Your front yard is the first thing people see when they visit your home—and even if the space is small, it can make a big impression. With thoughtful design and the right materials, even the most compact front yard in Burlington can become a stylish, functional, and welcoming space.
At Monarch Landscaping, we help homeowners across the region make the most of their outdoor spaces—no matter the size. If you’re working with a small front yard, here are 10 Burlington landscaping ideas to inspire your transformation.
1. Add a Paver Walkway with Character
A beautiful walkway instantly boosts curb appeal. Instead of a standard concrete path, consider interlocking pavers that bring texture, colour, and style to your entryway. Use curved or diagonal lines to create the illusion of more space.
Why it works in Burlington:
- Withstands seasonal freeze-thaw cycles
- Easy to repair and maintain
- Adds a custom, high-end touch
2. Layer Your Planting Beds
Create depth in your landscape by layering plants—tall at the back, medium in the middle, and low-growing groundcovers at the front. This approach makes a small space feel fuller and more dynamic.
Great plants for Burlington gardens:
- Boxwood (for structure)
- Hydrangeas (for colour)
- Sedum or creeping thyme (as groundcover)
3. Install a Compact Garden Wall
Low stone or brick walls can frame a small front yard beautifully. Use them to define garden beds or create a raised planter that doubles as a focal point. This also adds structure to sloped or uneven terrain.
Bonus:
- Adds texture and visual interest
- Helps retain soil or mulch
- Great for seasonal decorating
4. Incorporate Evergreens for Year-Round Appeal
In Burlington, where winters are long and cold, evergreen shrubs or dwarf conifers add colour and structure year-round. They also act as a backdrop for seasonal flowers and decorations.
Low-maintenance options:
- Dwarf Alberta spruce
- Yew hedges
- Junipers
5. Create Symmetry Around Your Entryway
Symmetrical designs naturally draw attention to your home’s front door. Use matching planters, lighting, or shrubs on either side of your entrance to create a balanced, formal look.
Simple symmetry ideas:
- Two small boxwoods flanking the stairs
- Identical pots with seasonal flowers
- Dual path lighting for a clean finish
6. Use Mulch for a Clean, Polished Look
Fresh mulch in your garden beds isn’t just practical—it also makes your front yard look instantly manicured. Mulch helps with water retention, weed suppression, and soil health.
Mulch tip:
Use dark brown or black mulch to contrast with greenery and add visual definition to planting beds.
7. Install Landscape Lighting
Don’t let your small front yard disappear at night. Soft lighting along your walkway, steps, or garden beds adds safety and ambiance. Use low-voltage or solar-powered lights for an eco-friendly touch.
Lighting enhances:
- Curb appeal after sunset
- Front door visibility
- Security
8. Go Vertical with Trellises or Climbing Plants
Add height to a small yard with vertical structures. A decorative trellis with climbing vines like clematis or honeysuckle adds greenery without taking up ground space.
Vertical gardening benefits:
- Adds privacy without fencing
- Creates a lush, layered effect
- Great for narrow side yards too
9. Incorporate Decorative Stone or Gravel
Replace unused grassy areas with decorative stone or gravel. It’s low-maintenance and provides great contrast to your plantings. Consider stone borders or gravel paths with stepping stones for a contemporary touch.
Popular options in Burlington:
- River rock for soft edges
- Pea gravel for walkways
- Limestone screeningsunder pavers
10. Add a Feature Tree or Statement Shrub
In a small space, one carefully chosen tree or shrub can serve as a striking focal point. Choose something that’s appropriately sized and offers seasonal colour or interest.
Top choices for Burlington yards:
- Japanese maple (compact and colourful)
- Serviceberry (native and bird-friendly)
- Flowering dogwood (spring interest)
Design Your Small Front Yard with Monarch Landscaping
A smaller yard doesn’t mean you have to compromise on style or function. At Monarch Landscaping, we specialize in creating custom landscaping designs that maximize beauty, usability, and curb appeal—no matter the space.
We’ll help you:
✅ Choose the right materials and plants
✅ Incorporate hardscape and drainage
✅ Design with Burlington’s climate in mind
✅ Add year-round value to your home
Let’s Transform Your Front Yard
If you’re ready to reimagine your small front yard, trust Monarch Landscaping, your local Burlington landscaping company. We’ll work with you to design a space that’s both stunning and practical—perfect for your home and lifestyle.
📞 Call us today or 📩 contact us online to schedule your free consultation.