How to Landscape a Driveway Entry Gate
Entry gates serve as security, landmarks and decorative elements for the transition to the home. Driveway entry gates are typically located at the property line. The land between the property line and the street is usually a municipal easement; these easements usually may be dug up for maintenance of underground lines. While landscaping by homeowners is often encouraged for easements, replacement is the homeowner's expense if the landscaping is disturbed. Vandalism and theft are also a concern for plants and ornaments. The driveway entry gate and its surroundings can make a welcoming statement with simple and low-maintenance landscaping. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Curbs
- Trees
- Sod or grass seed
- Decorative hanging baskets
- Annual flowers
Instructions
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Install curbs between the driveway surface and landscaped surface. Choose material that's compatible with the architecture of the house and posts.
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Plant trees in a group to one side of the driveway or plant one specimen tree on each side of the driveway. Sod or seed the landscape area.
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Hang several baskets planted with trailing annuals in vivid colors on the posts. Place the house number or the family name on the posts and illuminate the information with downlights.
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Add climbing plants to the posts. Keep the area well maintained.
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Tips & Warnings
Check local regulations before planting trees near easements.
Choose gate posts that pick up architectural details from the house.
Gravel and boulders can be regionally suitable and appropriate for water-conserving districts.
Check with utility companies to locate underground lines before digging to plant trees. Cutting a line is expensive and dangerous.
References
- Active Rain; Adding Some Landscaping Treatments; Brian Madigan
- "The Front Garden: New Approaches to Landscape Design"; Mary Riley Smith; 1991
- City of Show Low: Easement Quick Facts
Resources
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
