5 Backyard Landscape Installation Trends 2026
Need some inspiration for your next Austin landscape installation project? You’ve come to the right place! Like interior design, landscape design is always evolving. While some components will always remain timeless, new trends redefine design and take the world of professional landscaping by storm. In 2026, landscaping is more intentional than ever. Here are 5 backyard landscape installation trends worth exploring for your project.
What Backyard Landscape Installation Trends Are Combining Form and Function?
Here’s a unique trend many experts are seeing in Austin landscape installation projects: Rainscaping. This unique practice involves managing stormwater runoff more organically, directly where it falls. In the past, landscaping installation in Austin often required gutters, French drains, and other old-school techniques to prevent flooding and soil erosion.
Now, Austin landscape contractors are seeing a push toward rainscaping, which involves observing how water naturally flows through a backyard before introducing features to direct it where it should go. Popular rainscaping features include rain gardens and artificial dry creek beds made of stone and pebbles.
The final result is stunning, turning what used to be an unsightly necessity into a beautiful focal point.
How Are Austin Landscape Contractors Changing Their Approach to Creating Functional Outdoor Spaces?
Another trend in Austin landscaping installation is creating defined outdoor “rooms.” Rather than having open spaces that prioritize aesthetics, homeowners are preferring to focus on functionality. They’re requesting outdoor spaces that feel like home, bringing some of that indoor living outside.
Landscaping companies in Austin are creating dedicated spaces for lounging, dining, cooking, and more. Each space is highly functional. By giving those spaces a purpose, homeowners spend more time outside enjoying them rather than treating their landscaping as an aesthetic feature.
Are Landscaping Companies in Austin Seeing More of a Push Towards Sustainability?
Sustainability is a major concern for many homeowners investing in new Austin landscaping installation projects. People are more aware of how much maintenance landscaping requires and the impact that has on the planet. Therefore, many homeowners want something sustainable, easy to care for, and a backyard that doesn’t require tons of chemical products to maintain.
There are many ways that Austin landscape contractors can lean into sustainability during a project. In addition to rainscaping, contractors can use native plants during landscaping installation in Austin. Native plants are well-suited to the local climate, dramatically reducing the need for excessive fertilization and chemical treatments.
Many landscaping companies in Austin are also seeing requests for native plants that increase biodiversity. Pollinator gardens attract beneficial bugs while supporting the local ecosystem.
What Backyard Landscape Installation Trends Are Doing Away With Traditional Grass Lawns?
Austin landscape contractors are starting to see more property owners request artificial turf over natural-grass lawns. Grass lawns require substantial upkeep, including regular watering, fertilization, aeration, and more. While grass lawns are still popular, more and more homeowners don’t want to deal with them.
Artificial turf is a low-maintenance alternative for your Austin landscaping installation project. The best contractors can use it creatively. In addition to covering a large surface area, many experts are combining artificial turf with hardscaping to create truly breathtaking outdoor spaces.
What Types of Materials Are Contractors Using for Austin Landscape Installation Projects?
Minimalism and naturalism are all the rage for landscaping installation in Austin. More homeowners are moving away from “unnatural” materials, over-the-top finishes, and ostentatious design elements. Instead, they’re favoring a look that you can find in nature.
Materials like limestone and wood are in high demand. The same goes for neutral color palettes and organic textures. Despite all the thought that goes into modern Austin landscaping installation projects, property owners are seeking that “effortlessly natural” look.
Want to try some of these trends in your next Austin landscape installation project? Sullivan’s Landscaping & Lawn Care can make it happen. We’re a fully licensed and insured landscape installation company with over eight years of experience transforming backyards throughout Central Texas. We’re eager to do the same for you.
Our services include landscape design and installation, artificial turf, irrigation, outdoor lighting, decking, welding, lawn care, and more. Give Sullivan’s a call today at (512) 599-4565 to learn more about what we can do and request your free quote. You can also email the team at customerservice@sullivanslandscapingservice.com or use our online form.
