How to Landscape Near a Driveway

Plant low shrubs and plants, and keep fencing or other walls low so that drivers pulling out of the driveway can see oncoming traffic and pedestrians. End walls and fences before they reach the sidewalk or street so that, when you are sitting in the driver’s seat, you can see a few feet of sidewalk or street in each direction, in case small children are walking near the driveway.

Place lights along the driveway's edges and nearby walkways, and illuminate areas near walls or shrubs, so you can see the edge of the pavement at night. Position a couple of lights so you can see if something is blocking your driveway. Vandals can leave barriers across the edge by tying them to shrubs or trees on either side, potentially damaging your car as you enter.

Place landscaping elements far enough away from the area where your car sits so you can comfortably walk around it without running into the bushes. Maureen Gilmer of LandscapingNetwork.com writes that ending up in the dirt alongside the driveway can be a hazard if you or another person there is wearing high heels. She also notes you should be careful of plants with thorns, and to keep all plants and planter areas at least 2 feet from the car on all sides.

Add heat- and salt-resistant plants or hardy plants that aren't injured easily. Summer heat radiates off pavement, and winter’s snow-melting salt can run into nearby plants. Suitable plants vary by region because each area has its own rainfall levels and drought issues, but some examples of ones that do well in heat are Eastern purple coneflower, wax myrtle, rosemary and lantana. If the issue is alkalinity from salt runoff, viburnum is an option.

Use plants that don’t attract bees or other potentially dangerous pests. While they are beneficial to the planet’s food supply, planting bee-attracting flowers by the driveway is likely to keep anyone who’s allergic well away from your home. Nurseries and county extension offices will be able to tell you if a plant is known for attracting bees. Lavender and California poppies, for example, are common bee-friendly plants.

Keep trees away from the driveway. The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin warns that tree roots can spread well past the tree's canopy into your driveway, cracking the pavement.