Monday, July 10, 2017

2017 Landscape Design Trends

Landscape Design trends for 2017 that will improve your landscape.

With Oklahoma having just experienced several years of drought conditions, drought-tolerant plants and low-maintenance gardens are frequent topics property owners ask about to upgrade their landscape design and enhance their outdoor experience. Sustainability in all environmental conditions is frequently requested from landscape designers by their clients for economic and environmental reasons.

Upgrading outdoor spaces and overhauling the yard.

The backyard is the main focus of most residential landscaping projects. Large-scale renovations of outdoor spaces are the predominant theme as opposed to small upgrades. Year round usability for outdoor living areas is becoming more desirable and common. Hardscape installation of outdoor kitchens, patios, and pergolas that are accessible year-round are a growing trend. This could possibly be a result of a positive economic outlook.

Updating outdoor irrigation systems and landscape lighting in outdoor projects.

A growing trend for homeowners is to upgrade their outdoor lighting and irrigation design in the foreseeable future. Motion-sensitive lighting and precipitation-sensitive irrigation are both considerations for the residential landscape. Both of these are reflective of the advancement toward high tech upgrade options. With consideration of the rising cost of irrigation in drought conditions, irrigation systems have become much more efficient and effective. And with security and usability concerns, outdoor lighting has become easier to implement. Plus, the overall interest in outdoor media and kitchens is still growing strong in outdoor living areas.

New materials in pathways, driveways, patios and terraces.

Pavers, Gravel, crushed rock, and stamped concrete are some of the more common materials and methods used for permeable surface in the landscape. The reuse and salvage of existing materials onsite are in high demand as that reduces the financial cost and for those concerned with the environment, and offers a smaller carbon footprint.

Reducing the Lawn Footprint

Outdoor renovations with an existing lawn are more commonly moving toward the limiting the amount of lawn in the landscape. Ground covers and other products are increasingly popular among homeowners reducing their lawn footprint. Options include replacing the grass areas of a lawn with water features, patios and kitchens, and increasing garden beds. Helping the environment and reducing maintenance are some reasons for reducing the lawn, and many homeowners choose to accomplish this by increasing their hardscape area.

Use of native plants, native adapted, and drought-tolerant plants.

As a result of reducing the lawn, plants that require less caretaking – watering, fertilization, deadheading and overall maintenance are in greater demand. This presents an exceptional opportunity for growers and landscape designers to communicate about natives and the importance of “right plant, right place.” For more information about creating a sustainable landscape in all conditions, and upgrading your outdoor living areas, contact Land Creations by sending us a message or request, or call us at (405) 755-7866.