How to Design Front Yard Landscaping: DIY vs Hiring an Expert

You know your front yard could benefit from revitalization. So, you're getting ready to completely overhaul the existing landscape and implement something new. Choosing to redesign your landscape is an exciting process - you're no doubt eager to get started.

But, as you start to research more and more, you'll realize just how complex landscape design can be. That's why the best way to design front yard landscaping is to let the experts at Michaelangelo's handle it. Our residential & commercial landscape design in Alpharetta, GA is the #1 choice. We can help you make your vision a reality - no matter your style preferences, no matter your budget.

For those who are still interested in learning how to design front yard landscaping themselves, we'll provide you with some key tips for getting started down below. Then, we'll explain why choosing to outsource this project is the right approach for you. There's no time to waste!

Can You Really Learn How to Design Landscaping for Front Yard Yourself?

It's no secret that landscaping can become expensive. So, it makes sense to try and learn how to design landscaping for the front yard yourself. Hopefully, you can at least save on the design aspect of this process and just pay for the materials and installation.

But is it really possible to learn how to design front yard landscaping on your own? Honestly, not really. Sure - you can gain inspiration from other yards you see and try to implement something similar in your own yard. But here's the thing - proper landscape design is much more than just choosing the right plants and laying down some sod.

As we detailed in our complete guide on what landscape design is all about, a well-designed landscape seeks to strike the perfect balance of form and function - while taking into account budget and sustainability. If you're not a professional landscape designer, it's going to be very difficult to achieve all of that.

Not to mention, landscape design involves a lot of different facets - from hardscaping and softscaping to choosing the right plants for your climate zone. It can be overwhelming, which is why we recommend outsourcing this process to professionals. We'll talk more about why you should hire a landscape designer later on. First, we're going to humor you - and go over a few of the necessary considerations when attempting to design your own front yard landscape.

How to Design Front Yard Landscaping DIY: Tips for Making Your Vision a Reality

Below, you'll gain some tips on how to design front yard landscaping that you're proud of. We'll touch on actually getting it installed, and maintaining it as well. First, let's go over the budgeting aspect of this process - as it directly influences the rest of your decision-making.

Begin With Budgeting

You need to start with a budget in mind when working on any landscaping project - big or small. After all, you don't want to get too far into the design process and then realize that your dream landscape is way out of reach. This is just going to set you up for disappointment or lead to unexpected costs that end up contributing to financial stress.

So, how do you budget for this project? This is something only you can decide - as your unique financial situation will play the biggest role. You should also factor in the size of your yard, as this will influence the cost of your landscape design and installation. Finally, consider the complexity of your landscaping elements. Are you going to keep things simple and subtle - or do you want to create a front yard that steals the show in your neighborhood?

The national average for installing a new front yard landscape can range from $1,500-$5,000+. You can expect to spend up to $10-$40 per square foot for a full tear-out and remodel, or as little as $4-$6 per square foot for something simple and basic.

There are all sorts of ways that you can finance your landscaping project, from HELOCs to personal loans. You can also use a mix of methods - like paying for some costs upfront with savings and then financing the rest. Ultimately, you need to do what makes the most sense for your unique financial situation.

Once you have a budget in place, you need to start thinking about what kind of design you're going for. This is where creating a vision comes into play...

Create a Vision That Balances Form & Function

It's worth noting that for some people, creating a vision for your front yard actually precedes budgeting. Think about it like this: you don't know what your new landscape will cost until you have a grasp on what you want it to look like, right? That said, you may have to go back and adjust your budget after the fact, or tweak your vision to match your budget.

Either way, your front yard landscape should reflect your style preferences while still complementing your home's architecture. For example, if you own a bungalow, you might want to go for a more traditional landscape design that features lots of greenery and flowers. If you prefer something a bit more modern, you can focus on hardscaping with geometric shapes.

