Landscaping is an art and a science that can transform your outdoor space into a beautiful and functional oasis. Whether you want to enhance your curb appeal, create a cozy and inviting outdoor living area, or simply enjoy your backyard more, you need to keep up with the latest landscaping trends and innovations.
In this blog post, we will share some of the hottest landscaping trends for 2024, including artificial turf, eco lawns, smart irrigation, and more. We will also give you some examples, budget-friendly ideas, and descriptions for each trend, so you can get inspired and start planning your dream landscape.
Artificial Turf
Artificial turf is a synthetic grass that mimics the look and feel of natural grass, but without the hassle of mowing, watering, fertilizing, or weeding. Artificial turf is a great option for homeowners who want to have a green and lush lawn all year round, regardless of the weather or the season.
Artificial turf has many benefits, such as:
It saves water and money. According to Garden Design, artificial turf can reduce your water consumption by up to 70%, saving you hundreds of dollars on your water bill each year.
It is eco-friendly. Artificial turf does not need any pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers, which can harm the environment and your health. It also reduces your carbon footprint by eliminating the need for gas-powered lawn mowers and trimmers.
It is durable and low-maintenance. Artificial turf can withstand heavy foot traffic, pets, kids, and weather conditions, without fading, tearing, or matting. It only needs occasional brushing, rinsing, and sanitizing to keep it clean and fresh.
It is versatile and customizable. Artificial turf comes in different colors, textures, and heights, so you can choose the one that suits your style and preference. You can also mix and match artificial turf with other landscaping elements, such as pavers, rocks, plants, and water features, to create a unique and stunning landscape.
Some examples of how you can use artificial turf in your landscape are:
Create a putting green or a mini golf course in your backyard for some fun and entertainment.
Cover your patio, deck, or balcony with artificial turf to add some softness and warmth to your outdoor space.
Use artificial turf as a border or a filler for your flower beds, vegetable gardens, or rock gardens, to add some contrast and texture to your landscape.
Install artificial turf on your rooftop, terrace, or courtyard, to create a green and relaxing oasis in the city.
It is expensive to install and dispose of. According to Wirecutter, professionally installed artificial grass costs between $5 and $20 per square foot, and it can be difficult to recycle or reuse12.
It gets very hot in the summer. Artificial turf is made of plastic, which absorbs heat and can make it uncomfortable or even dangerous to walk on or play on123.
It is not eco-friendly. Artificial turf does not support biodiversity, as it does not provide habitat or food for pollinators or other animals. It also contributes to plastic pollution, as it can shed microplastics into the soil and water
Eco Lawns
Eco lawns are another landscaping trend that is gaining popularity in 2024. Eco lawns are alternative lawns that replace grass with clovers, herbaceous plants, and other drought-tolerant and disease-resistant plants. Eco lawns are ideal for homeowners who want to have a natural and sustainable landscape, while reducing their water usage and maintenance needs.
Eco lawns have many benefits, such as:
They are water-efficient and cost-effective. According to The Spruce, eco lawns can survive on as little as 12 inches of water per year, compared to 40 inches for conventional lawns. This means you can save up to 70% of water and money on your irrigation system.
They are environmentally friendly and beneficial. Eco lawns do not need any chemicals or fertilizers, which can pollute the soil and the water. They also attract and support pollinators, such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, which are essential for the ecosystem and the food chain.
They are beautiful and diverse. Eco lawns offer a variety of colors, shapes, and textures, that can create a stunning and dynamic landscape. They also bloom throughout the year, providing a constant source of beauty and joy.
Some examples of how you can use eco lawns in your landscape are:
Plant a clover lawn, which is a type of eco lawn that consists of clovers and other low-growing plants. Clover lawns are soft, green, and resilient, and they can fix nitrogen in the soil, improving its fertility and health.
Plant a meadow lawn, which is a type of eco lawn that consists of wildflowers, grasses, and other native plants. Meadow lawns are colorful, vibrant, and diverse, and they can create a natural and rustic look for your landscape.
