What to do with this open space in the frontyard?

4 years ago

Well, I did it. I demoed everything in my front yard and started over. So far we've changed the roofline on the house, added a planter around the tree, and added new rock steps. With the old patio cover gone it feels like I gained a whole new yard with a bazillion opportunities. Too many, in fact.

My husband and I have been trying to sort out what we want/need from this space:

Boat storage: we plan to use the pad that the shed is on and create a driveway leading up to it. Preferably hide it behind a fence and/or hedge. The shed will go away.
Enough open space to use for a bounce house for parties, an area where we can do outdoor crafts and woodworking.

Not needed:

We don't really need another patio area (we have 2 separate backyard patios already), but we wouldn't be opposed to having a conversation set or something like that.
Firepit / fireplace

I'd love some ideas and inspirations!

BEFORE PHOTO:

TODAY:

Featured Answer

Susan

4 years ago

That link is saying page is not found…here’s another. https://grobigred.com/2017/12/19/raised-beds-around-trees-a-good-idea/

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Comments (7)

Susan
4 years ago
Happy for your outdoor remodeling adventure…not so happy for your tree. You should probably read this…https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/dakota/Horticulture/Raised Beds Around Trees.pdf
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Jenni Skarsten
Original Author
4 years ago
Thank you Susan for the information. Yes, I realized this was a risk we were taking. I consulted a local arborist beforehand who said I should be ok given the height the tree already was, but I’ll certainly be on the lookout for that issue.
Mamaham_NC_Zone7
4 years ago
That was my first comment too… yikes for the tree. are you going to plant anything else in there? something flowing over the edge?

apart from that, im not really sure whats your question? hard to tell how everything lines up in the photos. if you dont want patio, firepit, etc etc…. Then the answer left is grass and plants.

where is this driveway going?
User
4 years ago
No suggestions but wanted to say the reworked garage/entry looks great.
lgteacher
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
Climate zone and approximate location would help. The height of the tree doesn't really have much to do with putting a raised bed around it. It looks like the root flare was already on a mound, so if you keep the soil level in the raised bed low enough so the root flare isn't buried, the tree may be okay.
Jenni Skarsten
Original Author
4 years ago
We’re in Southern California, zone 9.