The driveway is an important factor that significantly affects the curb appeal of your home. It’s one of the first things that your guests see whenever they arrive at your home. It sets the first impression that guests will have of the property. Moreover, it can increase the resale value of your home in case you want to sell in the future.
However, it’s often not given the attention it rightfully deserves.
Most homeowners think that applying concrete or gravel will be enough for a driveway. But there are ways to make it more aesthetically pleasing and inviting.
There are a lot of landscaping ideas you can choose from when doing your driveway landscaping project. Keep in mind that it should complement the design and layout of your home. You don’t want it to stand out or clash with its style and color scheme.
When creating a beautiful driveway, here are 5 tips for you:
Which Plants to Plant?
The type of plants you put in your landscaping is one of the most important things to consider when doing home landscaping. It has an enormous effect on how it looks and functions.
Plant large shrubs close together at the back portion of your driveway. Do not use tall plants or hedges that may obstruct visibility. Rhododendrons, for example, are just the right height. They will add privacy and create an appealing treed feeling.
Putting in flowers may also be a good way to decorate your driveway. Flowers not only look nice but also give off a sweet aroma that will help curb bad odors from the garage or motor vehicles.
Avoid creeping vines and plants because they don’t grow where you want them to. They may expand and eventually overtake the entire area.
Vertical gardens are a great way to decorate your driveway. It has a very modern and stylish look that will increase its appeal. These vertical gardens also tend to have more flowers as they can take up more space on walls, fences, or even roofs.
Place plants in clusters to make them look more appealing. Avoid having too many individual plants in one area. Follow a color scheme that will match your house’s exterior color.
Which Trees to Use?
The type of trees to use in your landscaping is also very important. It should suit the theme and style of your home, as well as complement your driveway’s color scheme. The best would be if you could plant deciduous trees that give off beautiful colors during fall or evergreen trees that remain green all year long.
Evergreen trees are excellent choices because they can give your home that natural feel. Planting maple, oak, or pine trees will also provide a fresh green color to your driveway. Evergreens also do not lose their leaves. This is perfect especially if you hate having fallen leaves on your driveway during the autumn season. If evergreens are
Decorative Rocks on Driveway
Decorative rocks can serve as a beautiful border to your driveway. They add a natural look to the area and can highlight the different areas and portions of your driveway. Place large rocks at the entrance to create an appealing effect.
You can also put some on the edges of your driveway, as well as in-between flowers and groups of plants.
Make Your Driveway Look Inviting with Gates and Arbors
Adding a driveway gate or an arbor will make your entrance more inviting. It will create the effect that people are welcome, as well as add charm to the overall look of your home’s exterior.
You may choose to add a one-gate entrance or a two-arched arbor. You can also alternate between wood and iron materials to make your driveway gate stand out.
Keep the Driveway Looking Good All-Year-Round
Driveway maintenance is necessary to keep it looking good. This includes regular cleaning and washing, pressure-washing, repairing cracks or holes, applying sealants for protection against stains, and replacing panes if they are old.
Although costly, concrete repair is important because it will make your driveway last longer. Concrete cracks and chips as time go by, but if repaired immediately, they can be prevented from further damage.
On the other hand, gravel may need less maintenance compared to concrete. However, it will require to be replenished every once in a while to ensure that there is proper drainage and to prevent it from turning into a swamp.
Landscaping your driveway can make a dramatic difference in the overall look and feel of your home. It will add curb appeal to your property, creating an inviting entrance that is perfect for entertaining or just relaxing outdoors with family and friends. Whether you plan to sell soon or not, it’s important to invest time into landscaping because it will improve both its value and beauty.
Meta title: Landscaping for a Beautiful and Inviting Driveway
meta desc: You should consider adding plants, flowers, and trees to create a natural look and feel. You might also want to think about placing a gate or arbor for added charm