We just lost a massive Mesquite tree in front of the house which gave a ton of shade and aesthetic appeal, and now our front yard looks like crap. We also lost a couple of bushes thanks to our drought.

I'm planning on landscaping the front with a few trees, complimented by non-H20 thirsty plants.........if anyone has any good advice or suggestions, I would appreciate the advice.

THE CURRENT:
http://www.rx8club.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=123787&d=1216486444


THE PLANNED:
http://www.rx8club.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=123788&d=1216486444
Includes two Crape Myrtle, one Texas Mountain Laurel, plus a couple of shrub bushes, with assorted ground covers and small flowering plants and mulch in the planters, using planter material that may be as cheap as the plastic border (kind of pictured), or more involved using Texas limestone such as what is on the house already.

Thanks for any suggestions, comments, or advice.

Can't see the pictures

What about now (with the thumbnails)?

Nothing wrong with the choice of trees, but the placement is all wrong. Too symmetrical, and the white tree (laurel?) is blocking the house. Why are all three trees in a row? You need curb appeal... think curvature, instead of direct harsh lines. Give me the program and I'll redo it. :)

Nothing wrong with the choice of trees, but the placement is all wrong. Too symmetrical, and the white tree (laurel?) is blocking the house. Why are all three trees in a row? You need curb appeal... think curvature, instead of direct harsh lines. Give me the program and I'll redo it. :)

I don't have a program, just using old fashioned MS Paint :)

Is this better, more curvature? (thumbnail)

Already much better! The laurel tree needed to be moved to frame out the left side of the house, instead of blocking the picture window in front. Placing the two trees to the left also helps create balance to the house, since the placement of the doors on the right gives it the sense of weight already to that side. Also, I'm just saying that when you are doing your flower beds, always think in curves rather than sharp angles. Makes the eye follow the natural flow much easier. I would also consider adding shutters to your house as well. It's amazing how much they can add, and can make the house look "finished." (Hunter green perhaps?}

PS--- Nice job using MS paint. Impressive! :)

Just my 2c

I see a short hedge with an arch at the front of the walk. or a fence with vines.

also, check the height on the trees. when they are full grown they shouldnt block the view to the house.


listen to jenn, she watches all those shows on home and garden channel.

Already much better! The laurel tree needed to be moved to frame out the left side of the house, instead of blocking the picture window in front. Placing the two trees to the left also helps create balance to the house, since the placement of the doors on the right gives it the sense of weight already to that side. Also, I'm just saying that when you are doing your flower beds, always think in curves rather than sharp angles. Makes the eye follow the natural flow much easier. I would also consider adding shutters to your house as well. It's amazing how much they can add, and can make the house look "finished." (Hunter green perhaps?}

PS--- Nice job using MS paint. Impressive! :)

Wow, you are good...........the fascia board an eaves are already Hunter green (or pretty close to it)

I see what you mean about curvature. The planter on the left side, I can make S-shaped easy with the plastic landscape border. Come to think of it, I can probably even wrap that planter around the corner of the house.

The borders around the trees will probably be 5' circles using concrete, limestone colored, flower bed pavers from WallyMart. For $20 per tree, it will sure beat the cheap plastic border.

My image doesn't show it well, but the 2 small planters covering the porch supports, will be rounded as well.

I visited my local Lowes's yesterday, and they are having a big sale on Birds of Paradise. (similar to the thumbnail, but I'm sure you already know what they look like.) They are closing out some mature 15 gallon plants for less than $50, and they are 12' tall. I wouldn't mind a tall plant to go on the left corner of the house, maybe with some accompanying small fern (also 50% off at Lowes!).
My question is, would a BOP look out of place? It looks like a plant that should be at a modern or Spanish style home........with a pool. Would this work?

Just my 2c

I see a short hedge with an arch at the front of the walk. or a fence with vines.

also, check the height on the trees. when they are full grown they shouldnt block the view to the house.


listen to jenn, she watches all those shows on home and garden channel.
Good suggestions. That may be the next project down the road. When done right, the hedge/arch look is great.

I like the idea of the Myrtles, and Jenn is right about the curvature. The only thing I can add to the discussion is if you want a huge tree for shading in your front yard, go with a Poplar. They are fast growers and sturdy, not like a bradford that will snap in high winds. They will get HUGE however at the base. I have one that is 50 ft tall and a foot if not 2 across at the base. The only thing is they are not an evergreen.. The laurel you have planned is your best bet if thats what you are looking for. I would also suggest you canopy the Crepes...

I like the myrtles - and there is a bibical verse about knowing you ae blessed when the myrtles spring up out of the ground!

You need trees - the problem with most of the desert trees is that they are slow growing - Black Oaks and Canyon oaks would probably do well in your area but they take about 50 years to look good, but they only need to be watered for a few months of the year. Sorry you lost your mesquite.

Consider mulberry trees - they grow fairly fast and make lots of shade, since you are urban you would probably prefer non-fruiting varieities. Pears can also stand reduced watering and produce spring flowers and autumn color. Locust trees also produce flowers but the seed pods can be a pain, and there are some trees from Australia that can take the drought.

Your house style is more deep southern and seems to call for massive magnolias, tupulos (sp?) and oaks, so it is going to be hard to decorate with cactus and smoke trees.

If you can water in a small area - you might consider grapes. They will need a lot of water to get started but once their roots get in and deep they can bore into limestone and find their own water - A zinfandel might like your temperatures and there are also native texas grapes.

There is also the "Tree of Heaven" it will grow where nothing else will, but I do not recommend it or Eucalyptus because they can find their own water and will take out your water mains, drains, and septic systems ....

Honestly, I think a BOP would look out of place at your house. You would need a much more tropical setting (ie bungalow) with other tropical plants/flowers for it to look natural. I could do a BOP here, but that's because I have a pool surrounded by other tropical foliage like various species of palms, bromeliads, hibiscus, etc. Your house, on the other hand, looks more colonial. Make sense?

How close are you to the coast? Do you get hurricanes or severe winds where you live? That might help with your choice of trees...