7 Landscaping Trends to Say Goodbye to in 2026, According to Experts

Landscaping ultimately comes down to personal preference; however, your yard is just as susceptible to the pendulum swing of trends as fashion and interiors. If you're planning a garden overhaul or simply want to spruce up your space, then it may be worth swapping out some outdated trends in favor of fresher options. Here are some of the trends that garden designers say are on their way out—and what to do instead.

Neutral Color Palettes

More is more in 2026, so go ahead and embrace color, texture, and vibrancy. In the past, gardeners often opted for a palette of grays, whites, beiges, and earth tones, but the tide is now shifting. 

“An entirely neutral outdoor space can feel flat and uninspiring, [and is] missing the vibrancy that nature itself provides,” says Nate Fox, lead designer at Foxterra Design. “Outdoor spaces are an opportunity to embrace color and create joyful, energizing environments that enhance your connection to the natural world.” 

He says to instead introduce pops of color through cushions, planters, flowers, outdoor rugs, or painted furniture. This approach will create visual interest and better reflect your personality.

Concrete and Metal Accents

In recent years, precast concrete and powder-coated metal planters were beloved due to their clean lines and uniform finishes.

“People are moving away from these high-finish materials in favor of more organic and natural options, like limestone, terracotta, and natural stone,” says Stephen Block, founder of Inner Gardens. “A limestone or hand-carved stone fire pit, for example, feels warmer and more authentic.”

High Water Usage Yards

The switch to more eco-friendly lawns is only gaining steam.

“People are opting for low water usage plant palettes in an effort to slow down the effects of climate change,” says Adam Kober, founder of Kober Design Group. “While some may think that the landscape design may start to look more rustic or ragged, there are many options that can still maintain a more rigid branching structure.” 

Artificial Turf

While a switch from grass to artificial turf may seem like a good move, homeowners have found it’s not the solution they’re looking for.

“Its popularity is on the decline as homeowners recognize its drawbacks,” says Sara Bendrick, licensed landscape contractor and STIHL spokesperson. “Synthetic grass  tends to trap heat, is costly to install, breaks down over time, and cannot be recycled.”

For a low-maintenance lawn alternative, try clover or other fast-growing groundcover that needs fewer resources.

Wooden Trellises

A longtime staple in many gardens—and a feature that many will always love—wooden trellises are increasingly being swapped out for sturdier pieces with more architectural interest.

“[They] can look generic and require regular maintenance, including staining or painting to prevent weathering and rot,” Fox says. Contemporary outdoor spaces benefit from more innovative and durable solutions.

Instead, try exploring alternative materials and designs, such as cable wire systems, modern geometric metal panels, or even tension wire systems that virtually disappear, while still supporting climbing plants. 

Perfect Landscaping

Consider this your sign to embrace a bit of imperfection. Wabi sabi yards are here, and they’re going to continue gaining momentum in 2026. 

“Landscapes that require a lot of maintenance are becoming less popular,” Kober says. “[In their place] are gardens that are allowed to grow naturally and to have more broken edges."

Matching Furniture Sets

Furniture is a key part of every yard. Historically, people have headed to a big box store, picked out a matching set, and called it a day. As we see trends shift toward maximalism and self-expression, that’s changing. 

“Modern outdoor design is moving toward more eclectic, curated spaces that reflect personal style and creativity rather than catalog perfection,” Fox tells us. “The matchy-matchy approach can feel sterile and lacks the character and visual interest that comes from mixing different pieces, eras, and styles.” 

He recommends mixing furniture pieces from different sources to create a more collected, layered look that tells a story. For cohesion, stick to a color palette or material theme, rather than identical pieces.