Staff \u2014 March 25, 2015<\/p>\n

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).<\/p>\n

Landscape architects were asked to rate the expected popularity of a variety of residential outdoor design elements in 2015. The survey was fielded February 13 through February 27, 2015, with 581 responding. ASLA redesigned the survey for 2015 and introduced a new methodology to more clearly rank the popularity of different types of landscape projects.<\/p>\n

Respondents expected the greatest demand for ecologically sensitive projects intended to preserve the environment, conserve water and reduce landscape maintenance.<\/p>\n

Here are the top ten project types with the expected highest consumer demand:<\/p>\n

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

  \u201cConsumers care about designed landscapes that are attractive, easy to take care of and eco-friendly,\u201d says Nancy Somerville, Hon. ASLA, executive vice president and CEO of ASLA. \u201cThe survey shows that homeowners increasingly see opportunities to improve the environment right in their own backyard.\u201d<\/p>\n

  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.<\/p>\n

  The hottest sustainable design elements include native\/adapted drought-tolerant plants (83 percent), permeable paving (77 percent) and drip\/water-efficient irrigation (74 percent).<\/p>\n

  Forty percent of respondents noted that the most popular outdoor recreation amenities for 2015 will include spa features\u2014hot tubs, Jacuzzis, whirlpools, and indoor\/outdoor saunas\u2014and swimming pools.<\/p>\n

  For more landscape ideas for your home, and to find a professional in your area, click here.<\/p>\n

  Outdoor Design Elements<\/h3>\n

  Ranked in expected order of popularity for 2015<\/p>\n

  Fire pits\/fireplaces \u2013 78.0%
  \nLighting \u2013 72.0%
  \nGrills \u2013 63.0%
  \nOutdoor furniture \u2013 63.0%
  \nSeating\/dining areas \u2013 63.0%
  \nWireless\/internet connectivity \u2013 60.0%
  \nPlanters, sculptures, garden accessories \u2013 55.0%
  \nCounter space \u2013 53.0%
  \nOutdoor heaters \u2013 46.0%
  \nStereo systems \u2013 45.0%
  \nMovie\/TV\/video theaters \u2013 38.0%
  \nUtility storage \u2013 38.0%
  \nSinks \u2013 37.0%
  \nRefrigerators \u2013 35.0%
  \nOutdoor cooling systems (including fans) \u2013 29.0%
  \nShowers\/baths \u2013 27.0%
  \nHammocks \u2013 20.0%
  \nBedrooms\/sleeping spaces \u2013 9.0%<\/p>\n

  Outdoor Recreation Amenities<\/h3>\n

  Ranked in expected order of popularity for 2015<\/p>\n

  Spa features (hot tubs, Jacuzzis, whirlpools, indoor\/outdoor saunas) \u2013 40.0%
  \nSwimming pools \u2013 40.0%
  \nSports courts (tennis, bocce, etc.) \u2013 36.0%<\/p>\n

  Landscape\/Garden Elements<\/h3>\n

  Ranked in expected order of popularity for 2015<\/p>\n

  Native plants \u2013 85.0%
  \nFood\/vegetable gardens (including orchards, vineyards, etc.) \u2013 79.0%
  \nLow-maintenance landscapes \u2013 78.0%
  \nRain gardens \u2013 74.0%
  \nWater-saving xeriscape or dry gardens \u2013 71.0%
  \nOrganic gardens \u2013 68.0%
  \nPlant walls\/vertical gardens \u2013 61.0%
  \nDecorative water elements (ornamental pools, fountains, splash pools, waterfalls, grottos, water runnels or bubblers) \u2013 57.0%
  \nRooftop gardens \u2013 56.0%
  \nPonds\/streams \u2013 33.0%<\/p>\n

  Outdoor Structures<\/h3>\n

  Ranked in expected order of popularity for 2015<\/p>\n

  Pergolas \u2013 51.0%
  \nDecks \u2013 45.0%
  \nFencing \u2013 42.0%
  \nArbors \u2013 41.0%
  \nPorches \u2013 38.0%
  \nADA accessible structures (ramps, bars, shelving, etc.) \u2013 31.0%
  \nPavilions \u2013 31.0%
  \nUtility sheds (tool sheds, garden sheds) \u2013 29.0%
  \nPlay structures (treehouses, swing sets, etc.) \u2013 25.0%
  \nGazebos \u2013 19.0%<\/p>\n

  Sustainable Elements<\/h3>\n

  Ranked in expected order of popularity for 2015<\/p>\n

  Native\/adapted drought tolerant plants \u2013 83.0%
  \nPermeable paving \u2013 77.0%
  \nDrip\/water-efficient irrigation \u2013 74.0%
  \nRainwater\/graywater harvesting \u2013 71.0%
  \nReduced lawn area \u2013 69.0%
  \nRecycled materials \u2013 65.0%
  \nSolar-powered lights \u2013 55.0%
  \nCompost bins \u2013 51.0%
  \nGeothermal heated pools \u2013 21.0%<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

  Staff \u2014 March 25, 2015 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. The […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[79,16],"class_list":["post-554","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-nursery","tag-garden","tag-landscape"],"yoast_head":"\n