Landscaping Side Of House

If you’re looking at the narrow strip of land running down the side of your house, you might see a problem. I see a fantastic opportunity. Enhancing the landscaping side of house can turn that forgotten alley into one of your favorite outdoor spots. It just takes a bit of smart planning and the right plant choices.

This area, often called a side yard, is usually shaded, tight on space, and sometimes a bit neglected. But with a thoughtful approach, you can create a beautiful, functional space that adds value and enjoyment to your home. Let’s walk through how to make the most of it.

This specific area presents unique challenges. It’s often a passageway to the backyard, so function is key. You need to think about drainage, light conditions, and how much foot traffic the space gets. The goal is to balance beauty with practicality, ensuring the path is clear and usable while still feeling like a garden.

Start With a Clean Slate and a Solid Plan

First, you need to see what you’re working with. Clear out any weeds, old debris, or random items that have accumulated. This gives you a blank canvas.

Next, grab a notebook and answer these key questions:

How wide is the space? Measure the narrowest point.
Where does the sun hit, and for how long? Track sunlight over a day.
Is the ground damp or dry? Check after a rain.
What’s the main purpose? Just a pretty walkway, a hidden seating nook, or a utility area?

Sketching a simple plan will save you time and money. Remember to note where downspouts, gates, or utilities are located.

Choose the Right Plants for Tight Spaces

Plant selection is the most important step for a narrow side yard. You want plants that grow up, not out. Vertical interest is your best friend here.

Columnar Trees & Shrubs: Look for varieties like ‘Sky Pencil’ holly, arborvitae, or columnar Japanese maple. They provide height without eating up width.
Espaliered Plants: This is the technique of training trees or shrubs to grow flat against a wall or fence. It’s perfect for fruit trees or flowering shrubs in tight spaces.
Vines and Climbers: Use your house wall or a fence as support. Clematis, climbing hydrangea (for shade), or star jasmine add lush greenery and flowers way up high.
Shade-Tolerant Perennials: For ground-level color, hostas, ferns, hellebores, and coral bells are excellent choices for darker passages.

Hardscaping Solutions for Function and Flow

The surface underfoot needs to be both attractive and durable. A good path is non-negotiable for a side yard that sees regular use.

Path Materials: Consider slim pavers, gravel (with sturdy edging), or stepping stones surrounded by moss or creeping thyme. Ensure the path is wide enough to walk down comfortably, even with a laundry basket.
Vertical Walls: If you have a blank fence or house wall, add texture. Install a simple trellis, a grid of wires for climbers, or even hanging wall planters.
Lighting: Solar-powered stake lights along the path or small wall-mounted fixtures make the space safe and magical at night. This is a often overlooked but crucial element.

Dealing With Common Side Yard Issues

Two big problems here are poor drainage and lack of privacy. Here’s how to handle them:

If water pools in your side yard, you might need to install a simple French drain or choose a permeable path material like gravel. Swapping thirsty lawn for drought-tolerant plants can also help manage moisture.

For privacy from neighbors, a tall, narrow trellis with a fast-growing vine creates a living screen much quicker than you’d think. Bamboo can work but choose a clumping variety to avoid it taking over.

Creating a Destination, Not Just a Passage

If your space allows, even a few extra feet in width can become a mini-retreat. You don’t need a lot of room to create a feeling of escape.

Define the Area: Use a small, durable outdoor rug or a distinct change in paving to mark the spot.
Add Seating: A slim bench, a built-in corner seat, or even a single stylish chair tucked against the wall invites you to pause.
Incorporate Focal Points: A piece of garden art, a tall, ornate planter, or a small water feature adds interest. The sound of water is especially soothing in a confined space.
Layer the Planting: Place taller plants at the back (against the wall), medium ones in the middle, and spillers at the front. This creates depth and makes the space feel wider than it is.

Low-Maintenance Tips for the Long Haul

You don’t want to create a garden that needs constant attention in a hard-to-reach spot. Aim for easy care from the start.

Use a thick layer of mulch to suppress weeds and retain moisture. This cuts down on watering and weeding significantly.
Install a drip irrigation system on a timer. It delivers water directly to plant roots and saves you from dragging a hose.
Choose plants that are naturally the right size for the space. Avoid anything labeled “fast-growing” that will need constant pruning to keep it in check.
Keep tools simple. A narrow side yard might only need a hand trowel and pruners, not big bulky equipment.

FAQ: Your Side Yard Landscaping Questions

What are some good ideas for a very dark side yard?
Focus on foliage, not flowers. Plants like hostas, ferns, aucuba, and English ivy thrive in deep shade. Add reflective elements like a light-colored path or a mirror to bounce light around.

How do I landscape the side of my house with no grass?
Grass often struggles in narrow side yards. Replace it entirely with a clear path and shade-loving ground covers like pachysandra, liriope, or sweet woodruff. This is actually a lower-maintenance solution.

What if my side yard is only used for utilities?
Function first! Use gravel or pavers for the floor. Screen utility bins with a simple, durable lattice panel or a trio of tall, potted evergreens. Keep access to faucets and meters clear.

How wide should a side yard path be?
A minimum of 18 inches is walkable, but 24 to 36 inches is much more comfortable, especially for moving larger items. Always err on the side of wider if you can.

Can I grow vegetables in a narrow side yard?
Absolutely. Use vertical planters, wall pouches, or a series of tall, narrow raised beds. Leafy greens and herbs that don’t need full, all-day sun can do very well here.

Working on the landscaping side of house is a rewarding project. It’s about seeing potential where others see a limitation. By choosing the right plants, incorporating smart hardscaping, and planning for how you’ll actually use the space, you can create a beautiful and useful extension of your home. Start with your plan, take it one step at a time, and soon you’ll have a narrow outdoor space that feels anything but small.