We need help landscaping our large front yard.

13 years ago

we have 500 ft. of frontage and a septic system that was dug too shallow so in the summer you can see nice green lines about 1/2 way up our front yard to the house. Looking to put some kind of trees (?birch) or some kind of bed with trees or shrubs to take your focus off the lines - it would be right at the bottom of the lines - so about 1/2 way from the house to the road - any ideas?

Featured Answer

PRO

Cross River Design, Inc.

13 years ago

At first glance, you have a great opportunity to provide some structured plantings, such as ornamental fruit trees. My suggestion would be install a grid of offset ornamental fruit trees in groups of 3 or 5 (3x3 or 3x5) in the area that requires a distraction. I wouldn't cut in planting beds as this just creates a maintenance issue. The structure from the trees should be all the design that's required from this application. The driveway needs a little care as well. A nice, crisp edge can be had with a mechanical edger...but if there's any money a mountable belgian block curb would be a nice tidy option to keep the stones in place. And speaking of the gravel, when you order the next batch I would trend a little warmer with the color so as to match the tones of the house. There's lots of potential here...

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Comments (6)

handymam
13 years ago
I agree with Cross River. That is an awful lot of lawn. Is there any reason the driveway is where it is? It is cutting the yard up oddly. Any room to make a circular drive with an apron off to the garage? That would leave all out across the front by the road between the "in" and "out" of the drive to use as a planting and "distraction bed. An orchard of flowering dwarf trees and perennials would be lovely. And yes, crisp edging needed for the driveway.
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nwerbeck
Original Author
13 years ago
Cross River Design - thanks for the suggestions I like the idea of no beds because I have enough around the house now - so you think putting the trees in a couple groups of 3 or so in front of this area - i wish i could just put over the leach field, but we cannot do that. So I'll just put them where the leach field ends. Working on getting someone here to help the driveway!
PRO
Mark Bischak, Architect
12 years ago
I know this is an old discussion, but I can't resist. Line the drive with maple trees. Ten feet off the gravel and twenty feet apart, on each side of the drive the full length of the drive.
PRO
Chicago Roof Deck & Garden
12 years ago
I agree with Mark above. By highlighting the driveway it will detract from the 'lines' of the septic. Depending on location Maples would be good.
dent85
11 years ago
Maples are beautiful but love water and the roots will clog up your septic! I would love to know what you decided, because we have had the same problem. We placed yoshino cherries near the front and kept plantings away from the septic fill lines.