2025 Landscape Design Predictions

At Bower & Branch, we’re passionate about staying ahead of the curve in landscape design. Every year, we gather insights from our talented team of landscape designers, architects, tree & plant experts, and trusted brand partners to predict the trends shaping outdoor spaces. 

We’re excited to share our 2025 trend predictions with you! From eco-friendly designs to personalized outdoor spaces, these trends reflect the evolving needs and desires of homeowners everywhere. With our expertise and years of experience, we’re confident these ideas will inspire you to transform your own landscape into something truly remarkable. Let’s dig in! 

#1 // Suburban Micro-Forests

We love this trend! It involves planting dense clusters of trees and shrubs together to create a mini forest. Believe it or not, this can be done in even a small yard. Instead of a line of arborvitae, picture a more informal cluster of trees, shrubs and groundcover used to create a dynamic space or border to your property. On top of looking beautiful, this is a great way to increase biodiversity, create a very intimate outdoor environment, and potentially get happily lost in your own space. 

#2 // Tree Canopy Expansion for Shade and Cooling

With rising temperatures, more homeowners are realizing the importance of expanding their tree canopy for natural cooling. Larger shade trees, like elms and sycamores, are becoming a key element in landscape designs, helping to reduce the need for artificial cooling while enhancing outdoor living spaces. The shade from a tree puts the shade from an umbrella to shame and investing in trees is a great way to continue your legacy while increasing the enjoyment of your space. 

#3 // Sustainable Landscaping

We’re not sure we should even call this a ‘trend’ because it is very widely embraced as a norm for many homeowners. However, we expect to see more and more people making sustainable choices when thinking about renovating their yard. As environmental concerns continue to grow from coast to coast, sustainable landscaping practices need to become more mainstream. This includes a focus on native plants, conserving water, and reducing the use of pesticides and herbicides. It also includes selecting a hardscape that’s appropriate for your area and lifestyle and all around considering the future when you update your yard. . 

#4 // Outdoor Wellness Spaces

We expect to see a rise in people focusing on wellness. Incorporating features like outdoor saunas and sundecks for yoga will be popular. There are some beautiful wood saunas that can blend into the environment, creating a harmonious connection with your landscape. 

#5 //  Vertical Gardens

Taking advantage of vertical space with planting will not only soften a space, but also add a sense of privacy.  Trellises and pergolas with flowering vines and plant wall installations can translate to any type of garden style and are a great way to add color to a small space. Vertical gardening keeps you creative and can be a great way to incorporate color, herbs, flowers and more into your space. 

#6 // Hobby Happiness 

In 2025, we expect more homeowners to personalize their outdoor spaces to reflect their hobbies and passions. Whether you're an avid gardener, a yoga enthusiast, or a weekend chef, your landscape can be tailored to enhance these activities. This trend includes creating dedicated spaces like outdoor kitchens for cooking enthusiasts (wave in the green egg, smoker, and pizza oven!), vegetable gardens for those passionate about homegrown produce, or cozy fire pits and seating areas for book lovers. It’s all about making your landscape an extension of your lifestyle, where functional spaces meet personal joy. This customized approach turns outdoor areas into true sanctuaries for relaxation and creativity.

#7 // Native Wildlife Gardens 

Gardens that cater to local wildlife, such as birds, bees, and butterflies, are becoming more popular. These spaces incorporate pollinator-friendly trees, plants, birdhouses, water features, and diverse plantings to create habitats for various species, helping to restore biodiversity in urban and suburban settings. Add a butterfly puddling station, a seating area, and make it yours. Start by picking your favorite wildlife and create a beautiful sanctuary to welcome them into your yard. 

#8 // Smart Landscaping Technology

Technology is now deeply woven into our daily lives, and we expect to see even more advancements in smart irrigation systems, automated lighting, and AI-assisted garden planning. Before long, robotic lawn mowers may be planting our bulbs, and smart plant sensors will notify us when it's time to fertilize. Every home could have its own weather station, and who knows—maybe one day our trees will be whispering to us for more water (well, not quite yet!). As these tools continue to evolve, they’ll make landscape maintenance easier and help us enjoy our outdoor spaces even more.

#9 // Urban Rewilding with Trees

Urban areas are increasingly turning to tree planting as part of rewilding efforts. This involves integrating native and diverse tree species into cities to help combat urban heat islands, improve air quality, and create habitat corridors for wildlife. This trend speaks to a broader movement of greening cities with the help of strategic tree planting. This is a trend you can embrace in your own yard - even if you just plant a single tree! 

As we look ahead to 2025, it's clear that landscape design is evolving in exciting ways. From smart technology to sustainable practices and personalized outdoor spaces, these trends offer endless possibilities to enhance both the beauty and functionality of our yards. 

No matter which trend resonates with you, the best way to enjoy your yard is simply by spending time in it! At Bower & Branch, we're here to help bring these ideas to life and make your outdoor space truly special.