Getting Creative with Log Home Landscaping

Elevate your log or timber home with these tips to boost curb appeal and maximize your enjoyment of the great outdoors.

Make a Match

When creating a landscaping plan, align your approach with your log or timber home’s architectural cues. This will create a cohesive look that complements your overall property. For example, a mountain modern home pairs well with a minimalist design — clean lines and a few thoughtfully selected plants — while a classic log cabin harmonizes with a more natural approach featuring native species and rustic rock elements. A timber cottage lends itself to an organic look, with a blend of colors and textures incorporated into your garden.

Plan Your Plants

The most important part of your landscape design will be the plants you choose. But it’s not always easy being green, as there is a dizzying array of options available. You’ll want to consider a combination of climate, upkeep, and aesthetics when making your selections. While buying plants from your local home improvement store is an option, a local nursery can often provide expert guidance and a broader selection. Additionally, your local agricultural extension office may be able to help guide you to the shrubs, trees and flowering plants suited to your climate and specific needs.

Let There Be Light

Incorporating lighting into your landscaping can enhance the special elements of your yard or your log home. Consider accent features, like a fountain or special tree, to boost curb appeal. Likewise, use uplighting along your house to cast a warm, welcoming glow on your logs or highlight a specific architectural detail, like a timbered entry. Add lighting along a driveway or walkway to serve a dual purpose, ensuring safety and adding visual appeal.

Look Hard

Incorporating hardscaping elements into your plans is a high-impact, low-maintenance way to enhance your landscape design. Stone patios or terraces create inviting gathering spaces, while features like walkways or rock gardens provide form and function. For second homeowners or those looking to age in place, hardscaping is an especially smart choice, reducing the need for regular lawn maintenance or plant care.

Add the Extras

Taking a basic outdoor space from just okay to “oh, wow,” often lies in the details. Elevating your yard with special features will not only enhance the visual appeal but also increase your enjoyment of the space. Consider a water feature, like a koi pond, waterfall, or fountain, to create a calming, oasis-like feel. Add a fire pit surrounded by a collection of Adirondack chairs for an instant-favorite entertaining spot. Set a gazebo with a built-in bench in the middle of a garden or overlooking a water feature to boost your hours spent outdoors. And don’t forget to selectively draw wildlife to the areas around your log or timber home: a birdhouse, birdbath and feeder will attract feathered friends, adding an extra-special layer of movement, color, and life to your landscape.

Feeling inspired? Reach out to find out how we can customize every single space of your dream home to your exact lifestyle and budget.

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