The Landscaping Tip That Makes A Narrow Driveway Appear Bigger

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If your driveway feels cramped or narrow, chances are it isn't your favorite part of your property's landscaping. And while a tight driveway be frustrating to park in and a bit of an eyesore, extending it out to the left and right isn't always an option due to property lines or existing outbuildings. So, is there a way to make your drive feel wider than it actually is without the need for large-scale renovations? Believe it or not, you can actually utilize the plants around your driveway to create an optical illusion of sorts and help give the area a lighter, more open feel.

Just like how having too much clutter on the walls of a room can cause it to feel smaller, having low, dense plants like hedges or bushes surrounding your driveway on both sides can make it feel extra cramped. To combat this sensation, a great tip is to opt for plants which have a bit of space underneath such as trees with bushy tops and narrow trunks. This allows for more visibility underneath the foliage, making the driveway look like it spreads out wider. If you prefer to have more privacy on your property, don't worry, this trick works for that too. Rather than having individual trees spaced out along the drive, you can actually create a taller pleached hedge feature which is done by planting the trees next to one another and training the branches into each other. This tree-growing technique is the perfect privacy solution for small backyards and narrow driveways which are overlooked by neighbors. So, what are some other ways to style this inspiring driveway entrance idea to make a good first impression on anyone visiting your home?

There are plenty of different ways you can customize this hack to make your driveway appear bigger and improve the overall look of your property at the same time. If you like the pleached hedge idea for increased privacy, but you're worried that opting for taller trees will make your lower lawn look bland, you can try planting low-lying flowers or grasses underneath the trees themselves. To ensure that the driveway still feels and looks wider, however, you may want to opt for some fast-growing shade plants that will effortlessly fill your garden with color. This means they will thrive on either side of your driveway, even under the shade of the trees, and their bright hues will help enhance the effect of a broader driveway by using color to draw the eye outwards. 

Remember that driveways are commonly made from materials such as asphalt and gravel which tend to absorb heat faster than soil, so any plants placed near the driveway will need to be hardy and relatively drought-resistant due to the higher temperatures around the paved area. Whatever you decide to plant next to your driveway, make sure plants are well-maintained by keeping them trimmed back and tidy because overgrown foliage will encroach on your driveway and make it feel smaller again. In addition, unruly plants can damage the curb appeal of your property, too. Tools like these gonicc titanium bypass pruning shears are good for these tasks because they are portable and can cut through both thick flower stems and smaller tree branches.