Top 70 Best Front Yard Landscaping Ideas – Outdoor Designs
You can tell a lot about a person’s home by their front yard: their tastes, sensibilities, and even their penchant for hospitality.
A uniquely appealing and well-maintained front yard speaks of the man who values his environment and the home upon which it resides, a man who is always the first to open his door to guests and let them share in the splendor.
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need an around-the-clock groundskeeper to obtain the kind of yard that makes a passerby slow down and applaud the view.
From simple topiary creations to garden plots, the immaculate front yard needn’t be a laborious goal. With some basic planning and a clear idea of the effect you wish to make, you can turn your front yard into a personalized paradise in no time. Landscaping lights, frond pond fountain installations, and bordered paths all lend a nuanced botanical beauty that will elevate your home to a whole never level. Visitors will no doubt take their time strolling up to your door, while warm evenings will all but beckon you out front to bask in what you’ve curated.
Just as a barren or unkempt yard speaks volumes about who resides within, a lovingly tended-to front space reflects a man of both taste and poignant homeowner values. You want to show off your palace against the best kind of backdrop, and these scene-stealing front yard landscaping ideas will no doubt draw more than a few admirers.
Front Yard Landscaping Ideas
For a low maintenance front yard landscape, consider hardscaping by using slate blocks complemented by greenery like alpine firs, conifers, and pine. A clever solution for drought prone climates.
Front yard landscaping ideas work beautifully with steps as a focal point. Combined with edging the look is clean, crisp, and oozes curb appeal.
A scalloped shape stone walkway surrounded by perennials in autumn shades creates a dynamic landscape. The slow growing conifers and alpine plants beautifully enhances this front yard’s overall curb appeal.
This stunning front yard landscape design is the ultimate in curb appeal. A mix of hues are complemented by evergreens like spruce trees, arborvitaes, and pine.
How Can I Make My Front Yard Look Nice?
The first thing visitors and passersby see is your front yard and we’ve all seen some duds at one time or another. Nothing’s worse than a home that uses their front yard like a back yard that’s used as a junk yard!
An unkempt front lawn with grass that hasn’t been mowed, that’s turning brown and littered with junk, is a landscape that’s seen better days.
It’s a disaster of a display and will decimate any curb appeal that was once there. However, after issues are rectified, you can once again add attractive landscape essentials to your front yard and make it acceptable and aesthetically pleasing once more.
First Things First
Prior to transforming the appearance of your front yard, be sure to contact the homeowners association. However, depending on where you live, this type of organization might go by a different name. If there is no homeowners association that you need to report to before making changes to the exterior of your home, you’re in the clear to do just about anything you want. All within good taste, of course.
The Investment and Budget Factor
Your front yard’s curb appeal is one of the most important factors when it comes to the resale value of your home. Even if you don’t plan on selling, there’s no excuse not to maintain the appearance of your home’s front yard. After all, you get to enjoy it too. Think of the time and funds you spend to create a decent front yard as an investment. What’s more, boosting your front yard’s curb appeal can be accomplished on any budget. For example, features like a curved illuminated pathway or flowerbed can increase the visual aspects of the front exterior of your home on a shoestring budget. Just keep the design easy on the eye by incorporating straightforward concepts.
Tips on How to Make Your Front Yard Look Nice
Here are 10 front yard landscaping concepts to boost the curb appeal and attractiveness of your home.
1. Get Your Lawn In Order
A lavish green lawn is illustrative of a well kept front yard. If your front yard lawn is something you plan to tackle by planting fresh seeds, select a grass that is compatible with your environment. For instance, some climates have less rainfall than others. In this situation, choose a variety of green like Buffalo grass, that can withstand long periods of drought.
2. Complement Your Lawn With Plants
Choose a variety of plants that blossom during the different seasons so that your curb appeal is vibrant throughout the year. If all your flowers blossom concurrently, the result may be beautiful; however, during the rest of the year, your landscape will look dull.
Select foliage like evergreens and perennials like Rozanne geraniums that bloom from mid-year till late fall. Be sure to take into consideration the style of your home.
For example, English lavender and ornamental grass are perfect for cottage style homes. Colonial style homes work best with plants like bird’s nest spruce and mountain laurel.
