Your front yard is the part of your home that visitors see first, and it’s also the view that greets you after a long day’s work. It should be a peaceful, neat and unique space that says something about you and your property. Use these 12 strategies to refresh your front yard this year.

1. Lay a Path

Creating a path makes your front yard more inviting and protects newly planted grass from foot traffic. Using gravel and mulch between pavers is a cost-effective way to keep weeds at bay. These two materials prevent weeds from growing by cutting off the natural sunlight that weeds need to thrive.

2. Seal or Paint Your Driveway

Over time, moisture seeps into concrete driveways, causing brittleness and cracks. Sealing or painting your driveway protects against water damage and keeps it looking great. Apply sealant or paint when temperatures are between 50 degrees to 80 degrees Fahrenheit on a dry, sunny day, as rain prevents adhesion.

3. Choose Solar Lights

Enhance your property frontage by adding solar lights and enjoy the space at night. These energy-efficient fixtures require no wiring — just place them in a sunny spot, and they’ll charge during the day for automatic illumination at night.

4. Install a Drip Irrigation System

A drip irrigation system on a timer minimizes water wastage by delivering moisture directly to the plant roots, especially during cooler nighttime hours when evaporation is lowest. Alternatively, you can use landscaping to create a drought-resistant front yard with succulents and native plants that easily adapt to a low-water yard.

5. Add a Front Wall

Perhaps you value your privacy and want to add a front wall restricting access and ensuring your front yard is yours alone to enjoy. Consider matching the wall’s material to your home’s for a seamless visual experience, or use a complementing material to enhance curb appeal.

6. Grow Tall Grass

Incorporate tall ornamental grasses like switchgrass, Indian grass and fescue to add height, create privacy and support local wildlife. These low-maintenance plants require occasional cutting to stay neat, so you won’t have to do much work at all to keep your front yard looking stunning.

7. Pick a Color Scheme

Choose a color scheme for your home’s exterior that complements your plants and landscaping. Succulents provide a striking contrast against brown, gray and rust-colored walls, while white pots and plants brighten shaded areas. A fresh coat of paint can do wonders for old pots or sun-damaged walls. Unify your final aesthetic with color, and consider painting your exterior walls in more than one color for dynamic energy.

8. Plant a Pollinator-Friendly Flower Bed

Invite wildlife to your yard with pollinator-friendly flower choices that attract bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. Enrich your yard with movement and color while supporting local biodiversity. Provide a small watering station to keep these beneficial visitors hydrated.

9. Upcycle DIY Art

Decorate your yard with unique DIY art from repurposed materials that reflect your personality. Hang vibrant wind chimes in the trees, turn old serving bowls into birdfeeders and watering stations or create unique sculptures from salvaged items.

10. Paint Rocks

Paint rocks with colorful designs, from ladybugs to floral motifs, to add charm and character to your space. Alternatively, stack stones into fairy castles or miniature landscapes to spark curiosity and creativity. You can also paint motivational words or sayings on rocks and place these throughout your space to share wisdom and peace.

11. Fertilize the Lawn and Garden Beds

Many residential yards lack nutrients. Healthy soil is key to a thriving yard. Boost plant growth with organic fertilizers, such as compost or manure, which you can source from local farms at little to no cost. Make your own compost with kitchen scraps, coffee grinds and eggshells to create a healthy soil profile.

12. Build a Water Feature

Introduce tranquility to your front yard with a DIY water feature. Use natural rocks or concrete containers as a base and install a solar-powered pump for an eco-friendly way to circulate the water and keep it fresh. When the water turns stale, repurpose it by pumping it onto nearby plants and refilling the feature with fresh water.

Front Yard Revival

Boost your home’s curb appeal with a front yard transformation. Keep the space tidy, remove clutter and incorporate thoughtful upgrades that reflect your style and budget. A refreshed home frontage enhances your home’s first impression and creates a welcoming atmosphere.