The Best Shrubs To Plant In Front Of Your House

Are you looking to add some curb appeal to your home? One of the best ways to do this is by planting shrubs in front of your house. Not only do they provide an attractive appearance, but they also offer privacy and can even reduce noise pollution. However, with so many different types of shrubs available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right ones for your home. In this blog post, we'll discuss the best shrubs to plant in front of your house, so you can make an informed decision.

Choosing The Right Shrubs

Before we dive into the specific types of shrubs, let's talk about what to look for when choosing the right ones for your home. First, consider the climate in which you live. Different shrubs thrive in different climates, so it's important to choose ones that will grow well in your area. Second, think about the amount of sunlight your front yard receives. Some shrubs require full sun, while others prefer shade. Finally, consider the size of the shrub at maturity. You don't want to plant a shrub that will outgrow the space in front of your house.

Shrubs For Full Sun

If your front yard receives full sun, these shrubs are great options:

1. Dwarf Korean Lilac

This shrub is a popular choice for its fragrant, lavender-colored flowers that bloom in the spring. It grows to be about 4-5 feet tall and wide, making it perfect for smaller spaces.

2. Rose of Sharon

The Rose of Sharon is a hardy shrub that produces beautiful, hibiscus-like flowers in shades of pink, white, and blue. It can grow up to 12 feet tall, so it's best suited for larger spaces.

Shrubs For Part Shade

If your front yard receives part shade, these shrubs are great options:

1. Japanese Pieris

This evergreen shrub produces clusters of small, bell-shaped flowers in the spring. It grows to be about 4-6 feet tall and wide and prefers moist, well-drained soil.

2. Hydrangea

Hydrangeas are known for their large, showy blooms that come in a variety of colors. They prefer part shade and moist soil and can grow up to 6 feet tall.

Shrubs For Full Shade

If your front yard receives full shade, these shrubs are great options:

1. Yew

The yew is an evergreen shrub that grows well in shade. It has dense foliage that provides excellent privacy screening and can grow up to 15 feet tall.

2. Rhododendron

Rhododendrons are known for their large, colorful blooms that appear in the spring. They prefer acidic soil and can grow up to 10 feet tall.

Shrubs For Privacy Screening

If you're looking for shrubs that will provide privacy screening, these are great options:

1. Arborvitae

Arborvitaes are evergreen shrubs that grow tall and narrow, making them perfect for privacy screening. They prefer full sun to part shade and can grow up to 20 feet tall.

2. Boxwood

Boxwoods are evergreen shrubs that are often used for hedges and borders. They prefer part shade to full sun and can be pruned to maintain their shape and size.

Shrubs For Low Maintenance

If you're looking for low-maintenance shrubs, these are great options:

1. Juniper

Junipers are evergreen shrubs that require little maintenance. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil and can grow up to 6 feet tall.

2. Butterfly Bush

The Butterfly Bush is a deciduous shrub that produces large, colorful blooms in the summer. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil and can grow up to 10 feet tall. Adding shrubs to the front of your house is a great way to enhance its appearance and increase curb appeal. By considering the climate, sunlight, and space available in your front yard, you can choose the right shrubs for your home. Whether you're looking for privacy screening, low maintenance, or simply beautiful blooms, there's a shrub out there that will fit your needs.

FAQs

1. How often should I water my new shrubs?

Newly planted shrubs should be watered deeply once a week for the first month, then every other week for the second month. After that, they should be able to survive on natural rainfall.

2. Can I prune my shrubs to keep them from getting too big?

Yes, most shrubs can be pruned to maintain their size and shape. However, it's important to do so at the right time of year and with the proper tools.

3. Do I need to fertilize my shrubs?

It depends on the type of shrub and the soil in which it's planted. Some shrubs require regular fertilization, while others do not. Check with your local nursery or garden center for specific recommendations.

4. How do I know if a shrub is right for my climate?

Check the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map to see which plants are best suited for your climate. You can also consult with your local nursery or garden center for recommendations.

5. Can I plant shrubs in the winter?

Yes, you can plant shrubs in the winter as long as the ground isn't frozen. However, it's best to wait until early spring when the weather s to warm up.