Before Landscape
After: landscape
2026, A New Year - New Opportunities
Interior design polls indicate that people typically update their furniture every 7 to 15 years. High-quality couches and chairs generally last about a decade, while quality tables may endure for 10 to 20 years—or even longer with proper care and maintenance. There are various reasons why people decide to replace furniture: cushions wear out, styles and trends change, life events such as having children, moving, or retiring occur, and personal growth or changes in taste inspire updates.
Landscapes also require refreshing. So, when is the best time to do it?
Sustainability and Maintenance
Much like furniture, residential and commercial landscape plants, shrubs, and trees have distinct lifespans. Typically, annuals survive for 1 to 2 years, perennials and biennials last between 4 and 10 years, and ornamental shrubs live for about 5 to 15 years. Fruit and flowering trees may thrive for 7 to 20 years, while canopy trees can persist for 50 to over 100 years. However, poor care and unsuitable site conditions can drastically shorten these lifespans.
No Longer a New Home
Builders and new homeowners often choose inexpensive or generic landscaping just to secure a certificate of occupancy. The financial burden of a new home and the stress of moving frequently leave little room for investing in quality landscaping. After living in the home for several years, owners usually find more time and resources to create their ideal landscape.
Updating Your Home
When making external renovations—such as working on the home's exterior, installing a pool, repairing a septic field, adding a garage or bedroom, or when street repairs occur—it's an excellent opportunity to reconsider and update your landscape.
Personalizing Your Landscape
Major life events—such as starting a new job, experiencing an empty nest, or discovering an exciting landscape trend—can inspire you to refresh your outdoor space. These moments present a great chance to create your dream garden, plant an edible landscape, or transform your yard into the peaceful retreat you've always wanted.
Take Your Time – Do it Correctly
Landscapes undergo natural evolution over time, much like shifts in personality, style, and opportunity. And just like interior spaces, people and homes often benefit from updating their landscapes every 7 to 10 years or so. Take your time, approach landscape planning with careful research and good site assessment. Put your thoughts and desires on paper, enroll in a landscaping course through a local college or Extension office, or engage a professional landscape designer.
Given that the new year presents an excellent opportunity for renewal, it may be an opportune moment to realize the garden you envision. I would love to hear your plans of what you would like to do or change in your landscape in 2026.
