Landscape Makeover for a Hilly Front Yard

Landscaping that accents the house and frames a front deck also reduces mowing on this steep yard.

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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.

From: Desperate Landscapes

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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.

From: Desperate Landscapes

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Before: The sharp slope in the front yard makes for difficult (and sometimes dangerous) mowing, and there's no design to the landscape.

From: Desperate Landscapes

Before: The sharp slope in the front yard makes for difficult (and sometimes dangerous) mowing, and there's no design to the landscape.

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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.

From: Desperate Landscapes