Old Tappan Front Yard Redesign — Planting Beds, Mulch & Curb Appeal
The front of this Old Tappan home had good bones — but the landscaping hadn't kept up. The existing beds needed a full reset, and there were two problem areas in particular: the plantings against the house lacked structure and visual connection, and the wide dead space between the garage and the front door had always been ignored. It looked unfinished and dragged down the whole front elevation.
Mike Donohue Landscaping came in with a complete landscape design plan — new beds against the house, new off-house planting beds in the front yard, and a focused solution for that awkward garage-to-door corridor. The result is a front yard that finally looks like it was designed on purpose.
Project Overview
This Old Tappan landscape project focused on structure, flow, and solving a specific problem that had been bothering the homeowner for years. New planting beds were established against the house and in the front yard to add depth and dimension. The dead space between the garage and front door — one of the most-seen sightlines on the property — was transformed into a fully planted and mulched bed that cleans up the entire view of the home from the driveway.
Our Process
Assessment & Design Layout
We walked the full front property to identify dead zones, problem areas, and planting opportunities. A layout was designed to create visual flow from the street to the front door, with beds against the house and freestanding beds in the front yard to add depth and dimension.
Bed Preparation & Edging
Existing overgrown and scraggly plantings were cleared out. Clean defined bed edges were cut against the house and in the front yard, and soil was prepared with amendments to support new plantings.
The Garage-to-Door Transformation
The wide neglected dead space between the garage and front door was converted into a fully planted and mulched bed. Plantings were selected to soften the hardscape transition and frame the front entrance — cleaning up one of the most-seen sightlines on the property.
Planting Installation
New plantings were installed in all beds, selected for the property's sun and shade conditions and four-season interest. Plants were spaced for healthy growth and a natural full look as they mature, with mixed height and texture for visual layering throughout the front yard.
Mulch Installation & Finishing
Fresh mulch was applied across all beds to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and unify the design. All edges were cleaned and defined for a sharp finished appearance with clean transitions between beds, lawn, and hardscape.
Want a front yard that finally looks the part? Call or message Mike Donohue Landscaping for a free estimate and we'll walk the property with you.
Features & Services Used
Landscape Design & Layout
Planting Bed Creation & Soil Prep
Planting Installation
Mulch Installation
Bed Edging & Finish Work
Get the Latest
Get the Latest
Be the first to discover insider tips, cultural itineraries, and the hidden gems of your favorite destinations.
[Projects]
