Latest residential landscape design trends

Sustainable and low-maintenance design are the top trends for residential landscape projects, according to the 2015 Residential Landscape Architecture Trends Survey conducted by the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA). Landscape architects were asked to rate the expected popularity of a variety of residential outdoor design elements in 2015. Respondents expected the greatest demand for ecologically sensitive projects intended to preserve the environment, conserve water and reduce landscape maintenance.

Here are the top ten project types with the expected highest consumer demand:

• Native plants (85 percent)
• Native/adapted drought-tolerant plants (83 percent)
• Food/vegetable gardens (79 percent)
• Fire pits/fireplaces (78 percent)
• Low-maintenance landscapes (78 percent)
• Permeable paving (77 percent)
• Drip/water-efficient irrigation (74 percent)
• Rain gardens (74 percent)
• Lighting (72 percent)
• Rainwater/graywater harvesting (71 percent)

«Consumers care about designed landscapes that are attractive, easy to take care of and eco-friendly», says Nancy Somerville, Hon. ASLA, executive vice president and CEO of ASLA. «The survey shows that homeowners increasingly see opportunities to improve the environment right in their own backyard».

The survey asked landscape architecture professionals about the estimated popularity of various residential design elements for 2015. The top three most popular outdoor design elements include fire pits/fireplaces (78 percent), lighting (72 percent) and grills (63 percent).

The top landscape and garden elements include native plants (85 percent), food and vegetable gardens (79 percent) and low-maintenance landscapes (78 percent). Pergolas (51 percent), decks (45 percent) and fencing (42 percent) are expected to be the most popular outdoor structures.

The hottest sustainable design elements include native/adapted drought-tolerant plants (83 percent), permeable paving (77 percent) and drip/water-efficient irrigation (74 percent). Forty percent of respondents noted that the most popular outdoor recreation amenities for 2015 will include spa features—hot tubs, Jacuzzis, whirlpools, and indoor/outdoor saunas—and swimming pools.

Founded in 1899, ASLA is the national professional association for landscape architects, representing more than 15,000 members in 49 professional chapters and 72 student chapters. Members of the Society use «ASLA» after their names to denote membership and their commitment to the highest ethical standards of the profession.

Landscape architects lead the stewardship, planning, and design of our built and natural environments; the Society’s mission is to advance landscape architecture through advocacy, communication, education, and fellowship.