Popular Landscaping Trends This Year
Trends in landscaping change every year as our outdoor spaces provide room for more opportunities to entertain in the spring and summer. With a new year underway, landscapers across the country are looking for what will be popular in lawn and garden design for 2018. For both economic and environmental reasons, recent trends include increased interest among homeowners for sustainable landscaping designs, low-maintenance gardens, drought-tolerant plants, and minimal use of turf. It’s never too early to start planning for warmer months to come.
Quick Breakdown of Sustainable Landscaping Trends for 2018:
- Native vegetation
- Drought resistant plants
- Natural mulches and soils
- Organic herbicides and pesticides
- Durable materials that add visual interest (i.e., tile and faux turf)
Sustainability Secures Its Place In Your Garden
Sustainable designs have seen an uptick in landscaping over the years, and we see this trend continuing for both economic and environmental reasons. Homeowners in all climates see the continuous benefits that sustainable landscapes have to offer.
Incorporating native plants and restoring natural habitats have provided an ever-growing role in enhancing all landscapes, reducing costs and carbon footprints across the board. From the decrease in maintenance to the overall environmental and long-term economic value, customers continue to opt for a sustainable landscape.
Natural and Low-Maintenance Gardens
After consecutive years of landscape customers dancing with minimalist materials, outdoor furniture, and decor, an increased interest in natural, low-maintenance materials is on the rise. Faux finishes, materials, and synthetics continue to “trend green” as the demand for ecologically sound resources result in lower maintenance needs. Porcelain tiles are quickly becoming the material of choice with tile being more resilient than wood or traditional turf.
Organic gardening materials are also on the rise, as new types of fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides continue to be made with natural ingredients. These new products provide healthier outdoor environments for your vegetation. Organic mulch made from bark chips, straw, pine needles, cocoa hulls, and nutrient-rich compost also sit atop the list, thanks to their ability to fuel plant growth, help retain soil moisture, and restore essential nutrients to any depleted soil.
Conserve Water With Drought-Tolerant Plants
Last, but certainly not least, drought-tolerant vegetation trends provide an interesting and prospective future for sustainable landscaping as water conservation continues to be on the mind of landscapers and homeowners. Most notably seen in drought-ridden environments and those who live in states that have restricted water, drought-tolerant plants, and synthetic turf, in some areas, have become the “norm.”
Through a process also known as xeriscaping, plants that are native to a landscaper’s area have already adapted to decades of local climate and weather conditions, so they naturally require less attention and have been trending upward in warm, dry climates. Using native plants in your landscape also attracts nearby wildlife such as regional birds and butterflies, providing yet another natural addition to your landscaping area.
Landscaping Trends That Save Time, Money, and Natural Resources
Creating a sustainable, low-maintenance, and drought-tolerant landscape is much easier than one might think. Utilizing local sustainable landscaping resources provides new ways to save money, time, and remain environmentally conscience. The implementation of a beautiful, healthy landscape that reduces your carbon footprint, cuts down on water needs, and benefits local wildlife is an easy way to enhance your outdoor living and entertainment area.