Houzz Landscaping Survey Reveals 2016 Trends: Major Renovations, Water Management, and Pet-Friendly Design

Homeowners aren't messing around with outdoor projects. A new Houzz survey of 958 U.S. users (February 2016) shows 88% of those with outdoor projects report substantial or complete renovations—adding paving, beds, structures, regrading, terracing, re-landscaping.

Landscape pros and manufacturers have transformed outdoor enjoyment: durable furnishings, fire features extending seasons, innovative drainage, rainwater harvesting. "Landscaping isn't just about pretty anymore—it's about function," says Santa Cruz contractor Natalain Schwartz.

When It Rains: Water Challenges Drive Design

Water—too much or too little—is a top challenge. Management dictates outdoor use.

California Drought Response: Despite El Niño easing record drought, water reduction persists. Santa Cruz water departments offer rebates for lawn removal and storage tanks. Nearly half reduce/remove lawns, replacing with hardscape, beds, ground cover, mulch. Synthetic lawn installs dropped from 8% to 6%. Schwartz warns: faux turf off-gasses, melts (one client's melted from window reflection). She sees a place for it but not with kids/babies.

Californians are 3× more likely to replant lawns than last year—possibly with low-water native grasses that mimic turf. "Unthirsty grass development has exploded," Schwartz notes. Fewer reduce lawn coverage; slightly more remove entirely. Reasons shifted: environment down ~10%; lower water bills, less maintenance, new design up.

"Half want natural habitat and less water; half want rebates before they end," Schwartz says.

Houston Drainage: Tight clay soil + heavy rain = stormwater challenges. Lawns actually help—gravel moves in 3-inch downpours; grass filters and cools. Schwartz prefers rain gardens: "natural underground cistern" holding groundwater, good for deep-rooted plants.

Other Challenges

Columbus, OH: Tighter regulations, longer permitting—elaborate projects (covered pergolas, fireplaces) add hoops. Educating clients on timelines is key: "For spring completion, call me last fall." Large projects take 6+ months.

Houston Plants: Finding plants surviving dry heat and wet humidity. "Low maintenance is #1 draw."

Growing Up: Plant Popularity Surges

All plant categories up—perennials, shrubs, annuals, trees—likely from milder winters. Priorities: low-maintenance, flowering, native, drought-resistant, pollinator-attracting. Native plants more available than ever. "Relatively easy to get and introduce now," says Columbus's Nick McCullough.

Fired Up: Comfort Features Dominate

Majority plan outdoor furniture. Ohio sees demand surge—better fabrics feel indoor-like. "Clients don't scoff at $10K outdoor furniture." Fire pits, benches, grills, built-in seating popular.

LED Takes the Lead

>50% renovating will update lighting; LED preferred everywhere. "Incandescent is past." McCullough installs only LED. Top reasons: illuminate decor/plants, create comfort, prevent slips on paths/steps/decks.

All for Four-Legged Friends

⅓ update for kids/grandkids (edibles, play space). >⅖ make pet upgrades: play space, toxin-free plants, paths, fenced areas. "Pets dictate space," says McCullough—more demand for pet-safe organic fertilization and de-icer. Schwartz built a "shark cage" dog run against mountain lions on a rural property.

Learn about toxic plants

How Much Will It Cost?

Minor projects (mulching, minor planting, painting): most <$5K. Substantial (paving, new beds, structures): $20K+.

Who's Going to Help?

>½ enlist landscape pros. Contractors and architects in high demand, plus paving/deck specialists. Meet a pro before starting.

See the full survey results