10 Landscape Trends for 2026
Just like fashion, landscape trends change with the season. With our current climate, sustainability and placemaking is at the heart of what trends are so next season for 2026.
1 – Sustainability/more naturalistic landscapes
Stop overusing natural resources. We have more green choices in sod, plants, irrigation and materials. A big push for less potable water use and stormwater management. Easy to grow plants.
2 – Pollinator-friendly, native, and edible gardens
Back to nature approach. Attracting wildlife and bees, growing your own food and herbs and using native species and plants that grow here with little care.
3 – Storm-proof
Everyone now wants flood-proof and salt-tolerant plants in their designs. They don’t want to replace landscapes year after year. Excessive rain and salt water are two different problems with the same outcome. Also, high winds damage trees and newly established trees are vulnerable. Proper tree choice and staking are essential. Flood barriers are all the rage and protect the interior of the home.
4 – LED Lighting
New fixtures, colors, material and style are available for outdoor LED lighting. 10 year warranties are common. Brass is best for durability. LED lighting be integrated into the “smart home.”
5 – Technology integrated landscaping
There’s now a remote for everything – outdoor lighting, the jacuzzi and speakers. Smart homes integrate the interior and exterior seamlessly. This is very popular in new construction.
6 – Multifunctional outdoor spaces
One area now serves several purposes. Maybe a pool area and a children’s play area as one or private area for conversation around a fire pit for adults. Outdoor kitchens have become very popular.
7 – Artificial turf
Love it or hate it, artificial turf here to stay. Sod is the number one water-user and the most problematic with maintenance. Artificial turf did very well in the storms, is pet friendly and consumes no water. There are restrictions to follow in cities and neighborhoods. It is expensive to install correctly.
8 – Mixed materials
Mixing of materials is now cool, but up to a point. Think furniture, pots, stone and boulders, flowers in various colors. Clean and modern is very popular now with maybe one color as opposed to many colors – less busy and fussy is the trend.
9 – Emphasis on minimalism and low maintenance
Everyone wants low maintenance – less work, water, and cost. Clients also want beautiful landscaping. Right plant, right place is important here. There are many plants and trees that are relatively slower growers with little maintenance.
10 – Designs that are style-specific
It’s understandable you want your yard to reflect your personality and to be designed as such. You want the interior and exterior to match and blend. Traditional, modern, formal or somewhere in between – we can help you find your landscape personality.