3. The Appeal of Edging
Edging can revamp your front yard by creating distinctive areas for shrubs, mulch, flower beds, and plants. Edging around the border of your home’s foundation or driveway, will also boost your front yard’s curb appeal rather quickly. Edging will also prevents weeds and other unattractive elements invading flower beds. The visual aspects of your front yard will remain tidy and attractive throughout the year.
4. Use Lighting to Highlight Walkways and Objects
Natural light by day, artificial light by night. Lights play an important role in landscape attractiveness. Illuminate walkways, steps, unique shrubs, and focal points.
5. Hardscape Your Front Yard Landscape
If you plan on repaving, broadening your driveway, or adding a pathway – known as hardscaping – do that first before adding shrubs and flowers. This is advised because the foundation of your curb appeal begins with hardscaping. Afterwards, plant vibrant green plants for added texture and beauty.
6. Create a Rock Garden
Rock gardens are practical, especially for regions with little rainfall where plants have less of a chance of staying healthy and green anyway. Mossy rocks, boulders and even shale rocks which are available in a variety of colors, are especially effective.
7. Getting Rid of Weeds
Weeds are unattractive and always pop-up where you don’t want them. The best thing to do is to get rid of them quickly as they can ruin even the mostly beautiful landscape. Unfortunately, if you’re eco-friendly, weed killing concoctions might be an issue for you as the most potent weed killers are frequently the most unsafe.
8. Trimming Loose Ends
Bushes, trees, and other kinds of shrubbery can make your front yard look stunning, but it’s hard to see their gorgeousness when they’re not trimmed. Keep hedges neat, trim annoying tree branches, and remove any annoying crawling vines. This is easily a DIY project; however, if you don’t have the time, hire a professional to do the job on a regular schedule.
9. Maintain Functionality
You may want your front yard to look beautiful, but if you cover the walkways with too much shrubbery or have problems getting into your garage because of awkward tree branches, you’re going to have to scale back so that you can maintain the functionality of your front yard.
10. Artificial Grass Anyone?
Hey, don’t hate. Artificial grass is convenient, especially if you live in a region with little rainfall. Just think, mowing the lawn would be a thing of the past. In addition, you will save on your water bill too. Artificial grass will make your front lawn unappealing to dogs and other nocturnal animals and look fresh and green all year round.
What Type of Tree Should I Plant In My Front Yard?
When it comes to trees, it’s best to take a slow approach. Making a hasty decision could lead to years of regret. Why? Trees are large and immobile. So once it’s planted, it takes root, and well, that’s it. Some trees blossom every year and provide beautiful blooms. While others are messy and leave rotting fruit and other unwanted substances on your front lawn. Therefore, it’s best to take your time, check for trees that suit your landscape ideas, and go from there.
Making the Right Choice
First, ask yourself this very important question: Why do you want a tree. Is it for privacy, beauty, shade, the fruit it bears each year, to block your neighbors view into your bay window?
Additionally, trees grow at different rates and you may want to take this into consideration when making your tree selection. Slow growing trees are in the hardwood family and outlive, many other tree varieties. Fast growing trees tend to be smaller, have delicate wood, and shorter lives.
There are two types of trees and shrubs: Evergreen and deciduous. Evergreen trees and shrubs remain green throughout the year like pines and southern magnolia. Deciduous flora lose their leaves in autumn and remain bare throughout the winter season.
Integrate trees in the proper climate so that they can thrive. For instance, small or medium sized trees complement small front yards. Plant small trees closer to your home and taller trees further away to keep the landscape view balanced.
Popular Front Yard Trees
Ornamental Trees – Ornamental trees are ideal for small front yards. They are predominately cultivated for their aesthetic appeal and bloom beautiful flowers that give off a pleasant aroma and colorful foliage.
Callery Pear – This is a fast growing tree that blooms white flowers during springtime and brilliant foliage during the fall. The strongest varieties are Chantideer and Aristocrat.
Camellia Japonica – Japonica’s are evergreens and great for small yards. This gorgeous timber blooms stunning, luminous flowers, and perennial blooms that provide color to your front yard landscape. They’re low-maintenance as well.
Venus Dogwood Tree – Dogwoods provide large, expressive flowers each spring and red foliage and berries during the fall. Part of the deciduous family, Dogwoods can grow up to 20 feet vertically and horizontally and thrives in partial sunlight.
Red Buckeye – Striking red flowers blossom in early spring and even hummingbirds love this extremely drought tolerant tree. Buckeyes are ideal for wildlife vegetation.
