It’s not uncommon for homeowners to assume they have to make massive changes to their property to see the benefits. This can sound daunting and lead people to put off making any renovations.

But in reality, small projects can really have a big impact on overall curb appeal as well as the functionality of your yard. It’s worth looking into ways that you can enhance your property with simple changes.

In this article, we’ll focus on some simple landscaping ideas that can make a major difference. We’ll look at both the front and backyards so that you can make improvements around your entire property.

Simple Landscaping Ideas for the Front of Your House

Front yard landscaping can have a tremendous impact on your home’s value and set the tone for your entire property. If you have a home with a boring or even messy front yard, it can have a negative impact on property value.

Here are some simple ways to make improvements.

#1: Add More Color

Something as simple as incorporating colorful plants can make a huge difference in wow factor and curb appeal. Homeowners love to have us swap out seasonal flowers throughout the year so that they always have constant, vibrant colors adding aesthetic beauty to their home.

Color can be incorporated into plant beds or even container gardens. While we love this idea for the front of the home to boost curb appeal, there’s also value in adding seasonal color to your backyard to help you enjoy that space even more.

#2: Incorporate New (or Update) Walkways

Whether it’s heading from your vehicle to your front door or even from your front yard to your backyard, it’s important to you that your family and guests can get around safely. This is where walkways are so valuable. They also add a lot of aesthetic appeal when done well.

Sometimes it’s a matter of updating an existing walkway. If you have an old concrete pathway that is starting to show its age, we can update that with beautiful pavers or flagstone.

Or, maybe you need a walkway where you don’t already have one. Homeowners often like the idea of adding a walkway to get from the front to the backyard.

As far as simple landscaping ideas go, walkways are a relatively easy addition that can have a big impact.

#3: Swap Out Old Shrubbery

For simple front landscaping ideas, swapping out old shrubbery can make a huge difference. Sometimes shrubs can really start to show their age by looking messy and overgrown. You might have shrubs blocking your windows or doorway.

Or, you might have shrubs that are just declining due to old age.

Over time, shrubs can decline in health and appearance and one of the best ways to freshen up the look of your home is to replace them.

Simple Backyard Landscaping Ideas

While the front yard is more about curb appeal, the backyard is more about personal enjoyment. Changes that you make to the backyard can help you use and enjoy your property more fully.

Again, these ideas do not have to be elaborate in order to be meaningful.

#4: Incorporate Steps for Functionality and Appeal

A great way to enhance a backyard is to address a slope with steps. You might be finding your property difficult to navigate and just a few steps could make a huge difference.

Steps do not have to be overly complex. Just some strategically placed stone can make a world of difference in getting around.

#5: Add Privacy Screening

In order to get maximum enjoyment out of your yard, you probably want to feel like you have some privacy.

There are actually many ways to achieve privacy screening. A fence is a traditional solution. But privacy can also be accomplished with strategically placed plants and structures.

Another simple solution is a colonnade. Of the various privacy screen ideas for backyards, a colonnade can completely block a view from one side of your property. Some might think of it as a sort of stand-alone wall for the backyard.

#6: Use Rocks for Decorative Accents

Like adding plants, incorporating decorative stone can be a great simple backyard landscaping idea. Large boulders can make decorative accents while smaller stones and river rock can help fill a plant bed or even serve as a drainage solution.

Speaking of drainage, that’s another relatively simple backyard landscape idea that can go a long way in improving your space. Your yard can be difficult to enjoy if you struggle with standing water or another drainage issue. But there are solutions that can help enhance your property.

#7: Add Landscape Lighting

Another simple landscaping idea is to incorporate outdoor lighting. Landscape lighting has a number of really important benefits. It can help make your space safer, more secure, and more aesthetically appealing. It can also make your outdoor areas usable in the evening hours.

Of course, lighting is one of those elements that can have benefits in the front or the backyard. In the front yard, the goal might be more about safely navigating walkways, curb appeal, and security.

In the backyard, adding lighting can make your space more functional, allowing you to use your patio area even after the sun goes down.

Whatever your goals may be, landscape lighting can be a simple but valuable addition to your property.

Choosing Landscaping Services in Alexandria, Arlington, and Springfield, VA

To successfully incorporate some of these simple landscaping ideas, you will want to work with the right landscaping professional.

It helps to partner with a pro that will listen to your ideas but also bring their skill and expertise to the table. Together, you can craft your dream space.

In the end, making a smart choice will help give you peace of mind. By choosing the right landscaping contractor for the work, you’ll be able to feel confident that you have the optimal solution for enhancing your property.

If you’re looking for confidence that your landscape design will have everything it needs, request a landscape consultation, get your customized plan, and relax as you get the royal treatment.