Zero Lot Line Landscaping

Zero-Lot Line Properties

• Zero-lot line properties save land space by making the most of available properties. Typical properties have the home set back from the property lines, sometimes centered in the middle of the property. Zero-lot line homes have one exterior wall on the property line. This removes one side yard, but it expands the size of the opposite yard.

Space

• Just because you neighbor's house sits at the edge of your property does not mean that you don't have a yard. By having the house on the property line, the yard you have on the side of the house is twice as large as it would be if the house were centered on the property. For instance, instead of having two, 10-foot yards on either side of the house, you might have one 20-foot yard, but all of this yard is not yours to do with as you wish. Sharing part of the side yard of your house is required in zero-lot line communities.

Shared Space

• One of the biggest challenges some have with zero-lot landscaping is a shared strip of land 5 feet into your yard along your neighbor's house. This easement lets your neighbor maintain the side of his house. When planning landscaping, planting bushes or trees along this shared 5-foot easement should be avoided because they will prevent your neighbor from accessing the side of her home. Beyond this easement area, you can create a landscape of your choosing.

Shade

• Multistory zero-lot line homes let you have a larger house on a smaller property. These tall houses can create problems, especially if they are situated on the south or west side of your home. If you have a neighboring house on top of your property line, the house can create a shadow. Without adequate sunlight, many plants will not grow. This will affect the plants you choose for landscaping your yard. Consider undergrowth or groundcover plants like ferns that do not need full sunlight. Pay attention to the amount of light your side yard gets throughout the day. Even grass will not grow if it cannot get enough sun.

Privacy

• Privacy is another issue when houses are placed so close together, but you can use the side yard to plant trees or tall shrubs to block your neighbor's view of your home. Consider fast-growing plants to quickly block your yard. If you only want to block a window from view, place a trellis against the window with vines growing on it. As the vine grows, its leaves will obstruct the view through the window.

Lower Maintenance

• Having one yard on the side instead of two will make taking care of it easier. If you get enough sunlight to allow grass to grow, mowing the lawn will not require you to drag your mower around all sides of your house. Tending to plants in one yard is also easier than in two yards.