Sprucing Up The Landscape Curb Appeal Dennis Patton Johnson County Horticulture Agent

Why Landscape Maximum use of land Efficient use of space Aids in construction and planting Increased home value Creates easier maintenance More value for money spent

Areas to Address for Curb Appeal Front door – most striking and important feature of the home. Soften – foundations and ties home to the lot. Enframe – holds the eye to the home. Accents – leads the eye to areas of emphasis.

Existing Plant Materials Trees –Health and overall vigor –Location, right spot or in the way –Function, shade, beauty –Sentimental Value Trees – most will remain in the landscape –Small easiest to replace –Large shade trees take time

Existing Plant Materials Shrubs –Easily replaced, about 3 years –Old overgrown, over 10 years probably ready to be removed –Value to landscape –Specimen, rare, not easily replaced Rejuvenation versus replacement

10 Most Common Mistakes Overplanting Too many types Lawn cluttered Trees in middle of yard Shrubs overgrown Poor condition Uprights at corner Bright colors scattered Downspouts Plants too close to home

Overplanting Small when purchased Planted too close together Increased stress, disease, insects

Reducing Overplanting Know mature heights and spreads Decreased maintenance

Too Many Different Types of Plants Lacks continuity No Focus

Create a Flow Repeat a few basic plants to tie together. Repetition Simplicity

Lawn Cluttered Trees and shrubs break up the space and view Appears unorganized and lacks interest

Reduce Clutter Create planting beds Concept of “void and mass”

Trees in Middle of Front Lawn Block view and break home

Tree Placement Best located to the side Enframe the home Exception is shade trees

Shrubs Too Tall For Foundation Peek-a-boo effect Shrubs hide the windows Increased maintenance – pruning.

Shrub Selection Know mature height when selecting Maintenance – pruning to control size 1/3 of the plant material in the front should be evergreen.

Plants in Poor Condition Dead and dying Overgrown and tired Poor care Wrong plant wrong location

Plants in Poor Condition

Uprights at Corners Pyramidal plants guide eyes Create accents in areas pulling away from the entrance.

Corner Plantings Two-thirds rule –Plant materials should be about 2/3 the height from the ground to the eves of the home. Corners should be softened –Rounded, oval or irregular forms

Create layers

Bright Colors Scattered Around Circus effect Color creates accents Too many accents and the view is lost

Use of Color Repeat colors Color happens at different times to create accents

Bright Colors Mulch is functional not an accent!

Corners Stand Out Downspouts attract attention Drains provide excess water, plant problems and look bad Screen with corner planting Bury drains

Corners Stand Out

Plant Materials too Close Planted next to foundation Maintenance issues for home Access issues to water and maintenance

Plants too Close Locate shrubs half their mature width plus 1 foot away from the foundation.

Examples

Dennis Patton Johnson County Extension Horticulture Agent