Low-maintenance landscaping doesn’t mean low visual impact—especially in front yards, where first impressions count. For landscape professionals, the key is smart material selection and design that blends practicality with curb appeal. Whether the goal is cutting down on upkeep or enhancing structure in a compact space, the right landscape supplies make all the difference. FSI Landscape Supply shares insights on five practical front yard landscaping strategies, offering tips on how to use materials like natural stone, mulch, and landscape lighting to create efficient, sustainable, and visually appealing spaces. Drawing inspiration from expert advice featured in The Spruce, FSI Landscape Supply also weighs in on the importance of balancing beauty and functionality—echoing industry-wide best practices and offering their own take on how to make it work on the ground. (Source: The Spruce, 5 Small Front Yard Landscaping Ideas That Are Actually Low Maintenance, Melissa Epifano, March 4, 2025, https://www.thespruce.com/small-front-yard-landscaping-ideas-low-maintenance-11683926 ).

Skip the lawn

Replacing turf with gravel, stone, or hardy ground cover eliminates the ongoing demands of mowing, watering, and fertilizing.

FSI Landscape Supply shares, “Forgoing a lawn creates opportunities to introduce a cleaner, more structured layout. Gravel or crushed stone pathways can define movement and give the yard a more intentional flow, while ground cover plants like creeping thyme or sedum fill in the gaps naturally without the constant upkeep that grass demands. For professionals, integrating materials like flagstone or interlocking pavers into these layouts adds contrast and texture. We see contractors using mulch along these stone borders to soften the lines, keep weeds down, and tie in planting zones. It’s not about removing the lawn—it’s about replacing it with materials that bring more return for less effort.”

Choose dwarf or slow-growing trees

Smaller tree varieties provide vertical interest and focal points without crowding limited space.

FSI Landscape Supply comments, “Compact trees serve a dual purpose—they draw the eye up, which helps small spaces feel larger, and they provide seasonal texture and shade. When planting in smaller yards, it’s important to pay attention to soil health and root management. Applying mulch in a wide ring around the tree base helps regulate soil temperature, retain moisture, and prevent grass or weeds from intruding on the root zone. Natural stone can be used to form a clean boundary around this area, protecting the mulch layer from being washed out while adding a crisp finish to the design. Trees like Japanese maples or serviceberries thrive when paired with the right soil structure and protected by proper material placement—something that starts with a solid understanding of how each component works together.”

Use grasses for texture

Ornamental grasses are low-maintenance and deliver motion, form, and color contrast throughout the year.

FSI Landscape Supply notes, “Grasses are one of the most versatile tools in a contractor’s planting kit. They handle drought well, require little pruning, and offer strong visual rhythm. To get the most impact, professionals often group grasses in odd numbers and place them against hardscapes like stone walls or pathways to emphasize contrast. Dark-colored mulch can be used at their base to create depth and suppress competing growth. At night, strategically placed landscape lighting—particularly warm, low-angle uplighting—adds a dynamic layer to their movement, casting subtle shadows and enhancing texture. When grasses are combined with the right materials, they become more than filler—they become focal points.”

Try a wildflower meadow

A low-input planting of wildflowers offers color, ecological benefits, and a relaxed, naturalistic design.

FSI Landscape Supply mentions, “Wildflower meadows in front yards can be tricky to balance—they need a touch of wild, but also a sense of order. One of the best ways to achieve that is through physical boundaries. Natural stone borders are ideal here, providing a subtle but effective frame to prevent the area from looking overgrown. Within the space, walking paths of compacted gravel or mulch not only give access for light maintenance but also visually divide the area, allowing the eye to rest. For contractors, choosing the right mulch is essential—something light and fibrous that blends with the organic nature of the planting. Wildflower zones don’t need to be chaotic; with thoughtful material application, they can be as curated as any structured garden.”

Use xeriscaping techniques

Designing for minimal water use with hardscaping, drought-resistant plants, and smart material layout

FSI Landscape Supply highlights, “Xeriscaping is where design and sustainability intersect. Materials do the heavy lifting here. Crushed stone beds replace grass, flagstone walkways create structure, and drought-resistant plants like lavender or blue oat grass offer texture without taxing the water system. But just as important is what’s underneath—proper use of mulch keeps the soil cool and holds moisture, even in hot conditions. In these designs, landscape lighting brings out the hardscape at night—spotlights for stone groupings or low-profile pathway lights help guide movement and highlight key features. A xeriscaped front yard isn’t just functional—it can look polished and refined, especially when the materials are chosen with care.”

Small front yards thrive when designed with intention and backed by materials that support longevity and low upkeep. Natural stone adds structure and elegance. Mulch protects plantings and improves the soil environment. Landscape lighting enhances nighttime visibility and extends the design experience after sundown.

FSI Landscape Supply shares, “Working in compact spaces is often where the most creativity happens. The best results come when every material is selected not just for looks but for performance. Whether it’s a mulch that maintains soil integrity, a stone that defines a border, or lighting that pulls the design together, landscape supplies are the foundation of smart landscaping. Contractors who understand how these pieces work together build yards that are beautiful, efficient, and built to last.”