Whether you’re trying to sell a house in a difficult market, buying a fixer-upper that needs a little TLC or just want to improve the look of your home, a well-designed landscape will go a long way in boosting what’s known as curb appeal, the allure and attractiveness of a house from the street.
There are two major areas that can be improved to add instant curb appeal: the front yard and the space between the street and the sidewalk.
The strip
It’s sometimes known as the parkway or curbside, but where I’m from, it’s called the “hell strip.” It’s one of the most overlooked and neglected areas, so let’s start there.
Since it’s most likely city property, you should get permission to landscape. Most municipalities love the idea of getting these strips improved and cared for. Some even provide free plants and make an annual neighborhood project of it.
But be careful: There can be utilities running underground in these areas, so always contact the Call Before You Dig agency in your area to have it locate and mark gas and water pipes, cable and power lines and any other buried services. It’s a free service, and it’s your responsibility to check this.
The “strip” is a challenging location for plants. They get battered by cut-through traffic from the sidewalk to the street, “pruning” from car doors, exposure to exhaust and road chemicals, and, of course, the endless line of dogs dropping by to say hello.
Check out the office buildings, shopping centers and industrial complexes in your area. They’re usually landscaped with tough, durable plants that take punishment and recover quickly.
Start with short shrubs that won’t block the visibility of drivers or pedestrians, especially if your strip is near an intersection. Install dense, low-growing ground cover to choke out weeds. Add flowering bulbs, and use inexpensive annuals to fill in the open spaces until the permanent plants get established.
Flowering crab apple, lavender, rock rose and Knockout Rose are all tough and streetwise. Also try to include plants that have winter interest, and perennials that will have colorful blooms or foliage throughout the seasons.
When it comes to foot traffic, people will always take the most direct route, usually through your hell-strip planting, so include a couple of pedestrian walkways from the sidewalk to the street. Trim tree branches high enough so people won’t need to duck under them.
With a car parked at the curb, open a door to see how far back to set plants. A small border of brick or stone will show visitors where to step as they get out of the car.
Front yard
The actual front yard is more in your control. Hardscape features create a finished, homey look. Think about upgrading the shape of the yard with a terraced area behind a low stonewall, or a simple island berm that breaks up an uninteresting expanse of lawn.
Soften the sharp edges of buildings with curved beds. Define the property with a low fence that marks the transition between public sidewalk and private yard in a friendly, welcoming way.
Lock in on a strategically placed focal point, such as a small fountain, large specimen tree or even the front door painted a bright, welcoming color to draw attention. Containers are an easy way to establish a flow and rhythm that bring continuity to the landscape. Mark the ends of a path or define corners and boundaries with large, identical containers.
The repeated shape, size and color unify the design, even when filled with different plants. Hide the “uglies” — air conditioners, electric and gas meters and cable connections — with ornamental grasses, small shrubs or a three-sided lattice structure. But be sure utility-meter readers and city workers can get to devices easily.
Adding curb appeal to your home doesn’t have to be a budget-breaker. Start small and let the project evolve over time. You’ll find new enthusiasm for your yard and increase your home’s value tremendously.
Joe Lamp’l, host of “Growing a Greener World” on PBS, is a master gardener and author. For more information visit www.joegardener.com.
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