Should You Redesign Your Front Yard or Backyard First? A Memphis Homeowner’s Guide

Are you looking to totally renovate your Memphis property (front and back) but you’re not looking to do everything all at once. If so, you might be wondering should you redesign the front yard or backyard first?

We understand that you might be overwhelmed by your options and even unsure where to start. Sometimes when a project is very large scale (such as both a front and a backyard), it can feel like too many decisions.

The good news is that you don’t have to figure it all out on your own. That’s exactly why we’re here.

In this Memphis homeowner landscape guide, we’ll help set you up for success in the decision making process. We’ll provide information that will

Jump to:

• Should you redesign the front yard or backyard first?

• Factors to consider when deciding

• Reasons for choosing a front yard vs backyard redesign

• Common mistakes to avoid in a front yard vs backyard redesign

• FAQs on which yard to landscape first

• Choosing landscape design services in Memphis

Should you redesign the front yard or backyard first?

There is no singular answer to this that is right for everyone. It really depends on factors like your personal preferences and goals, how you use your space (and want to use your space), and even your budget.

If you feel very torn about which yard to landscape first, it’s worth talking everything through with your landscape designer. They should be able to help guide you toward the decision that is right for you.

Let’s look at some of the key factors that come into play.

Factors to consider when deciding

Ultimately the best choice is going to depend on your goals for your property. But let’s look at some important considerations.

Primary goals

When it comes to your landscape renovation, what are your top priorities right now? Are you looking to boost curb appeal, maybe because resale value is important to you and you might be selling soon? If so, then redesigning the front yard first might make sense.

But if you are looking to spend more time outside with your family and want to get out there as soon as possible, redesigning the backyard might be your priority.

Existing conditions

The current condition of your property can also be a deciding factor. Is the backyard decent and usable but the front yard is a complete mess? Then perhaps you’d prioritize starting with the front yard renovation.

This could also be a cost conscious decision. If one of your yards already has deteriorating conditions (like crumbling hardscape or maybe a drainage issue), it might make sense to get that fixed before it becomes even more problematic and potentially even more costly.

Budget

In general, budget should always be a factor that helps drive decisions in landscaping. Many larger projects do need to be phased if the budget requires it.

The front yard and backyard might be two distinct phases. But sometimes a larger backyard project could also require phasing. If your new outdoor living area is going to have all the bells and whistles (a patio, outdoor kitchen, swimming pool, etc.), it’s possible that you may be planning to phase it out.

How you use your space (and how you WANT to use it)

The yard that you spend the most time in might warrant your attention first. Perhaps you already spend a lot of time outside with the kids but your plans to add an outdoor kitchen with a fire pit is going to have you making more memories there. You might be eager to get that done first.

Reasons for choosing a front yard vs backyard redesign

Everyone’s circumstances are different and that can drive your decision making process when it comes to choosing which yard to landscape first.

Here are some common reasons that we hear.

Reasons to landscape the front yard first

• Improving curb appeal
• Replacing outdated landscaping (like deteriorating plants or a crumbling walkway)
• Adding landscape lighting for safety and aesthetic appeal
• Increasing home value

Reasons to landscape the backyard first

• Creating an outdoor living area for more family time
• Entertaining guests
• Adding privacy
• Making the space more functional for everyday use

Common mistakes to avoid in a front yard vs backyard design

No matter which yard you choose to landscape first, you’ll want to avoid some common mistakes that we often see made with large landscaping projects.

• Choosing the wrong plants: The plants may not seem like a big deal but they are a pretty critical detail. Choosing plants that are not well-suited to the location, are the wrong size, or are invasive or high-maintenance can lead to headaches in the long run.
• Failing to think about drainage: Water can potentially ruin your project if it’s not given major forethought in the planning process. Sometimes the addition of new features, like hardscaping, can create drainage problems that didn’t previously exist. If these are not accounted for, it can be detrimental to your finished project.
• Not giving thought to year-round appeal: You want to make sure that your property looks its best, no matter what the season. That even includes the winter with foundational plantings, like evergreens, that will still provide appeal even when other plants are not in bloom.
• Not investing in landscape lighting: Whether it’s the front yard or the backyard, landscape lighting is a huge detail. Without it, you won’t be able to enjoy your space at night. Of course, lighting does offer more than functional benefits. It boosts aesthetics as well.
• Getting a cookie-cutter design: When you’re investing your hard-earned money into an outdoor living project, you want something customized and unique. The last thing that you want is a landscape design that looks like everyone else’s on the block!

FAQs on which yard to landscape first

Which project typically costs more?

It obviously depends on what you’re having done but in most cases, a backyard renovation that includes a total outdoor living area tends to be the more expensive project.

Does a front yard or backyard renovation have the best ROI?

Generally speaking, a front yard renovation tends to drive a higher ROI because of its impact on curb appeal and resale value. However, these days more home buyers are looking for complete outdoor living areas. Plus, instead of always being hung up on resale value, it’s also important to think about “return on enjoyment,” which is your own personal enjoyment of the renovation. That’s a valuable consideration.

What questions can I ask myself to decide which yard to landscape first?

These questions can help you determine where to start:

• Where do we spend the most time when outside?
• Are we planning to sell within the next few years?
• Which space needs the improvement the most?
• What project fits our budget right now?

Choosing landscape design services in Memphis

At the end of the day, no matter whether you decide to renovate the front yard or the backyard, the success of your outdoor project is going to boil down to the company that you hire to do the work.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed in making decisions, the right landscape design/build firm should be able to help.

We really can’t stress enough the importance of finding a design/build landscape firm that handles everything in-house. We have seen too many projects go wrong with mistakes that could have been prevented.

In addition to choosing a company that handles both landscape design and landscape installation in-house, you also want to take a closer look at what that company is all about.

At Mid South Irrigation & Landscape, the process begins with a high-quality and detailed landscape design that incorporates your wants, needs, and ideas.

Then, we move on to expert installation, including both hardscaping and plantscaping. By ensuring these items are installed properly, you’ll be able to thoroughly enjoy the final results.

There are plenty of companies in Memphis offering landscaping services, but you want to make sure that you choose wisely. When you make a good choice in landscape design/build firms, you gain valuable peace of mind that your investment in your property is going to get long-term enjoyment and value.

Give us a call today! Soon, you’ll be enjoying more time outside than ever.

Ready to talk about ideas and have your new landscape designed and built? Request a consultation today.