How to Landscape a Tall House on a Small Lot

If you're one of the many people whose tall house sits on a narrow lot close to the street or neighbors, you may be wondering how to make the most of your yard and create the illusion of space. Following are some ways to landscape attractively and make your yard seem bigger while you're at it.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Annual Plants
• Miniature Shrubs
• Ornamental Grasses
• Perennial Plants
• Shrubs
• Trees
• Shrubs

1. Structure the landscape so the tallest plants (trees, tall shrubs) are the farthest from the house. Work your way toward the house with ever-smaller plantings (dwarf shrubs, ornamental grasses, low-growing perennials and annuals).

2. Place shade trees, the tallest components in the landscape, about two-thirds of the distance from the house to the curb and close to property lines. By putting them on the edges of the property, rather than the center, the front garden will seem wider and the house will seem shorter. The trees will also help to visually separate your home from the houses next door.

3. Layer plantings to add perceived depth by setting up slightly wavy planting beds in the front yard, if the house is 20 or more feet from the street. Place these planting beds, along the left and right sides of the walkway leading to the front door, about 5 feet from the sidewalk that's next to the street and roughly parallel to it.

4. Enhance depth by changing the levels of the ground in the front yard if you can't do a wavy planting. This can be accomplished by means of a low retaining wall or terraces.

5. Avoid putting tall trees beside the front door; they will accentuate the height of the house.

6. Use wide walkways to accentuate the horizontal plane of the yard. Five feet is an ideal width.

7. Install walkways, retaining walls and other masonry in dark colors. Dark colors recede, making the house seem farther from the street, and appear shadowy, underscoring the lot's depth.

8. Choose trees with narrow growth habits so they don't gobble up the space in the yard. 'Aristocrat' ornamental pear trees, Savannah hollies and crape myrtles are good examples.

9. Remember that less is more. Too many elements in the landscape - plants as well as fountains, wishing wells, birdbaths, benches and statuary - give the same impression as excess furniture in a room: the space seems small.

Tips & Warnings

• Have a plan before you shop.