The Top 4 Landscape Design Trends of Fall 2019

The National Association of Landscape Professionals anticipates an uptick in textured plantings, jewel tones, cozy outdoor living styles and lush lawns this season

Fairfax, VA – August 29, 2019 (BUSINESS WIRE)–The National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) announces its official list of the top lawn and landscape trends of fall 2019. Fall welcomes endless opportunities for homeowners to enjoy their outdoor spaces. NALP trends help forecast elements of design and maintenance that influence how Americans will spend their time outside this fall.

“Move over mums and classic orange and yellow color schemes. This fall we expect to see a challenge to classic fall plantings with an increasing number of textured plantings and jewel toned hues debuting in backyards across America. These newer participants complimenting traditional mainstays of autumn will be joined by comfortable outdoor living styles and quests for lush lawns this season,” says Missy Henriksen, vice president of public affairs for the National Association of Landscape Professionals. “As homeowners look to extend their time outdoors, they are considering how simple lawn care fundamentals and landscape design can make an immediate impact on their yard heading into fall.”

In fall 2019, NALP predicts the following four trends will influence outdoor spaces around the country:

  1. Rich, Textured Plantings – Fall provides the opportunity to refresh garden beds and container gardens. Before relying on the comfort of traditional mums, experts recommend consideration of ornamental kales, cabbage and peppers, as well as snapdragons, pansies and grasses to add rich color and texture. Homeowners should also consider texture while interiorscaping, the art of purposefully planting indoor greenery. Succulents can add life to a garden bed or apartment terrace during the warmer months and add a trendy, textured green vibe during the fall and winter months.
  2. Pops of Jewel Tones – Classic fall colors like red, yellow and orange will seek competition from crisp and sophisticated jewel tones this season. Sapphire blue, emerald green, amethyst purple, ruby red and citrine yellow all bring warmth to fall landscape design. Experts recommend adding pops of jewel tones to outdoor living spaces with unique container gardens, decorative furnishings and accessories, eye-catching sculptures and seasonal plantings such as pansies, celosia, dianthus and black-eyed Susan.
  3. Cozy, Comfortable Outdoor Living – After enjoying sweet summertime, fall allows homeowners to transition their landscapes and utilize features that are not always top-of-mind during warmer months. Fire features continue to rise in popularity. From one-touch natural gas or propane ignition to traditional wood-burning fire features, homeowners can heat up chilly fall nights with ease and ambience. This year, pergolas gained popularity and we will see their lifespan continue in the cooler month with the help of retractable canopies and heating systems. Signature features, like fire features and pergolas, complimented by comfortable seating and attractive and aromatic plantings and jewel tones will bring resort like comfort to homes across the country.
  4. Healthy, Lush Lawns – Americans love their lawns. A recent national survey conducted by Engine’s CARAVAN Omnibus on behalf of NALP found 77 percent of Americans report relaxing in their yards at least once a month. Well-maintained lawns support the well-being of neighborhoods and allow communities to connect, play, celebrate and unwind. Fall is one of the most critical seasons for preparing lawns and landscapes for year-round health. By working with a professional on essential fall lawn care needs homeowners will see a plethora of benefits come spring.

The voice of the landscape industry, NALP develops its trends reports based on the expertise of professionals from around the United States supporting Americans’ growing passion for evolving the tried-and-true elements of landscapes: well-maintained lawns, outdoor living spaces, fire features and more. The landscape trends are also influenced by broader lifestyle and design trends.

Fall is often the forgotten season for yard care, but it is one of the most critical seasons for lawns and landscapes. Homeowners should work with a professional to think beyond raking leaves and properly prepare their yard for the winter months.

For more fall landscape and lawn care inspiration or to find a local, qualified landscape professional, visit LoveYourLandscape.org.

About NALP

The National Association of Landscape Professionals represents an industry that employs nearly 1 million landscape, lawn care, irrigation and tree care professionals who create and maintain healthy green spaces for the benefit of society and the environment.

