Landscaping Ideas For Front Yard?

Question

Hi guys. Just had my front yard torn up (it was all weeds and overgrown) - now I'm at a loss. It is a corner lot and a very large area. Would like a simple set up I could do myself but do not know what to do or where to begin, and also don't have a lot of free time. A local landscape company quoted me at $5500 for the project - drought tolerant set up with a mix of rocks, bark, and plants/bushes. Anyone have any ideas for what I can do with the front yard on a budget?

Account Closed · Answer

If this is a flip or you're short on time, pay up and move on as the price is right. If you're going to live there, shop around and pay someone to draw up a plan and shopping list but you still need to hire a crew of 3-4 laborers with shovels to help you. How many weekends do you want to devote to this project? Next time maybe have an end goal in sight before you start, possibly could have saved some of the existing landscape rather than having it all carried away. You wouldn't rip out a toilet and then ask for help. Best of luck with your investment.

Matt Cottle · Answer

$5,000 is a decent price for an entire front yard. You need to have a specific budget in mind because with landscaping I could take $10,000 and create a great front yard that's the envy of the neighborhood or I could take $2,000 and just add a little curb appeal. So you need to either have a specific budget in mind or specifics on what you want done. Keep in mind that if you do shop around and someone comes in and says I'll do the same thing the other guy was doing for 3,500 you may not be getting the same thing. Landscapers can have different styles and you may get large high quality plants with $5,000 but with the $3,500 only get very small plants that take years to grow into your landscape. Typically with a reputable landscaper you will get a one year warranty on your plants. If you are selling next week that doesn't matter. Hope that helps.

Account Closed · Answer

Good to know, thanks!

This is my primary residence for now with the intent to either sell or rent out. Haven't came to a conclusion on that yet.

But the front yard is driving me nuts and I figure if it comes time to sell, I should get a decent return for the yard being done as opposed to the eyesore that it is now.

Thanks for the input Matt!

Alan Grobmeier · Answer

I live in Arizona. All my properties are 'desertscape'. Although you are in NorCal, you could probably get away with it.

Chuy Gonzalez · Answer

My mom put in drought resistant plants on the perimeter and sand in her front yard, and it looks terrible, to me...but many people on her street have done the same.

if you are gonna live there...just cover it with mulch for now. and spend your 5 grand on something more important.

Alex S. · Answer

Depending where you are located around Sacramento/NorCal, there is still funding available in the various "cash for grass" programs. Here's the link for Sac County:

http://www.waterresources.saccounty.net/scwa/Pages...

This would not allow you to do sod, but would give you an extra $1,000 towards a xeriscaped lawn that might be nice and lower your water bill! Also check the State Water Resources Control Board website for the latest on other "Cash for Grass" programs that might chip in some money for you getting rid of that grass. Good luck!

Jim Adrian · Answer

Drive around the neighborhood and see what others have done. Note what you like and dislike. This will allow you to blend into the neighborhood. I would throw in plants around the house within a border of some sort. Add an ornamental tree in the front with some plants around this. You could just add sod for the moment. Not sure what you guys do out there due to drought. Astroturf is becoming popular if you want the green look and no watering.

Landscaping Ideas For Front Yard?

Landscaping Ideas For Front Yard?

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