Are you considering using carport landscaping to beautify your carport, boost your home’s curb appeal, and increase your property’s value? In this guide, I’m going to share seven tips to help you plan, create, and maintain your new carport landscaping design—and reap the benefits for years to come.
Key Takeaways
- Discover how landscaping around your carport can enhance your property’s beauty and resale value.
- Explore creative carport landscaping ideas to transform your carport’s space into a visually appealing and functional area.
- Learn tips for selecting plants, flowers, and hardscape elements that complement carport structures.
Carport Landscaping Tip #1: Define the Benefits You Want from Carport Landscaping
What benefits do you aim to achieve with your carport landscaping project? The following are a few key reasons why homeowners add landscaping around their carport:
Carport landscaping boosts your home’s curb appeal
The front area of your property is the first part of your home that visitors or potential buyers see. Making it more attractive by including a carport with landscaping around it can help make a great first impression on visitors and homebuyers.
A well-designed carport landscape can extend your living space
Carport landscaping contributes to a more welcoming and harmonious outdoor space for you and others to enjoy. Use your carport area as a garden space or even an outdoor lounge area, adding versatility and functionality to your home.
Landscaping can increase your property’s resale value
According to the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), professional landscaping can increase a home’s resale price by 15–20%. This can include beautifying your carport area with landscaping—which you can also do yourself.
As you start planning your carport landscaping project, ask, “What benefits of carport landscaping are most important to me?” Knowing your desired outcome can give your project a clearer direction. It can also inspire creative carport landscaping ideas and guide project budgeting decisions, which I’ll explain about more in tip #2.
Carport Landscaping Tip #2: Decide How Much to Invest and How Big to Go
Your carport landscaping project is an investment in your home property, which is a significant asset. Good questions to answer before you start are: How much time and money do you want to invest, and what kind of return on your investment (ROI) do you want?
Some questions to consider are:
- What is your maximum budget for this project? The ASLA suggests that 10-20% of your home’s current value is a good spending range for outdoor and landscaping improvements. You could add carport landscaping for much less.
- Do you want to do the work yourself or hire a professional landscaper? How much time and energy do you have to work on this project?
- How much of an increase in property resale value do you want your carport landscaping project to produce?
- Would you like your carport landscaping efforts to enhance your and others’ enjoyment of your property by creating an extra outdoor living space?
Deciding How Big You Want to Go
How much will your property value increase from adding great-looking landscaping around your carport? Only a real estate pro or property appraiser could tell you for sure. However, it’s fair to say that a bigger-budget carport landscaping project, like adding a stone pathway, garden, and trees, is going to add more value than planting a few shrubs around your carport.
By deciding how much of an impact you want your carport landscaping project to have on your property’s looks, functionality, and resale value, you’ll have a better sense of how big you want to go.
Carport Landscaping Tip #3: Design Your Carport Landscaping Project around a Creative Theme
Carport landscaping ideas are as abundant as your imagination. Creating your carport landscaping design around a specific theme can help you choose and organize your ideas and efforts. It may also help you produce better results.
Here are a couple of tips for choosing the right carport landscaping theme:
- Make sure it aligns with the overall design of your home to create a harmonious look and feel.
- Choose your theme carefully if you think you may sell your property one day. Example: A Southwestern theme featuring cactus varieties probably won’t resonate with homebuyers in Florida—but plants native to Florida likely will. (More on how to choose the right plants for carport landscaping in Tip #5.)
Here are a few creative carport landscaping themes to get you started:
The Cottage Garden
For a warm, delightful vibe, go with the cottage garden theme. Plant colorful, fragrant shrubs and flowers like lavender, roses, and daisies, and herbs like oregano and sage to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Include decorative elements like a trellis and a picket gate for added charm.
The Rustic Retreat
Bring a touch of the countryside to your carport area with a rustic theme that incorporates natural elements like wood, stone, and trees. Plant a mix of native grass, flowers, woodland trees, and shrubs. Include traditional rustic features like a wood fence and natural stone paving—and perhaps a wooden or stone water fountain.
The Modern Minimalist
Create a sleek and contemporary look for your carport with a minimalist design featuring simple plantings, geometric shapes, and modern materials such as metal and concrete. Add pops of color with vibrant plants or a living wall. If you love the modern style, consider installing a new metal carport.
The Coastal Escape
Create a beach-inspired look by using driftwood, seashells, and light-colored material around your carport. Include decorative elements like rope or netting and install outdoor lighting reminiscent of maritime fixtures, like lanterns. Plant dune grasses, hydrangeas, and other coastal plants to complete the seaside vibe.
Carport Landscaping Tip #4: Explore DIY Carport Landscaping Projects and Budget-Friendly Ideas
If you’re interested in doing your carport landscaping yourself vs. hiring a contractor, DIY carport landscaping projects can be rewarding and cost-effective. Here are some popular DIY carport landscaping ideas:
Plant a Garden Bed or Rock Garden
One simple project is to create a garden bed along the side (or perhaps both sides) of your carport. Choose low-maintenance plants suitable for your climate and soil conditions. You could also plant seasonal vegetables—or opt for a rock garden instead.
Install a Stone or Paved Pathway
Adding a pathway leading to or from your carport can enhance its functionality and appearance. You can use materials like concrete, brick, or natural stone, depending on your preferences and budget. (We’ll also talk more about hardscape elements in Tip #5.)
Add a Trellis or Lattice
If your carport type allows, consider adding a trellis or lattice on one side or both sides of your carport. These structures can provide additional shade and serve as a support for climbing plants, adding elements of enchantment and greenery to your carport.
