5 Landscaping Trends for 2025

The Pacific Northwest, renowned for its unique climate and diverse ecosystems, is leading the way on innovative landscape design trends shaping our outdoor living areas in the upcoming year. From inventive hardscaping to thoughtful native plant choices, let's dive into the top 5 landscaping trends poised to define our backyard spaces in 2025.

1.) Sustainable Landscaping

Environmental awareness is on the rise and more people are interested learning how their daily choices impact the environment around them, including landscaping practices. The goal is to create landscapes that not only captivate the eye but also nurture our planet.

·         Water Conservation - Water-wise landscaping is a sustainable approach that conserves resources while maintaining beauty and functionality. Techniques such as xeriscaping incorporate drought-tolerant plants that thrive with minimal water. Pairing these with smart irrigation systems ensures precise watering, reducing waste and promoting healthy plant growth. By embracing these sustainable practices, you not only save water but also create an eco-friendly outdoor space that supports local ecosystems.

·         Enhancing Biodiversity in Landscaping - Creating landscapes that support biodiversity fosters healthier ecosystems. Incorporate native plants, which provide food and shelter for local wildlife, and add features like pollinator gardens to attract bees, butterflies, and birds.

Diverse plant selections, layered vegetation, and natural elements like water features or log piles create habitats for various species. By enhancing biodiversity, you contribute to a thriving environment that benefits both nature and your outdoor space.

·         Permeable Surfaces - Permeable surfaces are an eco-friendly solution for managing stormwater runoff. Materials like permeable pavers, gravel, or porous concrete allow water to soak into the ground, reducing flooding and replenishing groundwater.

These surfaces also filter pollutants, support plant health, and integrate seamlessly into driveways, patios, and pathways. By choosing permeable surfaces, you combine functionality with sustainability, enhancing both your landscape and the environment.

2.) Maximizing Functional Space & Backyard Retreats

A well-designed backyard combines beauty with purpose, creating a space you’ll love to use year-round. Functional landscaping incorporates features like outdoor kitchens, covered seating areas, fire pits, and play zones tailored to your lifestyle – a space designed for relaxation, entertainment, and beauty of the outdoors.

With thoughtful planning, your backyard can serve as an extension of your home, perfect for entertaining, relaxing, or family activities. Enhance usability with pathways, lighting, and greenery that balance aesthetics and practicality.

3.) Wellness Spaces 

With health at the forefront, the trend of transforming backyards into wellness sanctuaries is flourishing, driven by homeowners' desire for relaxation and holistic health at home. Wellness gardens, designed to promote mental and physical well-being, incorporate features like sensory plants, calming water elements and water features. Meanwhile, plunge pools and saunas are becoming staples in luxury outdoor living, offering rejuvenation and spa-like experiences just steps away from home. This shift reflects a growing emphasis on creating personal retreats that blend aesthetics with functionality, aligning with the modern lifestyle's focus on self-care and outdoor living.

4.) Embracing Native Plants and Local Flora

In the Pacific Northwest, the use of native plants takes center stage. Not only do these plants introduce natural diversity, but they also benefit local wildlife and reduce the need for watering. Consider shrubs like an Evergreen Huckleberry (Vaccinium Ovatum), Twig Dogwood (Cornus Stolonifera), or Sword Fern (Polystichum) and if you’re looking for tree options look at Strawberry Tree (Arbutus Menziesii) or Vine Maple (Acer Circinatum). These low-maintenance options adapt well to the region, requiring less water and care, making them perfect for sustainable and beautiful residential landscaping.

5.) Edible Gardens

Edible gardens are gaining popularity, seamlessly blending functionality with aesthetics. Folks are integrating edible plants into their landscape and vegetable and herb plants into raised garden beds that add both visual and practical appeal.

As we step into 2024, these trends present exciting opportunities to transform our landscapes into visually stunning, sustainable havens that harmonize with the local environment. Whether contemplating a complete landscape overhaul or considering a few updates, these trends offer a wealth of inspiration for the year ahead.

Thinking about updating your outdoor landscaping for 2025?

Malone’s Landscape has been designing, building, and maintaining beautiful outdoor living spaces for over 30 years. Our talented team has the experience and expertise you can rely on and a local name you can trust. Contact us today for a free consultation or site walk of your commercial property. We are ready to make your dreams a reality!