The Elegant Landscaping That Gives Your Driveway An "Old Money" Look

When it comes to landscaping, you can count on the "old money" aesthetic to make a statement. This design style emphasizes quiet prestige, carefully maintained estates, and a timeless quality. While most of us won't receive an inheritance of generational wealth and acres of land, it's still possible to achieve the old money aesthetic in your yard. For starters, consider designing a tree-lined driveway to create the ambiance of entering into a private old-money estate.

While a tree-lined driveway certainly makes a statement, you should be careful when choosing the species of tree. You'll need to factor in the size of the tree at maturity and make sure its roots don't damage your driveway over time as they grow. You can avoid damage by planting small trees at least 8 to 10 feet from the driveway (or 15 to 20 feet for larger trees, depending on the size and species) and keeping them well-maintained and irrigated. Once you plant the trees, be sure to routinely inspect the concrete or asphalt for small cracks or signs of damage, so you can quickly address any problems that arise.

If you're designing a tree-lined driveway, there are plenty of tree species that can create a unique and distinctive vibe. Pine trees offer year-round greenery and a stately appearance. You could also go with options that provide seasonal beauty, like cherry or maple trees. If you live in a warmer climate, planting palm trees along your driveway can make it feel like you're entering a resort. And if your driveway is on the shorter side or you're searching for a smaller tree that won't overtake your yard, crepe myrtles are a beautiful choice — you can manage their size with seasonal maintenance.

If you want to create an old money entrance to your property, there are a few cost factors to consider. According to Forbes, most landscaping projects cost around $12 per square foot, totaling up to an average of $9,000. This average varies greatly depending on the size and extent of the project, so you won't necessarily need to spend this much to landscape a tree-lined driveway. The number of trees and species you choose can influence the amount you spend on this project. For example, a 5-gallon crepe myrtle may be cheaper than a cherry tree of the same size.

The type of tree you choose can have an impact on cost, but you should also consider the age and size. Saplings or younger trees will take more time to grow into the stately tree-lined entrance you're envisioning, but they'll also cost less than more mature trees. Younger trees might be the best option if you're on a budget and plan to live in the home for years. Generally, you can expect to pay around $95 for a sapling and $225 for a young tree. Prices will go up as the age and size of the tree increase.

You should also think about factors like necessary soil preparation, labor costs if you hire a landscaping company, and long-term maintenance. If you're willing to do the planting yourself, you'll instantly cut down on the total price because you won't have to factor in the cost of labor. You can compare prices at local nurseries or home improvement stores to find the most affordable tree species that won't break the bank and match your design preferences.