How to Landscape a Long & Narrow Front of the House

The front of your house, or the public side, is the most noticeable part of the landscape for first-time guests or passersby, and it helps them form an impression about you. Although every homeowner strives to create an attractive, eye-catching and welcoming space, some front yards require more forethought and planning than others, such as those that are exceptionally long and narrow. However, with careful planning and selection, you can combine the design elements to create a harmonious, well-balanced landscape.

Measuring tape

Graph paper

Wood, metal or vinyl fence, 4 to 6 feet tall

Trees and shrubs

Flowering plants

Wooden arched trellis or pergola

Climbing plants

Garden statues

Pots

Benches

Measure the length and width of the front of the house in feet. Transfer the measurements on graph paper, along with any existing features, such as a sidewalk, fence or wall, plants and porch steps. Step outside and review the space critically from the curb, determining what parts need to be used and what you can leave.

Design the front of your house on graph paper, working out all the possibilities until you create comfortable, workable space. Include the locations of trees, flowerbeds, pathway, raised gardens, decorative accents and seating. Consider the sunlight exposure of the space when selecting items. Avoid placing large or wide items in the center of the long, narrow space, since they do nothing but restrict movement and make the space appear cluttered.

Enclose the front yard with a 4- to 6-foot-tall wood, vinyl or metal fence to add security and increase the charm. For instance, install a wood or vinyl picket fence around the area to lend a cottage-like feel to the area, or a wood lattice or solid board fence that increases privacy. Alternatively, plant evenly spaced bushes to form a natural barrier or a hedgerow.

Grow plants along the narrow front yard, ensuring the selected sites meet the sunlight requirements of the desired plants. Take into consideration the mature height and width of the trees and shrubs so they don’t outgrow the space or prevent passage through the narrow area. To create a well-balanced yard, plant smaller trees or shrubs near the front door and progressively larger ones around the sides of the house.

Make long, narrow flowerbeds along the front edge of the house or the fence. Keep the beds 12 to 20 inches wide, so they add color to the landscape without taking up too much space. Add dimension to the space by growing taller flowering plants in the back of the bed and smaller ones in front.

Install vertical elements in the yard that draw the eye upward, distracting visitors from the size of the space. Install a wooden arched trellis or pergola over the entrance and grow climbing vines over it. Alternatively, install a lattice trellis in a corner of the yard and grow plants over it so it serves as a green wall.

Accessorize the front of your house with garden statues, a birdbath, pots and benches. Place the statues or pots at dull corners for instant color. Stagger the arrangement of garden pots to add depth to the space. Use narrow garden benches that provide comfortable seating without taking up space.