The Best Current Landscaping Trends Worth Your Time

Generally, just following trends, especially when it comes to landscape design and landscape architecture, isn't a very good idea in its own right. Trends by nature come and go rapidly and outside their trending time, they stand out negatively. However, every rule has its exceptions and some current landscaping trends have much to offer long-term.

We've gathered the best for you to think about your next landscape design. However, the best landscape design is a personalized one that's designed specifically to suit your and your family's needs. With our 2D and 3D Design services and professional, attentive designers at Shrubhub, this could be achieved for you under $300. All you'd need to do is sign up here and a landscape designer from our team will contact you as soon as possible.

Top Landscaping Trends to Consider

For your convenience, we've rounded up the best landscaping trends that can stand the test of time and offer a lot to your landscape on both the functional and aesthetical level, trends that aren't just tied to a specific moment but could remain relevant, beautiful and function for years to come.

Here they are:

Sustainable Landscaping

Sustainability is too strong a trend to be called one. Rather, it's a movement and one that's unlikely to die out any time soon as people are only getting more and more aware of climate change and all the problems associated with it, as they feel it in the local climate too. It's one of the top landscaping trends right now.

Even outside of climate problems, going for a sustainable landscape is a good idea because it means less maintenance and resources from you as well.

This trend focuses on using native species, drought-tolerant plants, and eco-friendly irrigation systems to conserve water and minimize environmental impact.

Vertical gardening

Vertical gardens, also known as green walls or living walls, are a creative way to maximize space in small spaces and add visual interest.

Those hanging gardens can be created with climbing plants, stacked planter boxes, or modular planting systems. Using vertical planters this way is especially great for a small garden design.

Outdoor Living Spaces

Creating functional outdoor living areas is one of the best decisions you could make for your landscape. Even though it's currently ranking in the top landscaping trends, it has always been a popular enough choice, especially for families who want to make a true, cozy home of every part of their property.

Build an outdoor living room with a pergola, perhaps a patio, or shade structures. It'll make great use of your outdoor spaces and allow you to enjoy the outdoors in even more ways.

Edible Landscaping

Growing your food has become increasingly popular. Integrate more and more edible plants in your garden or make a mini vegetable garden within your larger landscape.

Integrating fruit trees into your landscape can provide fresh produce too and add an attractive element to your yard.

This will likely remain one of the top landscaping trends as it offers both harvest and beauty and having fresh produce from your garden is something that will always be appealing.

Low-maintenance Landscaping

Many homeowners are opting for low-maintenance landscaping options to reduce upkeep and still enjoy a beautiful outdoor space for curb appeal.

This can include using native plants, rock gardens, or artificial turf. Low-maintenance plants vary greatly, but native plants are always a safe option as they'll naturally require less maintenance in the exact climate they're meant to be in.

To easily get stunning, low-maintenance plants, browse the varieties listed under low maintenance on our Shrubhub marketplace. To make it easier for yourself, also filter with your Hardiness Zone so you'll be sure to find the perfect plant for you. And of course, a large part of a plant being low maintenance is it being healthy and strong, which is something you can guarantee with Shrubhub.

Smart Irrigation Systems

Smart technology for irrigation uses sensors and weather data to optimize watering schedules, reducing water waste and promoting healthy plant growth.

These systems can be controlled remotely through smartphones or other devices. They're especially valuable for states going through water problems and desert climates.

Another smart way to deal with water in your garden is to go for rain gardens.

Outdoor Lighting

You'd be surprised to realize how big of an effect something as small as adding a lighting strand can have.

Thoughtfully designed outdoor lighting can enhance the ambiance of your landscaping and improve safety and security. Which is why it's a rising design trend.

Use a combination of functional and decorative lighting to highlight focal points, pathways, and architectural features.

Pollinator-friendly Gardens

With growing concerns about the decline of pollinators, many people are incorporating plants that attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects into their gardens.

This helps support the ecosystem and adds vibrant colors to the landscape. Growing such plants will also make you feel that you and your home are more connected to the natural world around you.

Multi-Season Interest

Plan your landscaping to have visual interest throughout the year. Evergreen shrubs are good for dark foliage greenery all year round.

Plant flower beds and fill them with plants with varying bloom times, fall foliage colors, and interesting textures to create a landscape that looks appealing in all seasons. Landscaping can be an art form.

Outdoor Kitchens

Outdoor kitchens are becoming increasingly popular for those who enjoy outdoor entertaining.

They often include grills, countertops, sinks, and storage, allowing for convenient cooking and socializing in the backyard.

Water features

Incorporating water features, such as ponds, fountains, or waterfalls, can add a sense of tranquility and a focal point to your landscape design.

They can also attract birds and provide a soothing sound.

Outdoor Fire Pits or Fireplaces

Adding a fire pit or fireplace to your outdoor space creates a cozy gathering area and extends the usability of your yard into the cooler evenings.

It provides warmth, ambiance, and a focal point for socializing or relaxing, making it one of the consistently top landscaping trends.

Naturalistic Planting Schemes

Rather than strictly manicured lawns and formal gardens, many homeowners are opting for more naturalistic planting schemes. These designs mimic the look of natural landscapes and often involve the use of grasses, native wildflowers, and meadow-like settings, with backdrops of things such as reclaimed wood.

This guide is full of recommendations for landscaping trends in such a variety to fit different tastes and styles. If something on this list caught your attention more than any other, make sure to reference it to our professional designer who will contact you once you sign up here and they'll take it into account alongside all your other preferences and the existing state of your landscape.

On the other hand, if you're looking for more tips and guides for on-budget landscaping, check out our continuously updated Shrubhub blog page where we cover everything on landscaping.

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