gardens serve as a place for residents to gather, practice yoga, or learn from each other.


An “experience” garden may be more focused on attracting birds, butterflies, and wildlife.


“If I look into my crystal ball, I see that many existing HOAs will undergo renovations to create even more outdoor areas for families to enjoy and just take a break. Associations will have a continued focus to incorporate even more outdoor flex space in newer construction projects to continue the efforts to create enjoyable living environments.” – Jeff Colton, President Installation, of Monarch Landscape Companies.


Sustainability Trends


There are major sustainability trends that have emerged in landscape design. These concepts—sustainable material choices, energy efficiency, and water conservation— have inspired todays landscape firms to look at how they design and maintain landscapes differently. For example, sustainable materials means using recycled content (or material) when possible and designing landscapes that don’t require as much maintenance over time. Energy- efficient homes mean creating spaces that can be occupied year-round without spending a fortune on heating or cooling costs. Water conservation techniques emphasize landscaping that needs little or no irrigation after plants have been installed so water use is minimized from day one.


Bioplastics, plastics made from plant-based materials such as vegetable oils, are becoming more popular in sustainable landscaping development.


Rethinking Common Materials


As technology advances, our ability to rethink existing materials and develop new ones is advancing, too. Bioplastics, plastics made from plant-based materials such as vegetable oils, are becoming more popular in sustainable


landscaping development. Electric equipment instead of gasoline or diesel power equipment is developing in capabilities and their use is broadening. California recently passed a law banning new gas-powered landscape equipment further accelerating this change. Key landscape companies have already converted several sites across Washington to electric equipment and have developed partnerships with key suppliers to continue this trend. With an ever-increasing environmental focus on conserving natural resources and promoting sustainability across many industries, researchers will continue to develop novel ways of using equipment and developing common building materials in a way that respects both their intended use and their effect on the environment.


Landscape companies must have an established Sustainable Services Division to focus on working with public agencies, HOAs, and Corporate Campuses on developing and implementing sustainable maintenance practices for Native Growth Protection Areas (NGPAs), detention basins, and other environments.


All companies should have the primary goal of working with the environment, not against it.


All companies should have the primary goal of working with the environment, not against it. For all, recommended plant materials, maintenance best practices, and implementation of irrigation technology support creating a cohesive environment for nature and residents alike.


Workforce Associations must engage qualified and safe teams


who understand landscaping needs to have great outdoor spaces. In our current economic environment, recruiting and training should be at the forefront of a landscape services business model. These teams should be dedicated to hiring the best talent and ensuring proper and thorough training for all new hires. They should also have a recruiting team working diligently to attract the best talent in the landscape industry and ensure that companies are the best place to work for a landscape professional.


No matter your landscaping needs, your team should help you address your ever-changing operational needs. Look


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