It’s that time of year again, summer is coming to an end, and it’s time to do some work in our yards. Do you know what landscape architecture trends are hot? Which projects could bring the most return on your investment from current home buyers? You want to love your property, of course, but there is additional satisfaction in knowing that not only is your updated property beautiful, but it will improve your home’s appeal to buyers and could even increase your asking price when it comes time to sell.
Use this article on landscape architecture trends to help steer your decisions about which projects you want to tackle in your yard or garden!
Landscape Architecture Trends
If you’re itching to plan your outdoor projects, be sure your new landscape design brings both enjoyment and a return on your investment.
Two reports can help you choose the best projects.
The American Society of Landscape Architects’ 2017 Residential Landscape Architecture Trends Survey found that people want to enjoy nature and connectivity simultaneously. That wish for wireless/internet connectivity popped up on its top ten project list for the first time this year.
Here are the 10 project types ASLA it expects will have the highest consumer demand.
- Native/adapted drought tolerant plants – 82.31%
- Native plants – 81.60%
- Low-maintenance landscapes – 79.25%
- Food/vegetable gardens (including orchards, vineyards, etc.) – 76.52%
- Permeable paving – 76.31%
- Reduced lawn area – 72.66%
- Fire pits/fireplaces – 71.51%
- Drip/water-efficient irrigation – 71.05%
- Wireless/internet connectivity – 70.77%
- Rainwater/graywater harvesting – 70.32%
And if making your outdoor space more sustainable is on your to-do list, see ASLA’s list of most popular sustainable elements.
They are:
- 1. Native/adapted drought tolerant plants – 82.31%
- 2. Permeable paving – 76.31%
- 3. Reduced lawn area – 72.66%
- 4. Drip/water-efficient irrigation – 71.05%
- 5. Rainwater/graywater harvesting – 70.32%
- 6. Recycled materials – 64.91%
- 7. Solar-powered lights – 57.16%
- 8. Compost bins – 46.35%
- 9. Geothermal heated pools – 28.36%
For more about landscaping trends, also revisit the NAR’s “2016 Remodeling Impact Report: Outdoor Features” http://bit.ly/2mgsTYP from fall 2016 to see what projects most appeal to buyers and add the greatest resale value to your property.
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REALTOR® rank of projects’ appeal to buyers (highest to lowest) |
REALTOR® rank of projects’ likely added value to home for resale (highest to lowest) |
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1. |
Standard Lawn Care Program |
Landscape Upgrade |
|
2. |
Overall Landscape Upgrade |
New Patio |
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3. |
New Patio |
New Wood Deck |
|
4. |
New Wood Deck |
Standard Lawn Care |
|
5. |
Softscape |
Sod Lawn |
|
6. |
Sod Lawn |
Softscape |
|
7 |
Seed Lawn |
Seed Lawn |
|
8. |
Outdoor Firepit |
Outdoor Fireplace |
|
9. |
Outdoor Fireplace |
Outdoor Firepit |
|
10. |
New Pool |
New Pool |
