Need creative suggestions for DEAD ZONE at front of my house!
+5
The Norway Spruce has grown so large that the grass is extremely sparse (weeds grow well!). Plus I get whacked with the branches when I try to mow. I'm thinking of mulching the whole area between porch and tree or laying down stone, but thought I'd solicit for any creative ideas. Thanks!
Trim back the spruce,put a small retaining wall around for more character,fill that in with mulch or rock
I would tear it out and start over. Once it overtakes your house it not only looks pretty bad but is a security risk. The front of your house should never be hidden from the street for your safety. A new tree/shrub would look great there.
It is a beautiful tree, but I would trim the lower branches off about a good foot high. That will give you some clearance and you will probably have to mulch to cover the area that has become empty.
Cut off lower branches to a hight of 2 foot, fill in the bare spots and under tree with Hostas, just 1 idea.
Take out the tree? Does your city charge you for cutting down a tree? I wouldn't want it hidding my house! You'd gain much needed light thru your windows!
Get rid of the grass and plant ground cover.
I had a pine tree in front of my house and had the same issue. Trim the tree up about 3 feet and out hostas underneath. It looks great and the plants grow well in the shade. We also had landscaping lighting. We then had our neighbor do the same. Both houses look great!
I would trim the bottom branches up by a foot or two to allow for easier access. Then, remove the grass and plant a low ground cover under the tree so you do not have worry about maintenance as much. Adding a few potted flowering plants along the edge of the porch would also add some color and interest...assuming there is enough light for them to grow there.