Use Budget-Friendly Carport Landscaping Ideas
Carport landscaping doesn’t have to be expensive and there are multiple ways to save on costs. Here are a few budget-friendly ideas:
Use Gravel or Mulch
Instead of paving, consider using gravel or mulch for the ground under and around your carport. These materials are affordable, easy to install, and can be quite attractive.
Choose Native Plants
Native plants are typically more affordable, last longer, and are easier and cheaper to care for because they’re proven to thrive in your local environment.
Repurpose Existing Materials
Look around your property for materials you can repurpose. Old bricks, for example, can be used to create a charming pathway or edging for a garden bed.
Carport Landscaping Tip #5: Choose the Right Plants for Carport Landscaping
What Plants Are Suitable for Carport Landscaping?
Choosing the right plants for your carport landscape is crucial to avoid wasting money or having to redo your project a few months later due to struggling or dying plants. Consider factors like sunlight, water requirements, and growth habits in your location in making your selections. Suggestions include:
Sun-Loving Plants
If your carport receives a lot of sunlight, consider sun-loving plants like bougainvillea, lavender, rosemary, and salvia. These plants are drought-tolerant and can thrive in full sun exposure.
Shade-Tolerant Plants
If your carport is mostly shaded, opt for shade-tolerant plants like hostas, ferns, and impatiens. These plants can thrive even with minimal sunlight.
Low-Growth Plants
For areas close to the carport, choose low-growth plants like small evergreen shrubs that won’t obstruct the view (for security purposes).
Ground Cover Plants
Instead of ordinary lawn grass, consider opting for colorful, low-maintenance ground cover plants like wall germander, basket-of-gold, and bunchberry.
Native Plants and Trees
In addition to being budget-friendly, native shrubs, flowers, grasses, and trees are more likely to thrive around your carport since they’re adapted to your local climate and soil conditions. Research native plants for your location to find abundant options.
Quick Tips for Maintaining Plants Around a Carport
Maintaining your carport landscape is essential to keep it looking fresh and attractive. Here are some tips:
Regular Watering
Make sure your plants receive enough water, especially during dry periods. However, avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot and other diseases.
Pruning
Regular pruning keeps your plants healthy and attractive. It can also prevent them from overgrowing and obstructing your carport.
Fertilizing
Using a slow-release fertilizer can provide your plants with the nutrients they need to grow healthy and strong.
Carport Landscaping Tip #6: Incorporate Hardscape Elements Like Stones and Pavers in Your Carport Landscaping
Benefits of Using Stones or Pavers Around a Carport
Using stones or pavers in your carport landscape can enhance its functionality and beauty. They can serve as durable and attractive flooring, create paths or borders, and help control erosion and runoff. Benefits include:
Durability and Low Maintenance
Stones and pavers are durable and require little maintenance. They can withstand heavy traffic and are resistant to weather changes.
Versatility and Visual Appeal
Stones and pavers come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, offering endless design possibilities. They can complement any architectural style, add a touch of elegance to your carport landscape, and make great flooring for a lounge area.
Erosion Control
Stones and pavers can help control soil erosion, especially in sloped areas. They can also improve drainage, preventing water from pooling in and around your carport.
Design Tips for Carport Hardscape Elements
Choice of Materials
Choose materials that match or complement your home’s exterior and the surrounding landscape. Natural stone like cobblestone can create a rustic and organic look, while concrete or brick can offer a more modern and sleek appearance.
Balance
Work to achieve a balance between your carport landscaping’s hardscape elements (stones and pavers) and softscape elements (plants and flowers). Too much hardscape can make your carport look harsh and uninviting, while too much softscape can make it look overgrown and untidy.
Proportion
Make sure the size and scale of your hardscape elements are proportional to your carport and the overall landscape. For instance, a large carport might benefit from a wide pathway or a large patio, while a small carport might be better served by a narrow path or a small seating area.
Carport Landscaping Tip #7: Maintain Your Carport Landscaping Year-Round
Seasonal Carport Landscaping Maintenance Tips for Protecting Plants
The changing seasons can affect your carport landscape. Just like maintaining your carport has benefits, maintaining your carport landscape throughout the year can ensure its continuous beauty and health. Be prepared to adapt and adjust your care routines to accommodate these changes. Here are some seasonal tips:
Spring
Spring is the perfect time to prepare your carport landscape for the growing season. Clean up any winter debris, prune any dead or damaged areas, and apply a slow-release fertilizer to your plants.
Summer
During the warmer months, make sure your plants are well-watered. Occasionally check for pests and diseases and treat any problems as soon as they appear. You might also need to prune more frequently to control growth and maintain a neat appearance.
Fall
In the fall, it’s time to prepare your carport landscape for the winter. Clear fallen leaves to prevent them from suffocating your plants or creating a slippery hazard. Prune back perennials and apply mulch around your plants to protect them from the cold.
Winter
In the colder months, protect your plants from frost by covering them with a frost blanket or moving potted plants indoors. Also, clear snow and pooling water from your carport as soon as possible to prevent damage to your plants and paved areas.
Add an Attractive Metal Carport to Complement Your Home and Landscaping
I hope this guide has given you plenty of tips and ideas to help you transform your carport area into a beautiful and functional space that adds value to your home. Whether you plan to do a DIY carport landscaping project or hire a professional landscaper, the keys to achieving long-term benefits include careful planning, sensible choices, and proper maintenance.
Speaking of long-term benefits, are you interested in enhancing your property’s visual appeal and resale value with a new metal carport? We offer an array of customizable styles and options to choose from. Use our easy online builder tool below to customize a carport or garage to your exact specifications—and get free delivery and installation.