Tulip Tree (Little Volunteer) – The Tulip poplar was well-known on southern plantations. People loved to plant them near their homes so that passersby could admire their yellowy flowers. It’s great for both large and small yards.
Slender Hinoki False Cypress – False Cypress is an evergreen tree and appropriate for any yard size. The arched hanged tip branches create an opulent ambiance. This type of tree is a great focal point and suits most front yard landscapes.
Fastigiata Spruce – Great for small yards, Fastigiata needles have the standard blue spruce hue and are lovely to look at. Branches are simple to cut making it easy to maintain their slender shape.
One More Thing
Every tree has unique aspects and specific needs important to its survival. Many thrive in rich, wet, woodsy acidic soil. Others flourish in drier more alkaline soil. Choose trees that suit your environment and they will provide beauty and value to your front yard landscape.
Top 29 Best Watches Under $500 For Men
With cellphones so ubiquitous, your watch choice can be less about telling time and more about personal style. However, a watch is not ‘just’ a watch. For example, the vast majority are made for right-handed people, but a select few cater to the lefties among us. There is a wide range in functionality and size.
The wristwatch is also one of the few socially acceptable accessories for men, so why not have a small selection? If you’re not cashing a CEO’s paycheck just yet, here are the top 28 most handsome watches for men that retail for under $500.
Got a bigger budget? Then check out our guide to the best men’s watches under $1000 instead.
Top 29 Best Watches Under $500 For Men
1. Tommy Hilfiger Stainless Steel Men’s Watch
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If you like the feel of a pliable, non-metal band but aren’t comfortable with genuine leather, this watch comes equipped with a handsome synthetic band. At 46mm in diameter, this watch is perfect for men of smaller stature, as it will not overpower your hand or make it look like you’re wearing your father’s watch. With bold Arabic numerals, a stainless steel case, and classic styling, this watch is an outstanding choice for an everyday watch and the man on a budget.
2. Nordgreen Pioneer – Black Dial
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Get 15% off using the discount code NEXTL at checkout
Not everyone has an endless amount of cash to drop on a luxury timepiece. If you’re money-conscious but want something high-end, then why not consider the Nordgreen Pioneer.
An inspired take on a classic Chronograph, Nordgreen celebrates the Danish with what they call a timepiece “that captures the sustainable future.” Available in various dial colors from blue, black, and white. There’s even the choice of three case colors – gunmetal, silver, and rose gold. A perfect addition to the collection of any watch enthusiast.
3. Fossil Grant Brown Leather Watch
This lovely offering by Fossil features slim Roman numeral hour markers and delicate cut-out hands. The casing is stainless steel and is water-resistant to 165 feet, making it a great dive watch. The band is made of supple, soft calfskin leather and uses a buckle closure.
Of course, this timepiece also comes with the generous 11-year warranty and it’s own fun tin. This watch oozes class and is great for nearly every occasion in your life.
4. Citizen Sport Stainless Steel Men’s Watch With Brown Leather Band
If you don’t want to deal with changing out a battery in a digital watch, this watch is powered by either natural or indoor lighting. The mineral crystal face and stainless steel case make this watch water-resistant to 330 feet, making it a great choice for swimmers and snorkelers.
Handsome and utilitarian, this is a great watch for everyday wear. It’s one of the best watches for men who are always on the go.
5. Fossil Men’s Machine Chronograph Silicone Watch
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This watch was designed with the active man in mind. The knurled silicone band stands up to sweat and oils without issue, and the timepiece itself is water-resistant to 165 feet.
The patterned bezel and quality craftsmanship of the black dial is excellent, as is to be expected from a Fossil watch. It even comes in the iconic and collectible tin!
6. Citizen Men’s Eco-Drive Watch
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This men’s watch features Japanese quartz movement that charges itself indoors or out when exposed to light, making it a great choice for those who don’t want to change out the battery too often. The stitched canvas strap is soft against your skin and will wick away moisture, while the mineral crystal face stands up to the rigors of your everyday life.
Water-resistant to 330 feet, this dive watch is a classic and simple design you’ll be proud of for years to come.
7. Invicta Pro Diver Chronograph Men’s Watch
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Another gorgeous offering by Invicta, this watch features a bold design with a slightly nautical feel to it. It will look at home whether you’re wearing a business suit or are going for a dive of less than 660 feet. This piece is also covered by a one-year warranty as a matter of course. The luminosity feature and magnified date window make it a great choice if you work or play in low light.
