Think of your driveway as the welcome mat for your yard. It’s more than just a way of getting from point A to point B. A driveway takes up more visual space than many of us realize. Whether short or long, we want our driveway to be attractive and inviting. However, landscaping a driveway is different from the rest of your yard. Visibility is essential, and runoff from the hard surface is a factor. But with the right combination of landscaping and hardscaping, you can enhance the entrance to your driveway with style and function.
Landscaping Tips for Your Driveway
When we landscape the entrance to a driveway, we seek to preserve visibility while adding color and freshness. We also look for plants that are low-maintenance and can handle water runoff.
- Ornamental grasses like Mexican feather grass or blue oat grass create a low-maintenance and luxurious border.
- Short evergreen shrubs, including smaller boxwood varieties, yews and arborvitae, can add flair without impacting visibility.
- Low-growing perennials, including pollinator-friendly coneflower, creeping phlox and hardy geraniums, are perfect for edging driveways and hardscaping.
- Flowering herbs like lavender and rosemary are an increasingly popular choice. They’re drought tolerant and hardy. And you can even pick some to use in your recipes.
- Trees are an excellent option for long driveways. We like dogwoods for spring flowers and gorgeous summer foliage. Red maples are tops for fall color. Landscapers also love the evergreen Leyland Cypress for driveways.
- Mulch can create a soft buffer and absorb runoff from your driveway.
- You don’t have to landscape the entire driveway. You can take a “pocket” approach with separate landscaped pockets along the drive.
- Large planters with flowers are another terrific idea for driveway entrances.
- As mentioned, water runoff can be a problem near driveways. So ensuring proper drainage is an essential component of your landscaping plan. Options include French drains (trench drains) running the width of your driveway and landscaping swales along the sides of the driveway that create a place for runoff.
Should I Hardscape My Driveway?
You can use brick or concrete pavers for the driveway itself if it’s in your budget. Other materials include poured concrete, gravel, and traditional asphalt paving. Whatever material you choose, you can edge your driveway with stone, bricks, or pavers made of various materials. Stone edging is especially popular–from flagstone to granite blocks to a pebble border. Stone adds tons of curb appeal when combined with plants and other landscaping features. Landscape lighting is another element that can significantly enhance your driveway’s appearance while boosting security.
- Path lights and ground lights increase visibility and create an illuminated border between the driveway and yard.
- Outdoor light posts can add elegance to your driveway entrance.
- Wall lights on garages and exteriors welcome guests and promote security when you arrive home.
Looking to Enhance Your Driveway? Your Landscaping Company Can Help.
A one-stop shop for your landscaping, hardscaping, lighting, and drainage needs is ideal. When upgrading your driveway and the entrance to your property, you want a team that understands your aesthetic vision and functional requirements. Can the same company install gorgeous stone edging and welcoming lighting while helping you choose the perfect flowers, shrubs, and trees for your location and budget? You bet. The team at Epling Landscaping and Lawn Services can provide a complete package. We’ll help you roll out the welcome mat for guests and create a space you’re excited to come home to.
