You haven't said where you live, but if you have palm trees it must be someplace hot.

In that case, the fact that you have so many trees is a blessing, it provides the house with shade which is a very good thing in a hot climate and keeps your air-conditioning costs much lower.

I don't think the trees are ugly at all. All those trees are marvelous.

You could add some colorful plantings near the shrubs that are next to the house that would really add some pep, and maybe also along the walkway.

Maybe there is a species of grass that can tolerate the shade of the palm.

I am reluctant to add flowers on the street edge, dogs well, need I say more?

Why not invite DigDoug into the thread, he has marvelous ideas.

I agree with removing the palms. They totally hide what looks to be a really cute house. That said, that is not a budget-friendly idea. It would make a huge difference though.

We live in Bradenton. I will look into removing the palms. I love the look without the palms.

Would anyone suggest mulch?

Heather Whitehouse - Well, I wouldn't use mulch in the grass areas. You really don't have much planting beds, so I wouldn't use mulch. Ground cover doesn't usually require mulch either, so I would not use your money on that. I really think getting those palm trees removed will make a huge impact. I would put your money there for now.

Nice house. Like the shady yard. Wouldn't use mulch.

Something to consider:

With a single round row of pavers w/angled sides set into the ground so the tops are at ground level, create equal sized circles around the base of each tree (about 2') and add small white gravel within the circles.

Use other pavers (more rows) to create a patio around the center tree to create a space for a bench. Plant ground cover every where else.

I am in favor of mulch....create a ring around the tree or trees that you plan on keeping and use mulch, but do not let the mulch set against the trunk as that can cause rot. Then plant some hostas in the mulched area under that tree (or trees). I love hostas for shady areas.

Handmethathammer - beautiful examples!

You don't need mulch. Get rid of the palms if you can. Sometimes things are best done in stages.

Your yard is beautiful and would look awful without the stately trees. The best neighborhoods have tall, shade-creating trees. You just need to adjust your aesthetic from the napalmed look that is unfortunately becoming more common. Another mistake is using mulch as a decorative element. It is meant to keep moisture in and weeds down. I see people cut wooded areas down and replace them with huge swaths of mulch. It is mind boggling. That being said, you shouldn't try to plant grass up to the trunk of your trees because The weed trimmer can damage the bark. I think the idea of a lush shade-living ground cover under the trees is a great one. Mulch between plants and along the edge but mulch should never touch a tree trunk.

I like the un-palm look too. No tree rings. No gravel. No white rock. Plant some kind of shade lover under the oaks. I like handme’s picture with Hostas but I don’t know if Hostas do well in Florida.

The yard is so sandy. That’s why the grass doesn’t grow well (and lack of sun). I don’t think anything will grow in it. Ideally, we like to regenerate the soil with wood chips all over, but I don’t think the neighborhood association would allow that.

mandy_moo_pants - I agree,slowly replace older shrubs with flowering ones. If you make a path and seating area under the tree, it will use up much of the problem area. Check around your neighborhood to see which plants will grow easily in your yard. Once the palms are out, you will have more sun towards the driveway for grass growth. Just do a little at a time. You have a beautiful house to work with. Can you grow dwarf bottlebrush and pinwheel jasmine there?

Losing the palms could mean hotter summers inside the house and in general hotter home. I live in California and personally, there is nothing quite like having palm trees at home. The tree on the other hand.. that can go.

Oak trees are not allowed to be removed.

I thought I posted this already but you just need to build your soil, pick grass seed appropriate to your soil and climate, employ good organic practices https://www.planetnatural.com/organic-lawns/ at this point wait until fall to reseed

Do create large protective beds around your beautiful trees, NEVER bury exposed roots or trunk when bringing in loam. You use compost to build soil, wood chips will smother what grass you have and rob nitrogen as it breaks down. Personally I would keep all the trees.

We are in a similar process here, just added compost and seed to lawn, mulched under tree (not up to trunk, never red or black mulch!). The pachysandra should fill the whole circle by next spring.

If you can afford it, remove the palm trees, or at least one of them as they were planted too close together and do not look attractive. The remaining tree would still give good shade, if your concern is providing shade. If that is not your priority, I'd remove both trees, plant grass for ground cover, and create flower beds with plants of your liking as suggested by previous posts.

Florida without palm trees is like Canada or Colorado without pine trees. Why live in a tropical climate to have a yard that looks like it could pass for Ohio or Illinois? I do agree that the trees are too close together, but you will just have to trim the oaks. During hurricane season they could cause massive damage to your home. Just ask all the folks in Orlando after Irma came through. I would plant some flowering bushes like hibiscus, allamanda, or duranta. While common they will add a pop of color and make your home look more friendly. You could also use interesting foliage plants like caladiums or bromeliads. I kind of like the palm closer to the driveway, it has a majestic look flanking the driveway, like the palm lined streets in Beverly Hills. The bigger one kind of blocks the view of the house and makes it look too busy. You could also plant manageable sized palms such as pygmy date and adonidia palm next to the house for a tropical effect. The grass likely does not grow because of the shade and leaf litter from the oaks. Sand is not so much the problem. I am from Cape Coral and the soil is 95% sand but you see beautiful floratam grass in many yards provided you water and fertilize it, which you would have to do anywhere to keep the yard looking good.

Definitely would remove the palm trees. This will clean up the front yard!

i'd take out the palm on the left and then reassess. your front door will be framed and the lovely architecture of the oak will be better displayed. your yard will still have a tropical flavor.

Sell the palm trees.