Outdoor fire pits and fireplaces are the hottest landscaping trend for fall, according to a survey from the National Association of Landscape Professionals. The association surveyed more than 5,000 of its landscaping professional members.
Here’s what topped the NALP’s list of the five hottest outdoor trends for fall:
1. High-tech fire pits: Fire pits today can be automated and programmed to turn on and off at certain times or controlled from indoors or with a smartphone.
2. Low-maintenance landscapes: Add more flowers, shrubs, and trees to your landscapes, particularly chrysanthemums, boxwood, and maples that are hardier and require less work and water, the NALP notes.
3. Outdoor lighting: Homeowners are installing LED lighting along their walkways not only for ambiance but for safety as well.
4. Natural-looking materials: The latest hardscape materials mimic the look of real wood and natural stone without the associated maintenance, the NALP notes. Porcelain tiles are gaining popularity, since they are less susceptible to degradation from harsh weather conditions.
5. Interiorscapes: Interiorscapes—or indoor landscapes—are becoming more prevalent as owners look to bring the outdoors in, the NALP notes. Large living “green” walls made up of greenery and other plants are adorning interior rooms and courtyards.
“The outdoor entertaining trend has been gaining momentum over the past several years, and this year has seen a further desire to bring the indoors out,” says Missy Henriksen, vice president of public affairs for the NALP. “In particular, the warmer fall months will lend themselves to increased attention on outdoor spaces, as homeowners look to extend the summer outdoor entertaining season and adapt their landscapes for enjoyment throughout the year.”
Source: National Association of Landscape Professionals
