21 Cheap Simple Front Yard Landscaping Ideas 

1. Incorporate Colourful Plants

Incorporating colourful plants into front yard landscaping is a great idea. The flowers add visual appeal and create an inviting atmosphere.

Colourful flowers, shrubs, and trees will make your property more attractive and provide a pretty contrast to the greenery. Additionally, colourful plants can attract beneficial pollinators.

2. Install Solar Pathway Lights

Installing solar pathway lights in front yard landscaping is a smart idea. The lights are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

They enhance safety by illuminating walkways, making it easier to navigate. And being solar, they use renewable energy from the sun, reducing electricity costs.

3. Create a Budget-Friendly Gravel Path

Gravel paths are popular cheap simple front yard landscaping ideas. Having a gravel path in the front yard is practical and visually appealing. The paths are fairly inexpensive and easy to install.

They require very little maintenance and provide excellent drainage. Gravel comes in various colours and sizes, allowing you to coordinate your existing decor.

4. Use Landscaping Rocks

Incorporating landscaping rocks into front yard landscaping offers both practical and aesthetic benefits. Rocks can help with erosion control while providing natural drainage.

They can add texture and depth creating visual interest. Additionally, rocks are durable and long-lasting, making them eco-friendly and cost-effective.

5. Add Mulch in Your Front Yard

Laying mulch in front yard flower beds is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also beneficial. Mulch helps retain soil moisture, reducing the need for frequent watering.

It also helps to prevent weed growth, which can save time and energy. A thick layer of mulch will also provide insulation for plant roots in extreme weather conditions. You can find mulch in a variety of colours.

6. DIY Paver Walkway

Paver walkways are durable and long-lasting. They can withstand foot traffic and weather, ensuring the walkway will stay in good shape for years to come. Pavers come in various styles, shapes, and colors, allowing you to be creative.

Paver walkways are low-maintenance front yard landscaping ideas that can be easily repaired if needed.

7. Window Boxes

Using window boxes in your front yard landscaping will add charm and colour to your home's exterior. These containers can be used to grow a variety of plants and flowers.

Window boxes are a great choice for those with limited garden bed areas. They also make it easy to change the looks of your landscaping by using seasonal flowers.

8. Use Repurposed Bricks

Repurposing old bricks is common in many front yard landscaping ideas. Reusing the bricks is sustainable and cost-effective. The reclaimed bricks reduce waste and add character to your outdoor space. 

You can often find bricks used for pathways, borders, garden edging, firepits, and more. They are extremely durable and can withstand various weather conditions.

9. Raised Flower Beds

You may want to consider raised flower beds when looking at cheap simple front yard landscaping ideas. Raised flower beds look good and can be used to create an attractive focal point.

They improve drainage and soil aeration which helps plants thrive. The added height can also make it easier to maintain the beds.

Find more garden raised bed ideas here.

10. Outdoor Seating

Incorporating an outdoor seating area creates a functional and inviting space. The space is ideal for relaxation, socializing, and enjoying the outdoors. The area extends your living space, encouraging you and your guests to spend more time outside.

Being outside is beneficial for both physical and mental well-being. An outdoor seating area can also add value to your property, making it more appealing to potential buyers.

11. Plant Ornamental Trees

Planting ornamental trees in your front yard will add beauty and shade. Ornamental trees are aesthetically pleasing with their seasonal blooms and vibrant foliage. Some trees also have unique shapes which can enhance visual interest.

The trees can provide natural cooling which can reduce your electricity bill when planted near the house. Additionally, ornamental trees can attract wildlife.

12. Add Front Hanging Baskets

Using hanging baskets in front yard landscaping will add vertical interest. The baskets allow you to showcase a variety of flowers, trailing plants, herbs, and more. 

You can plant your own baskets or buy preplanted baskets. Hanging baskets are nice because they can be easily moved or changed during different seasons.

13. Tiered Planters

Tiered planters are an excellent choice for those trying to maximize planting space. The planters allow you to showcase a variety of plants and flowers in a compact area.

Tiered planters add depth, height, and visual interest to your landscape design. They are versatile and can be used to accommodate different types of plants from cascading vines to colourful blooms.

14. Garden Gazing Ball

Incorporating garden gazing balls in front yard landscaping will add a touch of whimsy to your outdoor space. These reflective orbs capture and reflect the surroundings, creating a delightful focal point.

Gazing balls come in various sizes and colours, allowing you to match them to your existing landscaping. Or you can use gazing balls of different colours and sizes to create a playful display.

15. Install a DIY Garden Fence

Installing a garden fence will provide a clear boundary for your property. Depending on the type of fence you install, it can also add privacy and security.

A well-chosen fence can also enhance the aesthetic appeal of your front yard landscaping. Additionally, fences will add vertical interest.

Unsure about which types of fencing would best suit your needs, check different types of fencing here.

16. Create a Butterfly Garden

Planting a butterfly garden is a fantastic front yard landscaping idea. It will attract and support essential pollinators while adding vibrant colours to your outdoor space.

By including nectar-rich flowers and host plants, you can create a welcoming habitat that is a peaceful haven for your winged visitors.

Check out our guide on how to create a butterfly garden.

17. Bird Feeder Station

Creating a bird feeder station in front yard landscaping will attract a variety of birds. Bird feeders provide food. Hang some houses to give them a place to stay. In doing so, you will be contributing to local wildlife conservation efforts. Watching birds is also relaxing and educational.

Here you can find bird feeder ideas to attract a wide variety of birds.

18. Add a Bench Swing

Adding a bench swing will provide you with a unique way to appreciate nature and unwind. It would be a great place for reading, meditation, and taking in the surroundings. It also enhances the visual appeal of your front yard while encouraging socialization.

19. Vertical Garden

Planting a vertical garden maximizes space while adding an eco-friendly touch to your outdoor design. The lush greenery and vertical structure create a beautiful effect.

Vertical gardens are not only great for growing herbs, vegetables, and flowers, but they can also work as a stylish privacy screen.

20. Garden Archway

Archways are usually installed to serve as a focal point. The archway frames the view and creates a beautiful passage.

They can often support climbing plants like roses or vines which will add interest and colour. The structure enhances curb appeal, making your home more visually appealing to passersby.

21. Install a Water Feature

Water features create a soothing ambiance that can mask noise from the street and neighbors. The sound of the running water promotes relaxation.

Water features also attract wildlife while enhancing the overall aesthetics of your landscape. They can be used as a focal point to boost curb appeal or placed in the background for ambiance.