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NALP Announces Forecast of 2018 Landscape Trends 02-08-18 | Association News

NALP Announces Forecast of 2018 Landscape Trends
Experimental Design and Conservation

Incorporating trends from landscape professionals and Pantone's "Color of the Year," the NALP predicts conservation and playful plants will lead the way for landscape design in the coming year.

The National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) has announced its top landscape trends forecast for 2018. The association announces annually what trends will impact landscape planning, design and maintenance in the year to come.

To forecast trends the association surveys its members, consults landscape professionals from various regions in the United States and draws influence from lifestyle trends.

For 2018 the NALP predicts five trends will influence planning and design:
1. Experimental landscape design: Landscapes are becoming multi-use, creatively designed to serve various purposes.

2. Climate-cognizant landscaping: Variations in weather patterns mean a landscape must be able to withstand extreme conditions. Hardier landscape materials will make survival possible even in the most extreme weather conditions, hot or cold.

3. Emphasis on water management and conservation: Sustainability has become more than a trend in recent years. The integration of eco-friendly landscaping is expected to continue into 2018 and make use of irrigation technology.

4. Equipment and technology: Lawn equipment is predicted to continue toward being battery-powered. Professionals are predicted to make use of mobile apps, 3D modeling technology and drones into landscape planning.

5. Colorful and playful use of plants: Taking a cue from Pantone and their "Color of the Year," ultra violet, the NALP predicts a shift away from the simplicity of greenery. They predict 2018 will spark interest in adding pops of color, and incorporating the use of "patterned" plants with intricate designs.

"The top 2018 landscape trends reflect an evolution of the outdoor living trend we've seen grow in popularity over the past few years," vice president of public affairs for the NALP, Missy Henrickson, says.