Problematic front lawn: what would you do?

[DuarPorte]

Our front lawn (cul de sac, v quiet area), borders our driveway and has a massive cherry blossom tree taller than the house. The back garden is lovely and south facing and thus the front lawn is v much north facing. It doesnt get much sunshine, and most importantly this mahoosive (but gorgeous) tree sucks up whatever nutrients the soil has. The soil is arid and hard, and frankly doesnt get the attention and watering/feeding that the back gets naturally.

The front lawn is thus largely a dandelion/daffodils/low level green weed area that "looks" like grass from afar but not grass. I am very averse to gravelling/paving as its not good for bird and bees and drainage. But equally though I'd like a nicer look. Green thumbs (lawn specialists) dont advise investing in it and said you should gravel it up! I just want some grass on there but dont know where to start or when to start and how to maintain given the conditions and the tree taking all the moisture and nutrients.

We wish to sell the house in 3 ish years and would like decent curb appeal, and would also like it to look nice whilst we are here.

Any ideas anyone?

It sounds lovely as it is, who wants a monoculture of grass nowadays?

Yeah I agree it sounds ideal - you say it looks fine from a distance, no one is looking at your lawn close up. Mine is also full of weeds though so perhaps I'm biased! I'd give it a good mow before photos and viewings, and it'll look fine.

Agree it sounds lovely.

Ah good to know - as I say I am very non-keen to gravel/pave it. I suppose we could put some grass seed down still for the bare ish patches but then again at a distance it doesn't look "wrong" really. thanks :)

does it really need to be grass? what about a mixture of ferns (under the tree) and hardy plants like Salvia HotLips (which grows anywhere with a nice scent and lots of flowers). Vinca is another good ground cover plant for shade that is pretty tough.

if you put down gravel you'll then have to worry about raking the leaves off the gravel in autumn.

Why don’t you put down some bark and plant ferns and other shade loving plants?

I would plant wildflowers.

I’d try speaking to Greensleeves. I had greenthumb look at my lawn and they quoted £££ and just were off-putting.

Greensleeves on the other hand have done a fabulous job. I realise it’s all franchises but if you’ve got one in your area it might well be worth looking into. Also, look at the reviews for both companies.