Guide to Landscaping a South-facing Yard

South facing garden

South-facing yards are highly sought after, and for good reason: Sun. But with all the south-facing landscaping ideas out there, deciding what to do with your southern exposure can be overwhelming. Our guide to south-facing landscaping will help you build the perfect south-facing yard.

In this article:

Why is a south-facing yard unique?

Yards that face south in the Northern hemisphere get full sun, making them highly desirable for gardening and landscaping. From floral displays to veggie gardens, there are all kinds of options for landscaping a south-facing yard.

Full sun is a major plus side of a south-facing yard, but it carries its own important considerations. Plants for a south-facing garden need to be able to handle the heat, and drought tolerance is a plus, particularly if you live in a drier climate.

Tips for landscaping a south-facing lawn

Photo Credit: Pxhere | CC0 1.0

South-facing landscape design can be overwhelming, but these tips for landscaping a south-facing lawn will make things simple.

Map the sunlight

To build a landscape that’s sure to thrive, start by mapping the sunlight in your south-facing yard. Take pictures of your yard from the same spot throughout the day, or create a diagram of your yard’s sunlight by marking which spots have sun each hour. 

This will allow you to follow the sun in your south-facing landscape – as well as map the areas alongside the house or at the far end of the lawn, which are more likely to have partial shade.

Soak up the sun

sunlight on flowers
Photo Credit: Pxhere | CC0 1.0

Take advantage of your southern exposure by filling your lawn with sun-loving plants. 

  • Bright blue flowers like hydrangeas and salvia will bask in the sunlight.
  • Delicate white flowers of snow-in-summer make an excellent ground cover. 
  • Climbers that need full sun but prefer shady roots, like clematis or honeysuckle, will be right at home along the walls of the house.

Use drought-tolerant plants

If your yard is getting full sun all day, it’s important to make sure it’s getting enough water. Drought-tolerant landscaping makes this much easier, especially if you live in an arid climate or a drought-prone area where water restrictions are likely. Some of the best drought-tolerant landscaping ideas are:

  • Native plants have already adapted to the natural rainfall of your region.
  • Succulents and sedum flowers are low-maintenance additions that won’t need much watering.
  • The green leaves of evergreen shrubs and small trees save water for low-growing flower beds underneath. 
  • A rock garden or mulch around your plants will also improve drought tolerance by shielding the soil from evaporation and holding in moisture.

Add some shade

Plants may love the sun-drenched conditions of your yard, but to get the most out of your landscape, consider creating a shady oasis for its human inhabitants. Mediterranean pergolas and mature trees carve out some shady spots, while trellis walls with climbers will create a cozy feel.

Invite pollinators

Butterfly on flower
Photo Credit: Pxhere | CC0 1.0

Why not share the benefits of your south-facing landscape with your local bumblebees, butterflies, and hummingbirds? Many plants perfect for a pollinator garden thrive in full sun, and the showy spectacle of these helpful critters will give your yard a buzz of life. Sun-loving wildflowers are sure to attract pollinators, as are many native species.

Grow your own food

Your south-facing landscape can be a great spot for a cottage garden. Save time and money at the grocery store by growing food right at home. Perennial fruit trees and shrubs will stretch out into the sunlight, and herbs like basil and chamomile will thrive in your south-facing home garden.

FAQ About South-Facing Landscaping

Q. Does a south-facing yard get full sun?

A. Yes, south-facing yards in the Northern hemisphere often enjoy full sun during the day. Mapping out the sunlight in your south-facing yard will help you get to know the conditions of your particular landscape.

Q. Is south-facing good for plants?

A. South-facing lawns are great for plants that need full sun. They may not be the best fit for those that prefer shade, which will be more at home in a north-facing garden.

How do you shade a south-facing garden?

To add shade to a south-facing garden, consider adding structures like trellises or pergolas, or planting mature trees.

Find the best fit for you

Planning a south-facing landscape means you’ll have plenty of options, but don’t get lost trying to decide. Our Lawn Love pros are ready to help you map out the south-facing lawn of your dreams – just a call or click away.

Main Image Credit: Elmar Langle | License

Annie Parnell

Originally from the Washington, D.C., area, Annie Parnell is a freelance writer and audio producer based in Richmond, Virginia. She is passionate about gardening, outdoor recreation, sustainability, and all things music and pop culture.