32 Cheap Simple Front Yard Landscaping Ideas with All the Curb Appeal

When it comes to front yard landscaping, most people think you have to spend a lot to get good results. That’s not always the case! There are plenty of ways to achieve a beautiful yard on a budget.

Below I will discuss each of these unique front yard landscaping ideas in depth. Read on to learn more!

Front covered porch with brown chairs and red cushions.

1. Add a Simple Garden Bed in Front of Your House

Adding a vegetable garden bed is an inexpensive way to improve the look of your front yard. Many people even like to plant vegetables that they can eat later on. This is a solid way to add some curb appeal to your home. You can either purchase a pre-made garden bed or build one yourself.

If you choose to build your own, be sure to use treated lumber so that it will last longer.

However, there are concerns with treated lumber and chemicals leaching into the soil. So alternatively, you can use decay-resistant wood like eastern/western cedars or white oak.

Fill the bed with soil, and then add plants of your choice. Be sure to water the bed regularly so that your plants will stay healthy.

2. Fix Your Garage Door

A garage door that’s in good condition can make a big difference in the look of your home. If your garage door is old, consider replacing it. You can also paint your garage door to give it a new look.

If you have a metal garage door, use magnetic hardware to dress it up. This is a cheap and easy way to add some personality to the front area of your home.

You can also add a decorative trim around your garage door. This will give it more character and make it stand out from the rest of your house.

3. Use Chandeliers

Chandeliers are a solid way to add some elegance to your front yard. You can purchase chandeliers at most home improvement stores. Be sure to get a weatherproof one so that it will last longer.

You can also make your chandelier by hanging mason jars from a tree branch. This is a cheaper option, and it will still look beautiful in your yard.

4. Trim Any Overgrown Trees or Bushes

Trees and bushes that are overgrown can make your yard look unkempt. It can be surprisingly easy to ignore your greenery—by the time you think to trim it, it’s grown completely out of control! 

If you have any trees or bushes that need trimming, do so. This will help improve the look of your yard and make it appear more well-kept. 

lawnmower mowing the grass

5. Mow the Lawn Regularly and Remove Any Weeds

Regularly mowing your lawn is super important to ensure it looks the best it can. Be sure to remove any weeds that may be growing in your yard. Weeds can quickly take over your entire yard if they’re not removed. Simple maintenance tasks like these can go a long way in improving the appearance of your home.

6. Add a Garden Flag Near the Sidewalk

Adding a garden flag is a cheap and easy way to add color to your front yard. You can find flags at most home improvement stores or online. The best part is that flags can help you customize your home’s appearance to match your own personal style. Choose a design that you like and then place it near the sidewalk for all to see.

7. Maintain a Grass Pattern

If you have a lawn, be sure to maintain a grass pattern. This will help to keep your yard looking neat and well-kept. You can use a lawn mower to create different patterns on your lawn. Be sure to change the patterns often so that your yard does not become boring.

8. Paint Outdoor Lights

Outdoor lights can add beauty to your front yard. Be sure to get weatherproof ones so that they will last longer. You can also paint your existing outdoor lights to give them a new look. This is a cheap and easy way to update the look of your front yard without spending very much money.

outdoor bench in a garden

9. Place a Small Bench or Chair

Adding a small bench or chair near the front door is a great way to add some curb appeal to your home. This is also a great place to sit and relax after a long day. 

Be sure to choose a weatherproof bench or chair so that it will last longer. Choose some colors that complement the rest of your front yard décor.

10. Install a Decorative Mailbox

Before worrying about installation, be sure to choose a mailbox that complements the style of your home. Adding a decorative mailbox is a great way to curb appeal to your home. You can also add flowers or plants around the mailbox base to add some extra color and interest.

11. Add Some Solar Lights

Solar lights are an innovative way to add light to your front yard without worrying about running electrical cords. These lights are also quite easy to install, and they are relatively inexpensive. As an added bonus, solar lights are environmentally friendly!

12. Paint Your Front Door

Paint is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to update the look of your home’s exterior. Be sure to use high-quality exterior paint so that the color will last longer. If you have a boring, plain front door, consider painting it a bright color to add some visual interest.

Dahlia flowers growing in a border of a garden

13. Plant Some Flowers

When it comes to landscaping, colorful flowers are always a wonderful option. They add color, life, and texture to any yard. You can find flowers that bloom at different times throughout the year, so your yard will always have something exciting in bloom.If you are on a tight budget perennial plants are wonderful way to boost your home’s curb appeal even on a small budget.

You don’t have to create expansive flower beds to reap the benefits of flora in your yard. You can even incorporate just a few small pots of flowers!

14. Add a Birdbath

Birds bring music to our ears, color to our world, and joy to our hearts. A bird bath is a wonderful way to attract birds to your yard, as it provides them with a place to drink, bathe, and preen.

Adding a birdbath is also a great option to add interest to your landscape. There are many different styles of bird baths available, so you can easily find one that fits your taste and budget.

Most importantly, a birdbath is a simple way to bring a little bit of nature into your life.

15. Use Handmade Box Planters

Handmade box planters can be made from various materials, including wood, stone, and even metal. Because they’re usually smaller than traditional planters, they’re perfect for use in tight spaces.

Box planters also tend to be more shallow than their counterparts, requiring less soil and water. As a result, they’re perfect for use in areas prone to drought.

In addition, handmade box planters can add rustic charm to any garden. If you’re looking for a unique way to spruce up your yard, consider building your planters by hand.