If you want something that looks like a Tag Heuer but without the luxury watch brand price tag, this is a good option!
8. Casio Edifice Multi-Function Men’s Watch
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This watch has three sub-dials for 12 hour, 60 minute and 60-second displays, in addition to the standard time. It also features a fold-over, push-down clasp on the stainless strap, keeping it secure throughout your activities. If you’re looking for a classy timepiece that shrieks sophistication, this is a great choice.
9. Fossil Machine Three Hand Stainless Steel Men’s Watch
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This quality watch is a chameleon piece. It looks at home as a dress watch riding below the cuff of your best suit, and it also looks great paired with jeans and a t-shirt. Backed by Fossil’s 11-year warranty as a matter of course and beautifully crafted, this smoke-colored piece is guaranteed to become the go-to accessory for nearly every occasion.
10. MVMT Watches Black Face Men’s Watch
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If you like the look of a simple watch, this minimalist offering from MVMT is right up your alley. With just a plain black face, tick marks to denote the hours and a single date window, there is nothing overdone or extravagant about this design. The is understated and suited to the simple design. It’s definitely a classy, low-key piece for the budget-conscious.
11. Timex Weekender Watch
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If you’re looking for a fun watch to pair with casual outfits, this is a great option. The band is blue and yellow woven nylon, and the face features both civilian and military timekeeping. An Indiglo night light is also included. This watch is water-resistant to 99 feet, meaning it can withstand splashes of water or exposure to rain but you won’t want to submerge it.
12. PUMA Ultrasize Black Sport Men’s Watch
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Boasting a 50mm diameter, this piece is perfect for the large-framed man or one who likes to wear his accessories oversized. A true fashion statement, this sports watch comes in eight different colors schemes to match your favorite hues.
Do be aware, however, that the dial knob is configure for left-handed men!
13. Timex Easy Reader Men’s Watch
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Another dress watch designed with the older gentleman in mind, this watch features a white dial with generously sized numerals that do not appear comical to the casual observer.
It’s also an excellent choice if you take your contacts out at night and still want to be able to check the time. With classic lines and a simple white face, the watch would not be out of place at any casual gathering. It comes with Timex’s one-year warranty at no additional charge.
14. Fossil Nate Men’s Chronograph Watch
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For men who like a more gritty, industrial feel to their accessories, this Fossil watch is right on point. The bezel is gear-edged and the face is utilitarian black and gray. Water-resistant to 165 feet, this watch is a great choice if you like your adornments to be understated yet add visual interest.
It’s definitely a stand-out piece, for those who would take notice!
15. Timex Expedition Field Chronograph Men’s Watch
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Featuring an indigo night light, tachymeter, a date window and a buckle closure, this watch is perfect for men who like to work or play outdoors. It is also water-resistant to 330 feet, making it a great choice for snorkeling or swimming.
You won’t want to wear it for diving, however. With classic, black styling and a genuine crystal face, this is a timepiece that will stand the test of time in both form and function.
16. Seiko 5 Automatic Stainless Steel Men’s Watch
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This Seiko automatic watch has all the bells and whistles you need, but presents it all in a plain and strikingly attractive manner. It features a date window in either English or Spanish, sword-shaped hands, a sweeping second hand and a mineral dial window. This is a great option for the man on the go. The canvas strap can be removed and hand-washed if sweat or other odors become an issue.
This watch is not water-resistant, so you’ll only want to wear it when you won’t be popping by the pool for a swim!
17. Invicta Pro Diver Collection Silver-Tone Men’s Watch
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For those who prefer an all-metal timepiece, the stainless steel Invicta fits the bill nicely. It has a similar aesthetic to a Tag Heuer watch, but at a more affordable price. Equipped with a unilateral bezel and removable links, the band can be customized to fit your wrist perfectly. The face is flame fusion crystal and features a magnifier to highlight the date window.
It’s also water-resistant to 660 feet. If you’re looking for a gorgeous watch that stands up to an active lifestyle, this is an excellent choice.
18. Seiko Men’s Adventure-Solar Classic Casual Watch
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This Seiko watch derives its power from either natural or indoor light and can withstand water depths of up to 330 feet. The supple brown leather strap and timeless brushed steel give this piece an attractive look, and the alarm chronograph is easy to set.
