stone sunken patio

Just like the cozy chair and family portrait in your living room, the look and feel of your outdoor areas can truly make your house feel like a home. 

Your home’s exterior is the first thing people see when they either drive past or park in the driveway. So what’s the best way to improve your home’s curb appeal and make it stand out from all the others on your block? Your outdoor landscaping features, of course!

Outdoor landscaping has many different benefits. Not only does it give your home more character and improved curb appeal, it can also positively impact the local environment. In fact, planting just a single tree can remove 26 pounds of carbon dioxide from the air each year. Plants aren’t your only landscaping option – there are plenty of other ways to spruce up your home’s exterior landscaping area. 

Not sure where to start with landscaping around your Minnesota home? Here are six different ideas from Ground One that are sure to get your creative juices flowing.

Landscaping Additions For Your Minnesota Home

Landscape Lighting

There’s nothing quite like adding some evening ambience to your home exterior. By installing an LED low voltage landscape lighting system, not only will the outside of your home look great during the evenings, but it also provides added security. These lights are known for using less than 1 watt of electricity and being able to last 10+ years. Whether you’re wanting to install these landscape lights around the perimeter of your house, next to plants or trees in your yard, or around both areas, installing this landscape feature is a great option for Minnesota homeowners.

Shrubs

Shrubs are multi-stemmed plants that usually grow to be less than 15 feet tall. However, what they lack in size they make up for in other ways. These plants provide shelter and food for wildlife, add a great design element to your home exterior and potentially save you money on your energy bill as they provide shade. Some of the most popular Minnesota shrubs are boxwoods, hydrangeas, and dogwoods. These shrubs can stand up to the elements and can really brighten up your yard in the spring and summer months. 

Trees

Trees are the heroes of the landscaping world, and for good reason. They provide shade, protection from cold winter winds and a home for wildlife, not to mention the clean air they supply. If you’re looking to go big – as in 40 feet or taller at maturity – black cherry, red maple, hackberry, yellow birch and oak trees are some good options. Smaller trees that also do well in Minnesota include the Black Hills spruce, blue beech, ironwood and Katsura trees.

Landscaping Stones

Landscaping stones can add a unique look and style to your home’s exterior. In addition to being a sustainable material, they’re durable, versatile and easy to maintain. Landscaping stones can be used to build rock gardens or patios and stairs.

Paver Walkways or Driveways

Paver walkways and driveways are popular in Minnesota for a few reasons. First, they look great and can help increase the value of your home when it’s time to sell. Second, you can customize their design to create a one-of-a-kind look. Third, they’re easy to repair and can stand up to chilly Minnesota winter weather. While pavers are a bit more expensive than a standard concrete or asphalt driveway, their benefits can outweigh their cost. 

Garden Areas

Garden areas can really make your home exterior “pop.” Whether you choose to add raised planter boxes or plant a robust in-ground garden, either option can provide hours of enjoyment for your family and guests – and maybe even some delicious fruits and veggies, too. 

Pergola & Patio Areas

Minnesota is known for its incredible outdoor gathering season during the spring, summer and autumn, and there are few places to enjoy it that are better than right on your outdoor patio.

Popular trends in patio design include outdoor fireplaces and “living rooms” that can be constructed with outdoor couches and a welcoming rug. Pergolas, an outdoor garden feature that forms a shaded walkway, passageway or sitting area, can add extra architectural appeal and visual interest as well.

Plus, they can be tailored to fit your space and can make a great backdrop for vines to crawl up.

Begin Planning Your Home Landscaping Area

Whether you’re wanting to plant shrubs, install a paver walkway, or build a custom patio area, they are all great additions for your Minnesota home. 

If you’re wanting assistance during the design and installation phase, the team at Ground One will be glad to help. Having served the greater Twin Cities, Minnesota area with landscaping services since 1989, you can depend on our team to deliver a stunning final result. 

If you’d like to learn more about our design-build process or set up a free in-home consultation, contact our team today!