Front Yard Landscaping for Ranch Homes

Style

• Ranch homes have low and long profiles. In the western states of the United States, traditional ranch homes took advantage of the climate and incorporated outdoor areas as part of their living space. Builders attempted to emphasize outdoor areas by using glass and sliding glass doors that presented views and easy access to the areas immediately beyond the house. Roofline elevations were composed asymmetrically and low wings spread out from a rectangular core. Overall, homeowners seek out the ranch style when they want a style that conveys "livability, flexibility and an unpretentious character," according to architectural historian David Bricker.

Scale

• Trees create the greatest visual effect, but planted in the front yard they will likely overwhelm the low-lying ranch. Tree roots create problems with foundations, sidewalks and underground pipes. Select trees and shrubs based on their height and breadth at maturity. Avoid placing large shrubs too close to the entrance where they may disorient visitors by de-emphasizing the path to the entryway. Take into consideration the view from indoors, which will be from the same level from all rooms with a one-story ranch design.

Scale

• Choose plants to create a frame for the house. Situate large trees or shrubs on both sides of the house to draw visitors' attention outward so that they will appreciate the full breadth of the home. Use plants in groupings of odd numbers of three or five rather than two or four to increase the appearance of unity in your design. Mix annual and perennial plants to have a theme that runs throughout the year, but changes periodically.

Maintenance

• Low-maintenance plants are consistent with the relaxed lifestyle of a ranch-style home. As an example, avoid flowers that require daily deadheading. Use slow-growing shrubs that will not require frequent pruning. Incorporate native plants as often as possible within your scheme. Native plants offer the advantages of being acclimated to the local climate, which reduces the amount of extra attention and water that they demand from you.