Summer Trends

Summer is looking good for landscape contractors. Almost 50 million homeowners are planning to take on landscaping projects, heading the list of home improvement projects in 2011, Scarborough Research reports.

Go Green for Profit

Chicago's Sustainable Backyard Program offers rebates to residents who take an environmentally friendly approach to their landscaping. Install a rain barrel, set up a compost bin, plant a tree or native garden and the city will reimburse you up to $100 (for trees). Landscape contractors can use this to encourage their clients to upgrade their landscape. Rebate forms, information on eligible trees and plants, and a schedule of sustainable backyard workshops can be found by calling (877) 908-9693.

Hollywood Stars Go Synthetic Turf

The latest Hollywood A-Lister must-have is coming right out of backyards. A growing number of celebrities like Jessica Alba, Kristen Bell and David Basche are going green by turning to synthetic turf for their landscape needs.

''I chose synthetic grass for Jessica Alba's backyard doggie oasis and use it at clients' homes as often as possible,'' said Kari Whitman, celebrity designer. ''The eco-friendly synthetic turf looks so realistic and stands up to pet messes, wear and tear.'' Landscape contractors can cite this trend to encourage their clients to ''go synthetic.''

Top Trends This Summer

According to JK Enterprise Landscape Supply, these are the top trends for summer.

1. Big & Bold: It's all about flowers, deep reds, vibrant blues, lush greens and midnight purples.

2. Stone Pathways and Driveways: Textured stone and pavers as many homeowners choose to cover up the cracks their driveways suffered from the freezing temps of winter.

3. Eco-friendly Low Maintenance: Homeowners are getting wiser about money these days, and are choosing to have eco-friendly low maintenance gardens. Landscape contractors can propose: Micro-irrigation systems, decorative composts and small gardens to reach these clients.