Front Yard Landscaping Ideas That Increase Home Value

Isaac Olson
2026-02-27T07:00:37-05:00

Your front yard sets the tone for your entire home. Before someone steps inside, they form an opinion based on what they see from the street. That is why front yard landscaping ideas consistently rank among the most searched home improvement topics in the United States.

Curb appeal is not just about beauty. It directly impacts perceived property value, buyer interest, and resale potential. Thoughtful landscaping to increase property value can deliver one of the highest returns on investment in exterior upgrades.

This guide covers:

• Trees that create instant curb appeal
• How symmetry and structure elevate a home
• Feature trees vs foundation planting
• Low maintenance design strategies
• Landscaping mistakes that reduce home value

If you want a front yard that feels polished, intentional, and valuable, start here.

Why Front Yard Landscaping Impacts Property Value

A well designed front yard can:

• Increase perceived home value
• Improve appraisal impressions
• Attract more buyer interest
• Reduce time on market
• Make a home feel established and maintained

In many neighborhoods, two houses with identical floor plans can sell for very different prices based solely on exterior presentation.

Landscaping to increase property value is not about adding more plants. It is about adding the right plants in the right places.

Trees That Create Instant Curb Appeal

Trees anchor a landscape. They provide height, scale, and architectural balance. The best trees for curb appeal are not necessarily the largest. They are the ones that complement the house.

Ideal feature tree traits:

• Defined canopy shape
• Controlled mature height
• Clean trunk structure
• Seasonal interest
• Strong symmetry potential

Best trees for curb appeal in American front yards:

Small to Medium Feature Trees
• Magnolia varieties such as Little Gem or Teddy Bear
• Japanese Maple in cooler zones
• Crape Myrtle for warm climates
• Redbud for spring flowering impact

Evergreen Statement Trees
• Emerald Green Arborvitae for formal symmetry
• Italian Cypress for narrow vertical lines
• Southern Magnolia for classic structure

Flowering Accent Trees
• Dogwood
• Serviceberry
• Flowering Cherry

Position feature trees to frame the entry or create visual balance with the house.

The Power of Symmetry and Structure

Symmetry increases perceived value because it feels intentional and balanced.

Simple ways to create structure:

• Matching trees on both sides of the driveway
• Identical shrubs flanking the front entry
• Evenly spaced hedge rows
• Clean lawn edges and defined garden beds

Symmetrical planting works especially well for:

• Colonial style homes
• Modern builds
• Ranch homes with wide frontages

Structure does not mean rigid design. It means balance.

Feature Trees vs Foundation Planting

Understanding the difference between feature trees and foundation planting is critical.

Feature Trees

These are focal points. They draw the eye and add vertical scale.

Best placement:

• Centered in lawn for strong statement
• Framing entry paths
• Offset to balance asymmetrical architecture

Foundation Planting

These are shrubs and smaller plants placed along the base of the home.

Purpose:

• Soften hard architectural lines
• Hide foundation walls
• Add texture and layering

Best foundation planting traits:

• Evergreen structure
• Controlled growth
• Clean, rounded shapes
• Easy maintenance

Avoid overgrown shrubs that block windows or touch siding. That reduces home value.

Low Maintenance Design Increases Long Term Value

High maintenance landscaping often becomes neglected. Neglect lowers curb appeal quickly.

To create low maintenance front yard landscaping ideas that increase home value:

• Choose evergreen shrubs for year round structure
• Use mulch to suppress weeds
• Select drought tolerant plants in dry regions
• Avoid overly complex planting schemes
• Space plants correctly to prevent overcrowding

Low maintenance does not mean boring. It means sustainable and practical.

Layering for a Professional Look

Professional landscaping uses layers.

Layer 1: Canopy Trees
Layer 2: Mid Height Shrubs
Layer 3: Groundcover or Perennials

This creates depth and dimension.

For example:

• Magnolia as a canopy anchor
• Boxwood or holly as mid height structure
• Low ornamental grasses or flowering perennials for texture

Layering makes even modest homes look custom designed.

Common Landscaping Mistakes That Reduce Home Value

Certain design choices can actually lower curb appeal.

Avoid these:

• Planting trees too close to the house
• Blocking windows with oversized shrubs
• Mixing too many plant varieties
• Ignoring mature size
• Allowing hedges to become uneven
• Using high maintenance plants that look stressed

Poor spacing is one of the biggest long term mistakes. Always plan for mature width and height.

Simple Front Yard Upgrade Ideas With High Impact

If you want fast results:

• Add two matching evergreen trees at the entry
• Install a clean hedge line along the walkway
• Replace scattered shrubs with structured groupings
• Introduce one strong feature tree in the lawn
• Refresh mulch and define bed edges

These small changes can dramatically improve first impressions.

Final Thoughts

The best front yard landscaping ideas combine structure, balance, and simplicity. Strategic tree placement, symmetrical design, and low maintenance plant choices create a front yard that looks intentional and valuable.

When choosing the best trees for curb appeal, think about scale, symmetry, and long term growth. Landscaping to increase property value is not about adding more. It is about choosing wisely.

A well designed front yard does more than impress neighbors. It strengthens the overall value and presence of your home.