Front Yard vs Backyard: Where to Start Your Landscaping
You want to landscape your property but your budget says you can only do one area right now. So the question is: front yard or backyard first?
It's a common dilemma for Filipino homeowners, especially in Metro Manila where lot sizes are compact and every square meter matters. The answer depends on what you care about most — curb appeal or personal enjoyment.
Let's compare both so you can make a smart decision.
The Quick Comparison
Front Yard
Curb AppealYour home's first impression. It's what neighbors, visitors, and potential buyers see first.
- Increases property value by 5-12%
- Creates a welcoming entrance
- Improves neighborhood standing
- Typically smaller = lower cost
- Best for: impressing others
Backyard
Outdoor LivingYour private retreat. This is where you'll actually spend time relaxing, entertaining, and enjoying nature.
- Creates usable outdoor living space
- Private — for your family's enjoyment
- Room for patios, seating, play areas
- Usually larger = more possibilities
- Best for: personal quality of life
When to Start with Your Front Yard
Front yard landscaping makes the most sense when:
- You're planning to sell — Curb appeal is the number one factor in a buyer's first impression. A landscaped front yard can significantly boost your asking price. According to real estate research, properties with well-maintained front landscaping sell faster and for higher prices.
- Your HOA has requirements — Many QC subdivisions like Ayala Heights, White Plains, and Greenmeadows have appearance standards. Getting your front yard in shape avoids notices and fines.
- You want quick results — Front yards are usually smaller, meaning you'll see a dramatic transformation for less money. Most front yard projects run P15,000-P40,000 for a small to medium lot.
- Your entrance feels bare or dated — If guests walk up to a concrete path with nothing around it, some simple garden installation along the walkway can completely change the feeling.
Popular Front Yard Projects
For Metro Manila homes, the most common front yard upgrades include border planting along fences and walls, decorative ground cover to replace exposed soil, a small landscape design with accent plants, pathway edging with river stones or pavers, and low-maintenance ornamental shrubs like santan and duranta.
When to Start with Your Backyard
Go backyard first if:
- You want to actually use the space — Your front yard is for show. Your backyard is where your family eats dinner outside, where kids play, where you relax on weekends. If outdoor living is the goal, start here.
- You entertain at home — A simple patio with surrounding greenery turns your backyard into an outdoor dining and gathering area. This is especially valuable in the Philippines where the weather allows year-round outdoor living.
- You have a small lot — In San Juan and older Marikina neighborhoods, many properties have very small or no front yards. If your usable outdoor space is in the back, that's where your investment should go.
- Privacy matters — Tall plants, vertical gardens, and strategic tree placement can create a secluded retreat even in a dense neighborhood.
Popular Backyard Projects
Filipino homeowners typically invest in patio or sitting areas with pavers or concrete, container gardens with herbs and ornamentals, shade trees like narra or rain tree for hot afternoons, and full garden installations with a mix of edible and decorative plants.
The Best of Both Worlds
If your budget is limited, here's a phased approach that works well:
- Phase 1: Front yard basics (P15,000-P30,000) — Clean up, add border plants, improve the entrance. This gives your home immediate curb appeal without a huge investment.
- Phase 2: Backyard transformation (P25,000-P80,000) — 3-6 months later, invest in the backyard with a proper design, planting, and any hardscaping you want.
- Phase 3: Maintenance for both (P3,500-P8,000/month) — Once both areas are installed, a monthly maintenance plan keeps everything healthy and looking great year-round.
A professional landscape design that covers both areas upfront (even if you install in phases) ensures everything looks cohesive when it's done.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which adds more property value — front yard or backyard landscaping?
Front yard landscaping generally adds more perceived property value because it creates curb appeal — the first impression buyers and visitors get. Studies show well-landscaped front yards can increase property value by 5-12%. However, a functional backyard with a patio or outdoor living area can also be a strong selling point, especially in Metro Manila where outdoor space is limited.
Can I landscape both front and back yards on a tight budget?
Yes. Start with the area that matters most to you and do the other in a second phase. Many homeowners start with the front yard (P15,000-P30,000 for a small lot) and tackle the backyard 3-6 months later. At Armalandscaping, we can create a phased design that covers both areas so everything looks cohesive even if installed at different times.
How long does it take to landscape a front yard vs a backyard?
A typical front yard landscaping project for a Metro Manila home takes 2-5 days depending on scope. Backyards usually take 3-7 days because they tend to be larger and involve more functional elements like patios or seating areas. Simple plant-only projects can be done in a single day.
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