How You Could Win “Best Landscape of the Year” in Your Neighborhood

Your Yard Has More Potential Than You Think—Here’s How to Make It Award-Worthy

Have you ever walked past someone’s yard and thought, Wow, this looks like something out of a magazine? Maybe you’ve even wondered what it would take for your own outdoor space to become the talk of the neighborhood—or better yet, win the coveted “Best Landscape of the Year” award from your local HOA, garden club, or neighborhood association.

Well, we’ve got good news: that dream is totally within reach.

At Acer Landscape Services, we’ve helped countless homeowners transform basic yards into breathtaking landscapes—and we’re here to tell you that with the right plan, a little creativity, and some pro tips, you can absolutely turn your property into an award-winning showcase.

Here’s how to do it.

1. Start With a Purpose-Driven Design

The best landscapes don’t just look beautiful—they serve a purpose. Whether it’s a space to relax, a garden for pollinators, or a stylish front yard that turns heads from the street, winning yards are always intentional.

Ask Yourself:

• Do I want to entertain guests outdoors?

• Do I need privacy from neighbors?

• Should this space attract bees, butterflies, or birds?

• How much time am I willing to spend maintaining it?

Once you’re clear on your goals, you can start creating a design that works for your lifestyle—and your curb appeal.

🌿 Pro Tip: Don’t go overboard with too many focal points. A well-designed landscape balances hardscapes, plants, and open space.

2. Layer Your Plants for Year-Round Interest

This is where most homeowners fall short. They plant a few spring flowers, maybe some summer color, and call it a day. But if you want to stand out in your neighborhood, your landscape needs to look good in every season.

Here’s the winning formula:

• Spring: Tulips, daffodils, pansies, and flowering trees

• Summer: Coneflowers, salvia, daylilies, hydrangeas

• Fall: Mums, ornamental grasses, sedum, asters

• Winter: Evergreen shrubs, red twig dogwood, decorative planters

Mix in textures and heights—from groundcovers to shrubs to small ornamental trees—to create a layered, lush look that doesn’t fade after a month.

3. Incorporate Hardscape Elements

Want to win the landscape of the year? You’ll need more than mulch and flowers.

Award-worthy yards often include thoughtful hardscape features like:

• Stone or paver walkways

• Custom edging or retaining walls

• Fire pits or sitting areas

• Raised garden beds or pergolas

• Decorative boulders or water features

Hardscapes add structure, define space, and make your yard more functional—all while taking your curb appeal to the next level.

💡 Not sure where to start? At Acer Landscape Services, we specialize in blending hardscape and softscape elements for maximum visual impact.

4. Add Outdoor Lighting (This Is a Game-Changer)

Here’s an often-overlooked secret of landscape award winners: strategic outdoor lighting.

A few well-placed lights can completely change the feel of your yard—highlighting architectural features, trees, or paths, while making your home safer and more welcoming at night.

Options to consider:

• Uplights for trees and architectural elements

• Path lights for walkways

• Spotlights for focal plants or statues

• String lights or lanterns for cozy patios

Not only does lighting boost the beauty of your home after dark—it shows your yard is finished, polished, and intentionally designed.

5. Keep It Clean, Tidy, and Healthy

It doesn’t matter how fancy your plants are—if your yard looks overgrown or neglected, it’s not going to win any awards.

Keep up with:

• Weekly lawn mowing and edging

• Regular weeding and pruning

• Mulch top-offs twice a year

• Fertilizing and pest control as needed

• Clearing leaves and debris

A well-maintained yard shows pride of ownership, and it’s one of the first things judges (and neighbors) will notice.

👨‍🌾 Don’t want to do all the maintenance yourself? Acer offers seasonal cleanup and maintenance plans so you can keep your yard looking sharp year-round.

6. Add Something Unexpected

If you really want to wow the neighborhood, add a unique feature that makes people stop and say, “Wow, I’ve never seen that before!”

Think outside the flower bed:

• A vertical wall planter on your fence

• A whimsical garden sculpture or birdbath

• A pollinator garden with signage

• A bubbling rock fountain

• A decorative gate or arbor

These unexpected touches turn your yard from “nice” to “next level.”

7. Document Your Progress

Many local garden clubs or HOAs that host landscape awards will ask for photos or nominations, and you’ll want to be ready.

Tips:

• Take before-and-after photos from the same angles

• Photograph your yard at different times of day

• Capture close-ups of standout plants or features

• Get a few shots with everything freshly mulched and trimmed

📸 Bonus: These photos aren’t just great for contests—they’re perfect for sharing your success story online or with friends and family.

8. Work With a Pro (Or at Least Consult One)

Even if you plan to do most of the work yourself, getting expert advice can make a huge difference. A landscape professional can help you:

• Avoid costly mistakes

• Choose the right plants for your soil and light conditions

• Maximize your space and layout

• Design for long-term beauty—not just instant gratification

At Acer Landscape Services, we work with homeowners at every stage—whether it’s a one-time design consult, a full install, or ongoing maintenance to keep your yard looking its best.

You Don’t Need a Giant Budget—Just a Great Plan

The best part? You don’t need a massive yard or a luxury-level budget to win “Best Landscape of the Year.” What really matters is creativity, consistency, and intentional design.

So if you’re ready to turn your property into the pride of the neighborhood—or maybe just want a space that makes you smile every time you pull into the driveway—we’re here to help.

Let’s Make Your Yard Award-Winning 🌟

📞 Call Acer Landscape Services today at (615) 350-8030 to schedule a consultation.

Whether you’re starting from scratch or want to elevate your existing landscape, we’ll help you create something truly special—maybe even award-worthy.

**This blog updated 05-19-25.