Landscaping Trends: What’s Hot This Summer

Key Highlights

• Homeowners are focusing on multi-use outdoor spaces like kitchens, lounges, and workout zones.

• Native and drought-tolerant plants are dominating garden design due to water restrictions and sustainability goals.

• There’s a rise in eco-friendly hardscaping materials such as permeable pavers and recycled concrete.

• Tech-savvy landscaping is becoming more common, including smart irrigation systems and outdoor lighting automation.

• People are opting for low-maintenance luxury—think synthetic turf, minimalist Zen gardens, and low-water succulents.

• Bold design choices like vertical gardens, color-block planting, and dramatic lighting are pushing the aesthetic envelope

Introduction

When people think of renovations, they often picture kitchen overhauls or updated bathrooms. But this summer, the spotlight has shifted outdoors. Landscaping has become a major focus in home improvement, and for good reason. As more homeowners seek to maximize their living space, especially in warmer months, the yard is no longer an afterthought—it’s front and center.

Whether it’s a sleek patio, sustainable garden, or a multifunctional outdoor lounge, today’s landscaping isn’t just about looking pretty. It’s about creating spaces that are functional, environmentally friendly, and aligned with modern living. If you’re planning a renovation project, understanding the current landscaping trends can help you make smarter design choices and add serious value to your property.

This blog dives into what’s hot this summer, what’s fading out, and how homeowners and contractors alike can tap into the most in-demand ideas in outdoor living.

Outdoor Living Spaces Are Getting a Major Upgrade

Homeowners are turning their backyards into extensions of their home’s interior. Think less “garden path” and more “outdoor great room.” The trend toward multifunctional outdoor spaces is exploding. That means more pergolas, fire pits, weather-resistant furniture, and even full-scale kitchens complete with built-in grills, mini-fridges, and sinks.

With the rising cost of travel and housing, people are investing in staycation-friendly landscapes. Homeowners are transforming decks and patios into everyday-use spaces for dining, entertaining, working, and relaxing. Contractors are being asked to install weatherproof outlets, outdoor Wi-Fi extenders, and even televisions.

Features gaining traction include:

• Outdoor kitchens and pizza ovens

• Integrated seating with storage

• Covered lounges with ceiling fans or heaters

• Portable or built-in fire pits

• Backyard bars or drink stations

  
  

Clients are looking for a balance of comfort and durability. Materials like composite decking, concrete countertops, and weather-resistant textiles are in high demand. The layout also reflects the same flow people want indoors—with defined areas for eating, sitting, and play.

Sustainability Is Driving Plant Choices and Design

Water-wise landscaping isn’t just trendy—it’s necessary. With climate change intensifying and many states experiencing drought, water-efficient landscaping has become a top priority. This summer, native and drought-tolerant plants are more popular than ever. Think ornamental grasses, lavender, succulents, and low-water shrubs like rosemary and sage.

Not only do these plants save water, they also require less maintenance and are more likely to thrive in local soil conditions. Clients are moving away from thirsty lawns and replacing them with native ground covers or gravel beds interspersed with hardy vegetation.

Key sustainable planting trends:

• Xeriscaping (designing with little or no irrigation)

• Edible landscaping (growing herbs, fruits, and vegetables in decorative ways)

• Pollinator gardens (attracting bees and butterflies to support local ecosystems)

• Living ground covers (like creeping thyme instead of grass)

• 
  

Contractors are also educating clients on how to replace traditional irrigation systems with smart, weather-responsive watering. These systems monitor soil moisture and weather conditions and adjust watering accordingly. It’s a win for both the environment and utility bills.

Eco-Conscious Hardscaping Materials Are in Demand

Hardscaping is getting greener. Whether it’s the stone under your feet or the wall holding back a slope, today’s materials are increasingly chosen for sustainability as much as style. Traditional concrete is giving way to more environmentally friendly options, and clients are asking tough questions about sourcing and durability.

Top materials making the list this summer:

• Permeable pavers that reduce runoff and allow water to filter back into the soil

• Recycled concrete or brick for patios and walkways

• Reclaimed wood for garden borders and retaining walls

• Natural stone from local quarries

  
  

One growing trend is the use of modular and prefabricated landscaping elements. These not only reduce waste but also speed up the installation process, saving clients time and money.

Contractors are also incorporating:

• Gravel gardens with modern edging

• Stepping stone paths with creeping herbs between pavers

• Concrete slabs with grass or moss joints

  
  

The look is clean, modern, and responsible. And with more homeowners asking for low-impact solutions, these materials are hitting the sweet spot between function and aesthetics.

