Front entry landscaping

Designing a front entry so it showcases your home.

They say, “You can’t tell a book by its cover”, and maybe that’s true, but you can tell a lot about a home by its front entry. Whether you are trying to attract a buyer or just take pride in the appearance of your home, front entry landscaping is the first impression and an important part of your overall landscape design. If at all possible, we like to arrange the front walk so that you are looking at the door, as you approach your home.

The front entry of a home is much more than the front door and porch. Front entry is the entire area leading up to the doorway, including possible walkway, patio, courtyard, plantings, water features, arbor or deck.

Landscaping the front entry of homes in the Seattle area requires attention to color, texture, smell, visual appeal, surface material safety, and accessibility. Each of these components, when brought together, creates a welcoming feel for you, your family, and guests.

In Seattle, greenery in landscaping flourishes. If not careful, your entire front entry could consist of several shades of green and no other color for much of the year. It is important to assure that structural plantings (those that will be above ground all year), are balanced with perennial plantings that help provide seasonal color changes and texture when planning a front entry landscape. Color and texture should be diverse, yet balanced. When choosing plantings and color, we first look at the home’s exterior. Personal preference of the homeowner is of equal importance.

Fragrance is often used to enhance pleasure and say “welcome.” A pleasant-smelling shrub placed near the front entrance or along the walkway can be a delight for the senses. Placing fragrant shrubs by your front door may also attract bumble bees, so be sure to tell your kids that they will leave you alone if you leave them alone.

Shape, texture, variety, and balance are also important factors to consider when planning a front entry landscape. This may include installing a pond, rock fountain, unique stonework, and small trees. Creating a front entry that is visual appealing is an art form that takes years of experience to develop.

When designing a front entry in the Seattle area, we are careful to consider accessibility, usability, and aesthetics. While Cobblestone walkways are attractive, their uneven surface could be more difficult for the elderly. Walkways that are too smooth can become icy in winter. Using durable, yet appropriate, materials in front entry landscaping is crucial.

Front entry landscaping showcases a home and provides a welcomed oasis. Contact Environmental Construction today (by phone: 425-803-98810; email: mailto:info@envconst.com; or through our website: Request Landscaping Information) and we will help you design a front entry that you will enjoy for many years, while at the same time increasing the value of your home.

Here are some examples of Front Entry Designs created by Environmental Construction.

Category: Landscape Design