Consumers are spending money on residential landscapes, especially those used to relax and socialize. Commonly known as outdoor living spaces, these types of landscape projects, along with sustainable and low-maintenance landscaping, are the most popular among consumers in 2014, according to a survey conducted by the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA).
Landscape architects who specialize in residential design were asked to rate the popularity of different landscaping elements. Roughly 94% said "gardens and landscape spaces" were either somewhat or very popular. Coming in second at 92% were "kitchens and entertainment spaces". Third was "outdoor recreation" at 76%.
Additionally, the following specific residential landscaping elements were noted as being "in demand" this year:
- Lighting – 98%
- Seating/Dining Areas – 97.7%
- Fire Pits/Fireplaces – 95%
- Grills – 94%
- Installed Seating – 90% (includes benches, walls, ledges, steps and boulders)
In terms of "landscaping garden structures", the following were cited as being in demand this year:
- Terraces, Patios, Decks – 98%
- Fencing – 89%
- Pergolas – 83%
Low maintenance and sustainability
The trend toward more sustainable and/or lower-maintenance landscaping continues to gain popularity year after year. According to the survey:
- 95% said low-maintenance landscapes are popular
- 76% said food/vegetable gardens are popular, which include orchards and vineyards
- 88% said native, drought-tolerant plants are in demand
- 85% said drip/water-efficient irrigation is in demand
- 79% said permeable paving is in demand
- 73% said consumers are asking for less lawn in a landscape
- 65% said consumers are requesting recycled materials to be used