If you’re looking for a watch that can serve as a backup for your wake-up call while traveling, stand up to the elements and look awesome, this casual wrist watch is a winner.
19. Nautica Men’s Stainless Steel Watch with Blue Resin Band
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Featuring a plethora of options and a smart, snappy style, this a great casual watch with a eye-catching blue dial. The hardy resin band is adjustable, and the face is protected by a mineral window. Whether for work or play, this bold blue design is handsome and substantial on the wrist. It comes with Nautica’s five-year warranty at no additional charge.
20. Citizen Sport Men’s Stainless Steel Watch with Black Leather Band
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The black, red and white face of this piece eschews the traditional two-tone color scheme so often employed in other watches, and the contrasting stitching on the band adds creative flair. It comes backed by Citizen’s five-year warranty and will compliment any casual outfit.
21. Alessi Tic15 Analog Display Analog Quartz Black Men’s Watch
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Another not-quite-round offering on our list, the curved square casing of this piece gives it instant visual appeal. Sleek and clean, this unfussy design will be a compliment to almost any occasion. It has quartz movement and is water-resistant to 99 feet, making it a great choice for everyday wear.
22. Invicta 1517 I Force Collection Watch
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Another on our list designed for left-handed men, this watch is something special. Water-resistant to 330 feet and featuring oversize stenciled numbers and a sub dial, this watch is great for any casual outfit. The cloth band is extremely durable and stands up to dirt, sweat and grime.
If you lead an active lifestyle, this watch will be right at home in your collection.
23. TRIWA Blue Steel Nevil Canvas Watch
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This watch comes in a whopping 14 color variations, all of them beautiful. You may decide to add more than one to your collection!
Designed in Sweden, this watch features Japanese quartz movement, a stainless steel casing and a strap made from Tärnsjö organic leather. TRIWA, which stands for Transforming the Industry of Watches, believes in the artistry of fine jewelry and it shows in their product.
24. Victorinox Swiss Army Alliance Watch
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Another fine dress watch from the makers of the Swiss Army knife, this watch is emblazoned with the internally recognized cross and shield emblem. It has no sub-dials, tachymeter or other add-ons to detract from its simple and appealing style.
This watch will be at home with all but the most formal of outfits and carries a two-year warranty.
25. Ingersoll Automatic Stainless Steel Bull Run Watch
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Again, Ingersoll remakes the classics and brings them into the present day. With a highly polished stainless steel casing, two sub-dials, a date aperture and arrow-shaped hands, this quartz watch is beautiful.
The band features contrasting stitching on the fine-grain leather, adding depth and detail to the workmanship. This watch will compliment any casual occasion and can be relied upon for years to come.
26. Tissot Quickster Chronograph Black Leather Men’s Watch
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Made with scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and Swiss automatic movement, this watch is a smart and utilitarian choice. If you’re looking for a solid Swiss watch that isn’t flashy, this is an excellent option. It’s also guaranteed for two years.
27. Seiko Sport Solar Men’s Beige Watch
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Are you getting tired of squinting down at your watch or holding it closer and closer to your face? Don’t worry, we all get a bit nearsighted with age, especially over the age of 40.
If you’re not quite ready for reading glasses or a comically huge watch, this is a great choice from Seiko. The numerals, indices and luminous hands stand out in stark white against a black background, and the numerals are generous in size. It’s a perfect casual watch for the older gentleman.
28. Seiko Men’s 5 Watch Blue Canvas Band
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This simple and affordable watch has a clean, crisp aesthetic to it and doesn’t bog down its design with a ton of bells and whistles. It’s time and date, end of.
If you want a watch for casual wear, this Seiko is a shoo-in. The band is forgiving and comfortable against your wrist, and it’s blue color will likely compliment your existing wardrobe. The price is also extremely affordable.
29. Tommy Hilfiger Men’s Stainless Steel Watch With Brown Leather Band
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Featuring the Hilfiger logo at the three o’clock position, this wrist watch is a statement piece. It is a bright, shiny stainless steel work of art that you’ll be proud to wear at all but the most stuffy of workplaces. The calfskin leather band uses a buckle closure and the date window is beside the logo at three o’clock.
If you’re a fan of Tommy clothing, cologne or luggage, you can complete your look with this stunning accessory.