Smart Tech and Lighting Are Shaping the Outdoor Experience

Technology is changing landscaping just like it has changed everything else. This summer, smart features are making their way into backyards. From app-controlled irrigation systems to solar-powered lighting that adjusts with the season, homeowners are embracing tools that make their outdoor spaces easier to manage and more enjoyable to use.

Popular tech upgrades include:

• Smart irrigation controllers tied to weather data

• LED pathway and accent lighting with timers or motion sensors

• Outdoor sound systems with Bluetooth connectivity

• Landscape lighting automation (scenes for entertaining, safety, or ambiance)

  
  

Solar-powered lighting is especially popular for pathways, garden beds, and even water features. It cuts down on wiring, installation time, and electric bills.

Tech-savvy landscaping is also helping with maintenance. Robotic lawn mowers and plant-monitoring sensors are showing up in more residential jobs, especially among younger or tech-forward homeowners.

Contractors and designers who stay up-to-date with these options are positioning themselves well to meet modern expectations.

Low-Maintenance, High-Impact Design Is the New Gold Standard

People want great-looking yards that don’t take up all their weekends. That’s driving a surge in low-maintenance landscaping features that still deliver on visual impact. It’s not just about ditching the lawn—it’s about working smarter with design.

Clients are asking for evergreen plants, rocks, mulch, and synthetic turf. These materials hold up under heat, require minimal water, and look good year-round.

Trending low-maintenance ideas:

• Artificial grass lawns (especially for small urban yards)

• Dry riverbeds or rock gardens with succulents

• Automatic drip irrigation for planter boxes and raised beds

• Mulch-heavy beds with slow-growing perennials

  
  

Color is also being used more strategically. People want bold combinations that pop—think deep burgundy foliage against silver-green grasses. And they’re less interested in labor-intensive flowers like roses or annuals, instead leaning into structure and texture.

Low-maintenance doesn’t mean boring. It means choosing the right elements up front so the yard continues to look sharp without constant upkeep.

Vertical Gardens and Artistic Elements Are Taking Over

Yards are going vertical—and not just with trees. Limited space and the desire for drama have led to a surge in vertical gardening and outdoor art. Homeowners are using fences, walls, and freestanding structures to add plants, color, and personality.

Examples of vertical trends include:

• Living walls with herbs, succulents, or ferns

• Trellises with climbing vines like jasmine or clematis

• Decorative screens or panels that double as privacy elements

• Art installations made from wood, metal, or stone

  
  

This isn’t just about adding greenery. It’s also about expressing style. Outdoor murals, mosaic paths, sculptural planters, and bespoke woodwork are giving landscapes a more personal touch.

For smaller properties, vertical elements help maximize usable space without overcrowding the yard. For larger properties, they create points of interest and allow for creative zone separation. As clients seek more individuality in their designs, these artistic touches are becoming essential—not just optional upgrades.

Where Homeowners and Pros Swap Ideas – The Renovation Room Community

If you're looking for real-world inspiration, advice, or just want to see what others are doing with their yards and homes, check out The Renovation Room. This isn’t just another home improvement site—it’s a community of over 38,000 homeowners, contractors, designers, and DIYers who share one thing in common: they’re actively renovating and learning as they go.

The Renovation Room website is packed with practical articles, seasonal guides, and project showcases. You’ll find helpful breakdowns on topics like choosing materials, budgeting for landscaping, and tackling backyard overhauls step by step.

Conclusion

Landscaping is no longer just the cherry on top of a renovation project—it’s a key ingredient. From sustainability to smart tech, today’s trends reflect a shift toward outdoor spaces that are as functional, stylish, and efficient as the rest of the home.

Whether you’re a contractor looking to stay competitive or a homeowner planning your next update, keeping up with these trends can help you make choices that stand the test of time.

This summer’s landscaping is all about intention. It’s about creating places where people can gather, relax, and live better—without wasting water, space, or energy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What’s the most cost-effective landscaping trend to follow right now?

A: Replacing traditional grass with native plants or ground cover is one of the best bang-for-buck options. It saves on water and maintenance while boosting curb appeal.

Q: Is artificial grass a good idea for a hot climate?

A: Yes, but be mindful of heat buildup. In very hot climates, it may get too warm underfoot, so choose heat-reflective options or place it in shaded areas.

Q: Are outdoor kitchens really worth the investment?

A: For homeowners who love to entertain or spend time outside, yes. They increase usable space and can raise property value, especially if well-designed and durable.

Q: What’s better for paths—gravel or pavers?

A: It depends on use. Gravel is cheaper and drains well, but it can shift. Pavers offer a more stable, polished look and are better for high-traffic areas.

Q: How do I make my landscape more eco-friendly?

A: Start by choosing native, drought-tolerant plants and switching to a smart irrigation system. Use recycled or locally sourced materials for hardscaping, and limit the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.