Landscaping Entryways And Access Areas

Your home entryways should be created for easy access through your landscape and yard. First impressions count for a lot, so aesthetic appeal surrounding your landscaping ideas and entryways is important. It’s easiest to start with the highest traffic access area which is usually how you’ll reach your home from your parking area. Next, assess the paths and walkways to and from all access areas of your home. Plantings surrounding these areas should guide visitors’ eye towards your entry/exit points. If you have a side entrance that you use as often or more than your front door, consider those areas as well. Colorful blooms, walkways, foundation beds, and outdoor lighting may be used.

If planting for height, build up towards your house. Start lower and gradually increase the height of your plants as they get closer to the house so as to direct attention to the entrance. Pay close attention here because garden beds bordering a sidewalk or pathway can draw attention away from your entrance. The best I can explain it is that the beginning of your walkway is a starting point leading your entry as an opening leading you towards the door.

The entryway to your home should be inviting with safety in mind. Depending on your neighborhood, good lighting and moderate visibility ensure safety at night when walking from your garage or driveway into your home. If your home has a mudroom, laundry room, or any other type of utility room that sits next to your front or rear entryway, plan for making it look good as well as functional for traffic.  

How do you guide and lead folks to your access and entryway areas? Most professional landscaping designers basically follow a common pattern here. Sidewalks, privacy fences, border gardens, edging, walls, trellises, screens, and also rails are more choices. You can place planter boxes to frame and accent entryways to certain areas. Fences, raised beds, and screening can also be used to hide spots that have visible utilities from view.

When planting to define access and entry areas, consider the mature size and spread of the plants when spacing. This is often overlooked in landscaping plans. Since paths, walkways, and other access areas will usually lead to or near your house, plants should be planted with enough distance from your foundation so that you can maintain both the plantings and home. Plant plants so they’re spaced far enough from any buildings so that you will be able to tend to them once they are full grown. Shrubs and hedges given time to grow provide a natural boundary and screen, while fencing offers immediacy once installed.