We live in zone 7b (Tulsa) and our house faces west – intense afternoon sun – and has a steep front hill.
I’ve been trying to find some inspiration on urban lawns that are evergreen forests with perennials. Just need some ideas of real life examples.
Pic above is my idea & green is clover, not grass.
by adam5280
17 Comments
Whatever you decide, make sure that your trees are native with deep strong roots. You don’t want to create a nightmare situation where trees and branches keep falling on your house in storms.
Does your city have a list of approved street trees? Evergreens are a no go where I’m at because the roots would mess up all the sidewalks
Did you find painting the house black raised the a/c bill noticeably?
I’d love to have more trees in theory, but then I think about my sewer line and change my mind. If I were you, I’d give whatever sewer cituation you have (presumably to/from the city main, and possibly terracotta) a wide berth and have someone come scope and clear it every couple of years if you plant trees in the yard it’s in. We have a maple on the opposite corner of the front yard and still get roots in the sewer that need regular clearing.
We have a version of what you are describing in our front. The beds curve around the side of the property and expand at the front. We are in SE PA (now 7b) and we had multiple native trees including tulip poplars (tall), sugar maples, and native dogwoods (understory). Underplanted with some native hydrangea, geranium, (and some pachysandra that I am still battling from the previous owners). Lawn is in the process of being converted and is about 40% clover now. I expand the beds bit by bit every year. It’s been glorious and a joy. We lost the sugar maples as it became too hot and we are at the extreme end of the range. That would be my big recommendation: anticipate climate changes and work with it. Take it in steps. Enjoy!
I think it is a really good idea. Especially with being in Arizona, the shade will make a big difference. I wouldn’t plant in the hell strip though. It will eventually destroy the side walk which will look bad and others won’t like it.
I’m going for this! Just planted some (more) baby red and white pines in my front yard. Gonna take a loooong time tho lol.
The sketch you provided seems like a great example to me. All you need to do is find the types of plants you would like! I’d recommend as many native and adapted non-invasive plants as possible.
Follow general landscaping rules of mixing evergreen, deciduous, perennials. And because you want a forest vibe, different heights for canopy, understory…
What are the sun needs of clover? I don’t know. Our yard that has maples could not grow grass under because of the shade. A landscaper recommended phlox I think.
I planted two trees today. Wish I got to it sooner.
I’m just here to remind you that depending on the local city laws and the types of street, that last few feet before the road is NOT YOURS. So the city can do whatever they bloodywell please to your plantings.
I think it’d look really nice and give some sense of privacy
Gorgeous house, great sketch, amazing ideas, and good research!!!
Make sure to keep in mind the height and diameter of trees at their different stages. For the ones up up front on the hellstrip, there might be an awkward years-long stage where they’re not tall enough yet and will need to be trimmed to the width of hellstrip to keep road and sidewalk clear.
Also double check when looking up the recommended spacing and mature size for the species. Otherwise you will eventually end up with a tall scraggly conifer hedge instead of a pleasant grove you’re aiming for.
Paw paw is on the list. Such a cool tree.
https://preview.redd.it/r96qfqgma00f1.jpeg?width=2880&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=16b1b5dcebcb01219d2273267633116bbf61b10d
Some street views from around my city in Pennsylvania.
You should look up the You Tuber / author / gardener Linda Vater. She lives in Oklahoma City and has a similar tutor that sits on a slope like this with stairs in the middle. She has done an amazing job landscaping and if I recall has either no or minimal grass.