Simple Ranch House Landscaping Tips & Ideas

Ranch-style homes are known for their clean lines, wide layouts, and welcoming feel. The right home landscaping can make these homes feel even more inviting, improve curb appeal, and create a more functional outdoor space.

9 Tips for Landscaping Your Ranch-style Home

There are many ways to create a beautiful landscape that complements your ranch-style home year-round; here are some of the tips we have for you as award-winning landscapers.

1. Set a Budget

The first part of any landscape project? Setting a realistic budget that accounts not just for the features you want, but also for unexpected expenses. If you find that your budget cannot fully cover everything you want to do, consider splitting your project into phases to spread out costs while still making tangible steps toward achieving your dream landscape.

2. Select a Style That Complements the Home

Ranch-style homes typically look best with balanced, clean landscaping designs. A minimalist approach, for example, often works well because it highlights the home's low profile and horizontal lines instead of overwhelming the property.

For a classic ranch-style appearance, specific design ideas to consider include symmetrical flower beds, neutral colors, low-growing plants, contemporary lighting fixtures, and simple walkways.

3. Choose Low-maintenance Greenery

Not all plants require the same upkeep. By choosing low-maintenance species, you can enjoy your outdoor space without stressing about constant upkeep.

Popular low-maintenance options for ranch-style homes include:

• Hydrangea
• Coneflower
• Black-eyed Susan
• Fescue
• Boxwood
• Hosta
• Lavender
• Sedum

4. Pick Durable Hardscape Materials

Hardscape features add structure and function to your landscaping design. Choosing durable materials ensures your investment lasts for years while keeping maintenance low.

Popular hardscape materials for ranch homes include concrete pavers, natural stone, brick, and gravel. Pavers work especially well for walkways, patios, and front entryways because they do not overpower the home.

5. Consider Drainage & Irrigation Needs

Proper drainage helps you avoid dead plants, eroded hardscape surfaces, and even damage to your home's foundation.

6. Add a Focal Point

Every great landscape design benefits from a focal point.

Popular focal point ideas for ranch-style houses include:

• A decorative trellis
• A fire pit area
• A water feature
• Large hydrangea groupings

7. Connect Areas with Walkways

Walkways help create flow throughout your landscape while improving accessibility and functionality. Pavers, natural stone, and gravel are all excellent walkway materials for ranch-style homes. Shape matters just as much as material; simple curved pathways often soften the straight lines commonly found in ranch-style architecture.

8. Remember Long-term Upkeep

Easy maintenance should always remain part of the landscaping plan. Simple landscaping designs are often easier to maintain while still being visually appealing.

To reduce upkeep:

• Use mulch
• Choose drought-tolerant native plants
• Select durable hardscape materials
• Avoid overcrowding plants

9. Know When to Ask for Help

Some landscaping projects are perfect for homeowners to tackle on their own. Others benefit from professional help.

Poynter Landscape Architecture & Construction combines landscape architecture, horticulture expertise, and construction experience to create customized outdoor spaces for homeowners throughout the St. Louis area.

Landscaping Ideas for Ranch-style Houses

Homeowners can try some of the following easy projects to give their ranch house a makeover:

• Add symmetrical boxwoods along the front walkway
• Create layered flower beds
• Install simple paver walkways
• Add a decorative trellis near the front porch
• Create a cozy backyard fire pit area
• Add shutters that coordinate with plant colors

FAQs

Which landscape designs best complement ranch-style homes?

Simple landscaping designs typically work best with ranch-style homes. That means clean lines and layered greenery to help complement the home's horizontal appearance without overwhelming it.

How can homeowners modernize ranch-style houses with landscaping?

Homeowners can modernize ranch-style homes with sleek edging, modern lighting, and smart greenery choices that complement the home.

What are some affordable hardscape materials?

Concrete pavers, gravel, mulch pathways, and basic brick materials are all affordable hardscape options.

What are some smart plant choices for simple landscaping projects around a ranch house?

Native plants, boxwoods, hydrangeas, ornamental grasses, and hardy perennials are all excellent choices for ranch-style landscaping.