Santa Clara County Association of Realtors Foundation, which supports community service initiatives in Silicon Valley.
Terese is the consummate real estate professional dedicated to providing unparalleled service to her clients through ongoing training and education, keeping her on top of the dynamic market and latest real estate trends. Her high-touch approach coupled with honesty and integrity support her commitment to her client’s real estate needs.