Plant a moss lawn, which is a type of eco lawn that consists of mosses and other shade-loving plants. Moss lawns are velvety, smooth, and soothing, and they can thrive in shady and moist areas, where grass cannot grow.
A few cons of an eco lawn are
They are not suitable for all climates or soils. Eco lawns require plants that are native or adapted to the local environment, which may not be available or affordable in some regions. They also need well-drained and fertile soil, which may not be the case for some properties67.
They may not meet aesthetic or functional expectations. Eco lawns are more diverse and dynamic than conventional lawns, which means they may look messy, overgrown, or uneven to some people. They may also not be as durable or resilient as grass, especially for high-traffic or recreational areas67.
They may face legal or social barriers. Eco lawns may not comply with some municipal codes, homeowners association rules, or neighborhood norms, which could result in fines, complaints, or conflicts. They may also require education and outreach to explain their benefits and challenges to others6
Smart Irrigation
Smart irrigation is a landscaping trend that uses technology to optimize your watering system and make it more efficient and convenient. Smart irrigation systems use sensors, controllers, and mobile apps to monitor the soil moisture, weather conditions, and plant needs, and adjust the watering schedule and amount accordingly.
Smart irrigation has many benefits, such as:
It saves water and money. According to Rachio, a smart yard company, smart irrigation systems can reduce your water consumption by up to 50%, saving you hundreds of dollars on your water bill each year.
It is easy and convenient. Smart irrigation systems allow you to control and monitor your watering system from anywhere, using your smartphone or tablet. You can also set up alerts, notifications, and reports, to keep track of your water usage and performance.
It is smart and adaptive. Smart irrigation systems use real-time data and artificial intelligence to water your plants only when they need it, and at the optimal time and amount. They also integrate with other smart devices, such as weather stations, soil sensors, and smart home systems, to create a seamless and intelligent landscape.
Some examples of how you can use smart irrigation in your landscape are:
Install a smart sprinkler controller, which is a device that connects to your existing sprinkler system and replaces your manual timer. A smart sprinkler controller can access local weather data and adjust the watering schedule based on the current and forecasted conditions, such as temperature, humidity, rainfall, and wind.
Install a smart drip irrigation system, which is a system that delivers water directly to the roots of your plants, using tubes, emitters, and valves. A smart drip irrigation system can sense the soil moisture and water your plants precisely and efficiently, avoiding water waste and runoff.
Install a smart rain barrel, which is a container that collects and stores rainwater from your roof or gutter. A smart rain barrel can measure the water level and quality, and release the water to your plants when needed, using a pump and a hose.
Some barriers to smart irrigation are
They are costly and complex to install and maintain. Smart irrigation systems require sensors, controllers, and mobile apps, which can be expensive to purchase and install. They also need regular updates, repairs, and troubleshooting, which may require technical skills or professional services8910.
They are vulnerable to errors or failures. Smart irrigation systems rely on data and algorithms, which may not always be accurate or reliable. They may overwater or underwater the plants, or malfunction due to power outages, network issues, or software bugs8910.
They are not a substitute for human judgment or care. Smart irrigation systems can optimize water use, but they cannot replace the need for proper plant selection, soil preparation, and mulching. They also cannot account for all the variables and preferences that affect watering decisions, such as plant health, weather forecasts, or personal tastes8910.
These are just some of the landscaping trends that you can use in 2024 to create a beautiful and functional outdoor space. At Jacksons Outdoor Design LLC, we offer a range of landscaping services to suit your needs and budget. We have the experience, skills, and equipment to handle any project, big or small. We also use the best materials and techniques to ensure your satisfaction and quality.
If you are looking for some inspiration, check out our portfolio of previous projects or browse our blog for some helpful tips and ideas . You can also contact us for a free consultation and quote. We would love to hear from you and discuss your landscaping goals
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