Landscaping Ideas for Small Urban Front Yards
The right landscaping turns a small urban yard from plain to decorative. Landscaping in small spaces presents issues of overcrowding. Traditional-style decorating may overwhelm the small area making it appear cluttered. Roots and foliage debris growing into a neighbor's property is also an issue. Keep cost in mind before beginning execution of any landscaping project. Does this Spark an idea?
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Small Trees
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Cherry trees are an option for a small urban yard. A tree lined yard is not a reality in most urban settings. Small yards are not only overwhelmed by standard shade trees, but roots can intrude on sewers and buried utilities lines in an urban setting. Keep the vision without the size by using small trees for landscaping. The type of tree to use depends on the region. Crab trees and Japanese Lilac trees grow well in the Eastern regions of the United States. Crepe Myrtles dwell in the Southern regions. Olive trees like the dry climates of the Southwest. Check with local botanical groups to discover the best options for your yard. Place one small tree on each side of yard or place one close to one corner of the house. Keep in mind that many of the small trees flower. These flowers will drop and create lawn debris, which can blow or fall into neighbor's yards.
Bog Garden
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A bog garden is landscaping option for the urban home with a downspout in front. The small garden is created in the wet area created by the spout when it rains. Typically these small gardens are bordered with pieces of timber or other boundary material. The plants used depend on the region where the garden is developed. Areas with high levels of rainfall are good for plants such as swamp milkweed and sphagnum moss. Drier areas may use more traditional landscaping flowers including members of the phlox family. In extremely dry regions, consider adding rocks to the enclosed garden to assist in moisture retention.
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Rocks
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Rocks offer decoration for small yards. For the smallest of urban front yards, forgo plants and greenery completely and opt for a rock bed. River rocks or other decorative varieties are available at garden and home improvement stores. Create a boundary or bed area close to the house using timbers or rubber barriers. Fill with rocks and enjoy. Rock beds are low maintenance in most instances, though weeding the area and cleaning the rocks may become necessary. Colorful rock beds can also replace a sidewalk or act as a decorative liner for existing sidewalk areas.
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- Photo Credit flower box image by Jennifer Giroux from Fotolia.com Blossoming twig of cherry-tree (on blossom tree background) image by wildman from Fotolia.com rocks image by Mat Hayward from Fotolia.com
