Front of House Landscaping: 7 Tips for a Beautiful Front Yard
Transforming your front yard doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. With a few practical front-of-house landscaping tips, you can boost curb appeal, manage Calgary’s unique climate challenges, and create an inviting space that suits your lifestyle.
Whether you’re starting from scratch or making a few updates, these straightforward ideas will help you design a beautiful, functional front yard you’ll be proud to come home to.
#1. Plan Your Front Yard Design with Purpose
Every successful front yard starts with a thoughtful plan. Understanding how you want to use your yard space is just as crucial as choosing your plants and vegetation. Make sure to consider Calgary’s unique climate, sun exposure, and water drainage. Think about your front yard’s practical needs, such as where snow piles in winter and the best location for a pathway. Also, evaluate how any front-yard design and landscaping would complement the house's overall curb appeal.
By reviewing site-specific details aligned with your goals, you can ensure the project will be a huge success. This investigative process results in front-of-house landscaping that looks great and functions beautifully—often exceeding your clients’ expectations.
#2. Hardscaping Improves Function and Curb Appeal
Hardscape elements give your front yard an appealing structure and help guide foot traffic. Consider adding features such as stone or gravel walkways, small patios, or simple edging around garden beds with bricks or pavers. These not only look neat, but they’re durable and reduce mud or worn-down grass.
If your yard slopes, small wood or stone retaining walls or steps can make areas safer and easier to use. Choose materials that complement your home’s exterior for a cohesive look. Remember, even a well-placed address stone or some path lighting can make a big difference to your front-of-house landscaping with minimal effort.
#3. Create Front Yard Cohesion with Softscaping
Softscaping is a great way to tie your front yard’s hardscaping elements together seamlessly. Plants, grass, mulch, and gardens can go to great lengths to bring life and colour to your front yard.
Try mixing different heights and textures—layer low gardens, medium-height shrubs, and taller trees for depth. Stick with hardy, low-maintenance plants that thrive in Calgary’s climate for better success with less work. Use mulch or decorative rock around beds to retain moisture and keep weeds in check. Include some perennial flowers to provide color that returns year after year.
Good plant choices and a well-designed layout tie your yard together and keep it interesting throughout the seasons.
#4. Outdoor Lighting is Your Secret Weapon
Outdoor lighting adds both style and safety to your front-of-house landscaping. An easy-to-do example includes lining walkways or garden beds with solar or low-voltage lights for easy, affordable improvements. Another is highlighting a tree or accenting a feature, such as your address stone, with a spotlight to create drama in the evenings. Place lights strategically to highlight your best plants or architectural features. Even
Lighting also helps prevent accidents by making paths easier to navigate after dark, and gives a considerable boost to your overall curb appeal—especially if you’re selling and have after-dusk showings.
A few well-placed, quality light fixtures can make your home feel warmer and more welcoming.
#5. Properly Address Elevation Changes and Water Drainage
Take a walk outside in the front yard after a rain or snowstorm, and note where it collects—these are the areas that need improvement, and there are a handful of different landscaping methods that you can utilize to do so.
Level out small dips or use gravel and topsoil to divert water away from the house’s foundation. If you have slopes, consider building simple retaining walls or garden terraces for stability and added planting space. Steps or stone stairs can make steep areas easier to navigate. Another excellent option is dry creek beds, which drain water and excess snow runoff to proper channels, away from the home’s foundation.
Keep in mind that proper drainage prevents muddy patches and protects your home from water damage. Tackle elevation and drainage early in your project for a yard that’s both attractive and long-lasting.
#6. Choose Low-Maintenance Solutions
If you want a front yard that looks good all season but doesn’t demand constant attention, focus on easy-care options. After all, low-maintenance solutions not only save you money, but also can reduce physical or emotional stress associated with yard work.
Opt for drought-resistant plants, high-quality mulch, and sturdy groundcovers to reduce watering and weeding. Choose hardscape materials that withstand Calgary’s weather and require little upkeep. Consider installing an automatic irrigation system to keep things thriving with less effort. Group plants with similar needs together to make watering easier and reduce waste.
Smart choices on front-yard landscaping now can save time and maintenance for years to come.
#7. Add Your Personal Front-Yard Touch
Make your front yard your own with features that reflect your personality and needs. That could include a cheerful, colourful flowerbed near the front door, a creative meandering stepping-stone path, or a cozy picnic-style bench where you can relax. Incorporate colours and plants you love, or create a small area for bees and birds.
Functional touches, such as unique house numbers, a decorative mailbox, or a prominent address stone, can also boost curb appeal. If you can install a gate, it may be an appealing option for added security and also for homeowners with pets. Make sure to consult your local homeowners’ association to determine what is, and isn’t, allowed in your next front-of-house landscaping project.
With a few thoughtful details, your front yard becomes the perfect welcome to your house.
Why Trust Calgary Dreamscapes?
Need a front-yard landscape renovation? We got you covered!
For well over a decade, we’ve completed hundreds of Calgary landscaping projects, big and small—each with uncompromising attention to detail and quality craftsmanship. We stand by our work with a rigorous quality control process, open communication, and a true passion for transforming outdoor spaces.
Want to see more front-of-house landscaping examples? Browse our gallery of past front yard projects for ideas and inspiration. Ready to make your dream yard a reality? Contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation and let’s chat about your next front yard transformation today!