Landscape Makeover for a Hilly Front Yard
Landscaping that accents the house and frames a front deck also reduces mowing on this steep yard.
Before: In a neighborhood of pretty front yards, this one stands out and not in a good way. Besides a lot of weeds, there are other issues: The front deck and foundation are too prominent, and the existing shrubs do little to set off the house.
After: The foundation and deck have disappeared, thanks to a coat of paint and a collection of shrubs and trees. Two 'Emerald Green' arborvitae frame the doorway, and a hornbeam provides a vertical accent. A new planter box and summersweet, a shrub that blooms in summer, help add color to the front yard.
Before: The sharp slope in the front yard makes for difficult (and sometimes dangerous) mowing, and there's no design to the landscape.
After: A partial retaining wall and a large planting bed cut down on the amount of lawn that needs to be mowed. A 'Fireglow' Japanese maple serves as a focal point; this 12- to 15-foot specimen has thinner-than-usual leaves, and sunlight shining through the canopy makes the leaves appear to glow.
Black iron railing wrapped around wooden deck area with lattice at bottom edge.
Wide view of hardwood deck flooring with chairs, iron railing, flowers.
Next Up
Fabulous Front Yards
Let your home put its best foot forward. Get inspired by these problem-area makeovers.
Landscape Design Strategy: Control the Focal Points
A smart makeover focuses attention on the landscape's assets and hides its weaknesses.
Upgrading the Side Yard
The side yard is often the most neglected space in the yard. Get ideas for getting more out of this transition zone.
Transforming a Desperate Landscape
See how a dead, brown yard was transformed into a beautifully landscaped space.
America's Most Desperate Landscape 2009
Desperate no more: The winners of the DIY Network's 2009 national contest received a simply stunning makeover.
Landscape Makeover: From Desperate Yard to Picket-Pretty Curb Appeal
A neglected front yard gets a colorful transformation with a picket fence and dozens of new plants.
Tips for Adding Front Yard Value
Neatly kept sod and plants, unique rock features, shade trees and the addition of a sprinkler system will build equity and savings for years to come.
America's Most Desperate Landscape 2010: Landscape Tips for Weekly Winner 2
The second weekly winner is Melissa Cerrato of Kingston, Mass. for her video of a yard that's starkly bare and mostly sand. Jason Cameron offers tips for turning this sandpit into a beautiful front yard.
America's Most Desperate Landscape 2010: Landscape Tips for Weekly Winner 4
The fourth weekly winner of America's Most Desperate Landscape 2010 is Gail Kirby, Bowling Green, KY. for her photos of a desperately bare front yard. Jason Cameron offers tips for giving this blank slate some curb appeal.
America's Most Desperate Landscape 2010: Landscape Tips for Weekly Winner 3
The third weekly winner is Michele Lewis of Hanover, NM, for her photos of a front yard that's nothing but bare dirt. Jason Cameron offers tips for turning this sad site into a beautiful front yard.