16. Improve the Address Post

When you drive up to any house, the very first thing you see is the address post. So, why not make it look nice? You can find all sorts of decorative posts at your local home improvement store. Or, if you’re feeling crafty, you can even make your own.

Adding a few simple touches to your address post can improve your home’s curb appeal. It’s a cheap and easy way to give your front yard a little bit of extra flair. Plus, it only takes a little bit of time!

17. Incorporate a Trellis

Trellis is a great way to add height, interest, and texture to your landscape. You can use a trellis to support various climbing plants, such as ivy or roses. Or, you can use it to create an interesting focal point in your yard.

There are many different trellis styles available, so you can easily find one that fits in your yard. Trellis is also relatively easy to install, and you can do it yourself in just a few hours.

18. Add Some Lawn Art

Lawn art can add some personality to your landscape. There are all sorts of lawn art pieces available, from gnomes and fairies to animals and birds. You can even find lawn art that lights up at night—the possibilities are endless! Feel free to get creative and create your own art for your lawn.

Illuminated home garden path patio lights and plants in autumn evening dusk

19. Use Landscape Lighting

You can use landscape lighting to further accentuate your home’s best features, such as pathways, gardens, and trees. You can also use it to provide light for nighttime activities, such as entertaining or working in the yard. Landscape lighting is relatively easy to install, so you can do it yourself in just a few hours.

20. Improve the Walkway

The walkway to your front door is one of the first things visitors see, so it’s important to make a good impression. If your walkway is cracked or needs repair, consider replacing it with something more attractive and durable. Even a simple repair can make your front yard look more aesthetically pleasing.

21. Add a Garden

Adding a garden is a great way to enhance your home’s curb appeal, as long as you have the space. You can choose from various plants and flowers to create a colorful and inviting space.

Consult with a local nursery or landscape designer if you’re unsure where to start. Gardens are relatively easy to maintain, but they require regular care, such as watering and trimming. Only take this landscaping route if you feel you’ll be up to the commitment.

22. Use Window Boxes

Window boxes can add color and interest to your home’s exterior. You can buy flower boxes for your windows at most home improvement stores or make your own.

Fill them with flowers or other plants that thrive in the local climate. Be sure to water them regularly, especially during hot weather.

23. Plant Flower Beds

You can add some color and life to your front yard by planting flower beds. You don’t have to spend a lot of money on flowers, as you can get them from a nursery or even grow them yourself.

You can plant them in front of your home, along the sides, or in other areas.

Choose flowers that will thrive in your local climate, and water them regularly. You may also need to fertilize them occasionally to keep them looking their best.

24. Use Pebbles Creatively

Pebbles are a good way to add texture and interest to your front yard landscaping. You can use them in flower beds, as edging, or even create paths with them.

If you live in an area with a lot of rain, you may want to consider using pebbles known for their drainage properties. This will help keep your front yard looking its best during the rainy season.

25. Install a Small Bench Beneath Your Tree

If you have a tree in your yard, there are quite a few ways you can use it to create more curb appeal. Adding a small bench beneath your tree can give you a place to relax and enjoy the shade. Measure the area where you want to put it before buying to get the right size.

26. Plant Some Trees

As I touched on in the last section, small trees are a solid addition on my favorite easy landscaping ideas. They can be especially helpful in the front of the house. They provide shade and privacy and even help to reduce noise pollution.

When choosing trees for your front yard, consider their mature size so that they don’t outgrow the space. Also, choose species that are known for being low-maintenance.

27. Hide Wires

Wires and pipes can be unsightly, so it’s a good idea to try to hide them if possible. A simple idea and on of the easiest ways to disguise them is to plant evergreen shrubs or other plants in front of them.

You may also consider using wire covers or pipe covers to make them less visible.

28. Use Rocks

Large rocks, a rock garden, or even river rock can be a great idea for ground cover or as simple landscaping ideas– it’s so versatile. Much like pebbles, they can add texture, color, and interest. You can use them in flower beds or even create paths with them. They are also great for your cheap landscaping border ideas. You’ll also want to choose rocks that are known for being low maintenance.

29. Decking a Damaged Area

If you have an area of your front yard that is damaged or looks unsightly, you may consider decking it. With a little bit of wood and some elbow grease, you can transform unappealing areas into beautiful decks. This will give you a place to put furniture and make the area more attractive.

30. Remove the Unessential

You may have some features in your front yard that you don’t need or want. This includes things like overgrown bushes or unwanted trees. If this is the case, you can simply hack them away.

By hacking away at the unessential, you can create a more attractive and inviting space.

31. Add a Water Feature

A water feature can be a great landscape design idea when you’re on a budget. Creating a water fountain is a great diy idea. You can utilize old watering cans, or flower pots and have something gorgeous that’s still very affordable.

32. Create a Seating Area on Your Front Porch

If you are at all interested in outdoor living space, you can create a beautiful outdoor space by adding some cozy chairs and outdoor lighting to your front porch. Be sure to check garage sales and thrift stores for new-to-you finds!

Closing it out

Wanting to have a beautiful front yard doesn’t have to break the bank! There are so many simple front yard ideas that will boost your home’s curb appeal if you are willing to get creative and throw in a little elbow grease!

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Kristen

Kristen is the founder and content creator at Mom Managing Chaos where she teaches busy moms how to simplify and organize their life and finances. She writes about frugal living, budgeting, productivity and organization.