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Tree Talk - Metropolitan Forestry Services

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January 23, 2020

Making a Notable First Impression

The front of your home is your first chance to make a good impression, as well as creating a sense of joy for you every time you pull up the drive.  Curb appeal is also crucial for those hoping to attract buyers and sell their homes.  Here are some ideas to try in your front yard:

Add seasonal containers:

  • Colorful spring bulbs like tulips, crocus, daffodils, lilies, iris, hyacinth
  • Lush summer greenery using coleus, elephant ear, cannas, sweet potato vine
  • Eye-catching fall arrangements with mums, ornamental grasses, heuchera, even kale!
  • Interesting evergreens or berries in the winter like the old stand-by, holly
  • Evergreen boughs, winterberry branches, poppy and allium heads, pine cones, southern magnolia leaves, sweetgum balls, tree bark, and red twig dogwood stems all come together to create some pretty fantastic arrangements

Include scented plants along an entry pathway:

  • Lilacs (and Chinese tree lilacs)
  • Koreanspice viburnum
  • Roses
  • Mint
  • Lavender
  • Sweetbay magnolia
  • Crabapple
  • Clethra
  • Honeysuckle (NOT JAPANESE!)

Install lighting to make the journey to the front door dramatic and easy to navigate:

  • Uplight specimen plants for drama
  • Light the path with footlights. Steps should be lighted for safety; either the risers or the treads can be lit
  • Accent lighting draws attention to an object or area. This is usually accomplished with spotlights or floodlights
  • Direct light, such as a downlight outside a side entry door, will brighten mostly the object it is directed at and little of the surroundings
  • Indirect light reflects on the surrounding surfaces to create a soft wash
  • Too much or misapplied light can create light pollution that shines through windows, wash out the view of the stars, create a distracting glare that is a nuisance to people, and waste energy and money. To avoid light pollution aim lights carefully, shield bulbs to concentrate light where you want it, minimize wattage, and use control systems (timers, dimmers, motion sensors, etc)

Incorporate plants with flowers that complement the color of your front door

  • Complimentary colors (opposite colors on the color wheel – red door/blue flowers) for a dramatic effect and to draw the eye to the front door
  • Monochromatic colors (varying shades of the same color – yellow door/creamy white to bright yellow flowers) for a more conservative appearance
  • Analogous colors (multiple colors next to each other on the color wheel – purple/pink/red) to stick to a definite color scheme that has a little more drama than a monochromatic style

Put plants in crevices and between stones within walkways to add interest

  • Helps to soften the hard edges
  • Adds pops of color (phlox, creeping jenny)
  • Choose plants that can handle foot traffic (ajuga, vinca)
  • Consider fragrant plants (mint, thyme) that will release their scent when stepped on
  • This will also help control weed growth

 

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Our goal is to provide you with the best possible service. If you are not satisfied with any treatment or completed job, we will resolve the situation to your satisfaction. We want to do our utmost to ensure your trees and shrubs are always 'green and growing'.

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