Above all, your vision should be practical. You need to consider things like your climate zone and the amount of sunlight that hits your yard when making plant selections. If you live in an area with harsh winters, it's not going to make sense to invest in delicate plants that will die as soon as the temperature drops.

The same goes for areas that experience extreme heat and little rain - like deserts. In these cases, you'll want to focus on drought-resistant landscaping that doesn't require a lot of water to thrive. There are all sorts of beautiful cacti and succulents that can add color and life to your front yard, without demanding too much from you in terms of maintenance.

Once you have a vision for your front yard, it's time to start thinking about the actual installation process...

Don't Neglect Installation and Maintenance

You can either install your front yard landscaping yourself or hire a professional landscape company to do it for you. If you opt for the DIY route, just be sure that you have the time, energy, and skill set required to get the job done right. This is a big project - so don't underestimate the amount of work involved. The last thing you want to do is spend all this time planning your new landscape design only to look back and feel underwhelmed with the actual appearance. Just as with the actual design of your new front yard, we encourage you to seek out professional help for installation.

You also need to factor in the cost of materials when budgeting for a DIY installation. Keep in mind that buying in bulk will usually give you a discount, but it also means that you have to store all of those materials somewhere. If you don't have the space, it might make more sense to go with a professional who can source everything for you.

Of course, there's also the maintenance aspect to consider. Once your front yard landscaping is installed, you'll need to commit to regular watering, weeding, pruning, and so on. This is something that you need to factor into your budget and schedule - as it can quickly become overwhelming if you're not prepared for it.

If you don't think you can commit to regular maintenance, it might be best to hire a residential landscape maintenance company in Alpharetta, GA as soon as your new yard is installed.

Better yet, seek out a company that can help you at every step of the process: design, installation, and maintenance. This approach is the best one because all three of these processes can be aligned to ensure the most stunning final product possible. Now - with all that said, let's make the case for letting the experts at Michaelangelo's design your new front yard.

How to Landscape Design the Front of a House to Perfection With the Help of Michaelangelos

We've provided you with a super broad, 30,000-foot-view on how to landscape design the front of a house to perfection. That said, there are so many intricacies and nuances associated with learning how to design front yard landscaping that this is best left to the professionals. There are a few reasons why.

First, your time is better spent on something else - even if you're passionate about the way your home looks. When you hire a landscape designer, you still have full control over the design - you don't have to do any of the heavy lifting of choosing the right plants, planning out hardscape elements, and bringing cohesive design plans to an installation company. Instead, you can kick back and relax - and either approve or tweak any plans your designer brings you.

And, the final product will be far better with this approach. Chances are, your life's work isn't in landscape design. If it is, more power to you - you can definitely handle this yourself! Otherwise, it's fair to say that letting someone who has dedicated their lives to designing stunning landscapes for homeowners like yourself is the right choice. And at Michaelangelo's, that is exactly what we do.

As the #1 choice for landscaping in Alpharetta GA, you can rest assured you're in capable hands by working with us. Just take a look at some of the gorgeous yards we've designed to date! And, landscape design doesn't cost nearly as much as you may think when you choose our service. You can expect to pay as little as $400-800 for a well-planned, personalized design for your yard. When you consider the way your new yard will make you feel, it's well worth it.

The best part? We also handle the entire installation. And, we can even help you preserve the investment you're making in your landscaping through full-service landscaping year-round. If you have commercial properties, you can count on us for commercial landscape maintenance in Alpharetta as well.

So, what are you waiting for? Reach out today and let's make your vision a reality together!

Final Thoughts on How to Design Front Yard Landscaping

No matter what route you decide to go, remember that your front yard is an extension of your home. It's the first thing people see when they pull up - so it should reflect your personal style and make a good impression.

With a little planning and forethought, you can easily create a front yard landscape that you're proud to show off. And if you need any help along the way, don't hesitate to reach out to the experts at Michaelangelo's. We're always happy to chat about landscaping design - and we can even provide you with a free consultation and quote. Just give us a call and we'll discuss your preferences, budget, and more.