Contacts

Benjamin Guell 
Vault Communications 
(610) 455-2748 
NALPteam@vaultcommunications.com

Experiential and Eco-Friendly: The Top Landscape Trends of 2018

The National Association of Landscape Professionals releases its annual list of trends anticipated to infiltrate residential and commercial outdoor spaces

Fairfax, VA – January 24, 2018 (BUSINESS WIRE) The National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) announces its official list of the top landscape trends of 2018. As the voice of the multibillion-dollar lawn and landscape industry, NALP annually forecasts trends that will impact landscape planning, design and maintenance within the coming year.

NALP Logo

“The top 2018 landscape trends reflect an evolution of the outdoor living trend we’ve seen grow in popularity over the past few years,” says Missy Henriksen, vice president of public affairs, NALP. “Stimulated by a healthy economy, homeowners and property managers are innovating their landscapes in fun, new ways. Recognizing the tremendous value that beautiful and functional landscapes bring to homes and commercial properties, today’s landscapes are built to last so they can be used and enjoyed through all the seasons, year after year.”

In 2018, NALP predicts the following five trends to influence landscape planning and design:

1. Experiential landscape design. Today’s landscapes are thoughtfully and creatively built for living, working and playing, and bring together form and function for a quality outdoor experience. More residential landscapes feature designated areas for cooking, dining, relaxing and even working outdoors, armed with fully integrated outdoor lighting and audio/visual systems for a multisensory and multiuse experience, day or night. Office landscapes more frequently include walking and bicycle paths, dining areas or gardens to enhance the employees’ experience. For both residential and commercial landscapes, the experience often begins at the entrance, with beautiful lawns, plantings and design elements that make a welcoming or wowing first impression.

2. Climate-cognizant landscaping. Unpredictable weather patterns call for landscape enhancements that withstand extreme conditions and allow spaces to be enjoyed on unseasonably cool or warm days. More landscapes are planned with the unexpected in mind, such as pergolas with retractable canopies that can protect outdoor areas in wind, rain and snow; outdoor heaters for patios on chillier nights; and hardier hardscape materials that can handle drastic temperature fluctuations.

3. Emphasis on water management and conservation. A buzzword for years, sustainability in landscaping is more than a trend, it influences how landscapes are created and maintained now and in the years to come. In particular, the integration of eco-friendly watering practices are expected to continue to take off in 2018, including the use of plants native to a region (which generally use less water), xeriscaping (planning a landscape to use low-water use plants), and smarter irrigation technology.

4. Enhanced equipment and technology. The latest yard tools on the market consider ease of use and storage while incorporating more eco-friendly innovations. Many lawn mowers, leaf blowers and similar equipment feature low or no emissions, are battery-powered, and are quieter. Many lawn and garden tools are also designed to stack or fold to fit in the garage or shed. Professionals are also integrating more technology — mobile apps, 3D modeling and drones — into landscape planning.

5. Plants in playful colors and patterns. While the simple elegance of greenery was all the rage last year, 2018 will see a renewed interest in adding pops of color and whimsy to landscapes. With ultra violet named the Color of the Year by Pantone, a leading provider of color systems and an influencer on interior and exterior design, landscape professionals expect to integrate more violets, verbena, clematis, iris and other purple flowers into landscapes. “Patterned” plants are also getting their time in the garden spotlight, as these unique plants are revered for their intricate details, such as striped leaves or brightly colored veins.

The voice of the landscape industry, NALP develops its trends reports based on a survey of its members and by drawing from the expertise of landscape professionals representing various regions of the U.S. who are at the forefront of outdoor trends. The landscape trends are also influenced by broader lifestyle and design trends.

For more information or to find a qualified landscape professional in your area, visit LoveYourLandscape.org.

About NALP

NALP represents an industry that employs nearly 1 million landscape, lawn care, irrigation and tree care professionals who create and maintain healthy green spaces for the benefit of society and the environment.

Contacts

Vault Communications
Stephanie Kensy
(610) 455-2767
skensy@vaultcommunications.com