In a recent Georgia survey conducted by Dr. Mel Garber and K. Bondari of the University of Georgia, landscape architects were asked to identify trends that could change the plants specified over the next five years.

Over 91% of the respondents listed water availability as the first or second most important issue that could affect plant type specified. Landscape architects suggest that future landscapes should require less water and be able to survive periods of no water. Others expressed concerns that in the future clients will prefer landscapes that require less maintenance and those that do not need pesticides. 56% of the respondents chose "environmental movement" as the third most important trend along with the increase of wildlife habitat landscaping and more wetland plants.