Outdated Landscape Design Trends to Avoid in 2025

Hardscaping lays the foundation for functional and beautiful outdoor spaces. However, even the most thoughtfully designed features can lose their charm if the surrounding landscape feels outdated. While trends may come and go, the exterior of your home should always feel timeless, livable, and in tune with your lifestyle. In this article, we’ll explore outdated landscape design trends to avoid in 2025 and offer fresh alternatives to help you reimagine your yard with lasting appeal.

Ditch the Plain Green Backyard

Let’s start with one of the most common outdoor design pitfalls: the plain green lawn. While verdant greenery may be traditional, it doesn’t always meet today’s outdoor living needs, often requiring more time and effort to maintain. Instead of relying solely on a grassy expanse, think of your yard as a blank canvas to build something more dynamic.

For example, consider adding verticality to your design with a raised paver patio, or use retaining walls to define distinct ‘rooms’ for dining, relaxation, or entertainment. Once the framework is in place, you can layer in features that bring life and ambiance to your yard, such as waterfalls, fountains, or fire pits. These focal points not only enhance the atmosphere but also align with biophilic design principles, reinforcing a deeper sensory connection to nature.

Of course, that doesn’t mean you have to ditch the grass entirely. A thoughtful patch of lawn can soften your space and maintain that important tie to nature without dominating the entire yard. The key is finding the right balance to elevate your landscape to new heights.

Avoid Overcrowded Planters

Incorporating lush greenery, colorful flowers, and decorative shrubs can add a beautiful touch to your landscape. However, packing too many plants into a space often leads to visual clutter and ongoing maintenance headaches. The goal is to soften your hardscape edges with thoughtful softscaping that enhances your design, rather than overwhelming it.

To strike that balance, plant with intention. Choose native plants, ornamental grasses, and low-growing shrubs that accentuate your pavers and architectural features. You’ll find that less truly is more, as carefully placed softscaping will draw your attention to key focal points, support biodiversity, and keep your outdoor space feeling open and inviting.

Opt for Drought-Resistant Landscaping

With shifting climates causing unpredictable rainfall patterns, it’s becoming essential to rethink traditional landscape choices. One outdated design trend many still rely on is the overuse of water-intensive plants that demand higher maintenance. That’s why more homeowners are focusing on sustainable landscape designs that conserve water and respect the earth’s resources.

Xeriscaping, which involves selecting drought-tolerant plants, is one of the most effective solutions. Hardy plants like agave, yucca, and aloe are not only resilient but also thrive with minimal water and upkeep. To further complement this low-maintenance aesthetic, pair these plants with gravel paths, mulch beds, or even permeable pavers. These drought-resistant elements add texture and help keep your design looking vibrant all year round.

Avoid Impermeable Surfaces

Poured concrete was once the standard for driveways, pool decks, and patios, but it’s quickly becoming an outdated choice in modern landscape design. While it may be cost-efficient upfront, impermeable surfaces contribute to stormwater runoff, which can carry harmful pollutants into nearby rivers and ponds. Their durability is also limited, as freeze/thaw cycles can erode the surface, leading to cracks and wear over time.

Fortunately, Unilock permeable pavers are a much better solution. These products are designed with wider joint gaps that allow rainwater to flow through, recharging groundwater supplies and feeding nearby plant life. This setup becomes even more sustainable when paired with a rainwater harvesting system. As water filters down through the pavers, it can be collected in an underground reservoir or cistern, where it’s stored and later used for lawn irrigation, garden beds, or even washing vehicles. By capturing and reusing stormwater, you’re not only conserving water but also reducing the strain on local infrastructure. What’s more, you may even qualify for local tax incentives based on the amount of permeable surface you install. Check with your municipality to learn what programs may be available in your area.

Stop Installing Stamped Concrete

Stamped concrete gets its decorative look during installation, as colors and textures are pressed into the surface to mimic the look of materials like wood, slate, brick, or flagstone. But beyond its surface appeal, the benefits fade quickly. At its core, stamped concrete is still concrete, meaning it shares all the same vulnerabilities as a standard poured slab.

And that’s where the problems begin. Stamped surfaces are prone to cracking and chipping from freeze-thaw cycles and are notoriously difficult to repair without disrupting the overall pattern. Because color and texture are added during the pour, the final result can also differ from your expectations. To make matters worse, stamped concrete requires regular sealing to maintain its finish, adding to the cost and upkeep.

Alternatively, concrete pavers offer a wide range of sizes, styles, and finishes, making it easy to design a custom look that’s both beautiful and built to last. And if damage occurs, you can simply swap out individual units without disturbing the rest of the surface. This is a more cost-effective and less invasive solution than removing and repouring a whole section of concrete.

Permeability is another area where pavers have the edge. Their wider joint design promotes natural drainage, helping to reduce runoff and pressure on your drainage system. By comparison, stamped concrete relies on expansion joints that are cut into the surface, which can disrupt the design, invite weed growth, and leave the surface vulnerable to cracking.

Don’t Limit Yourself to Just One Paver Style

Minimalism certainly has its place in modern hardscape design, but whether it will truly enhance your project depends on how you want the space to look, feel, and function. In some cases, relying on a single paver color, texture, or shape can leave a design feeling one-dimensional.

Instead, consider how you can mix different materials to bring your space to life. Combining textures, finishes, or laying patterns into accent borders, paver rugs, or contrasting inlays adds depth and visual interest to your design. These elements can also help define distinct zones in your landscape, such as dining areas, walkways, or outdoor kitchens.

To help spark ideas, explore our Dream Gallery or Design Idea Catalog. These resources showcase real-world examples of how Unilock products can be used in inspiring ways. Once you’ve gathered your ideas, connect with a Unilock Authorized Contractor who can help bring your vision to life with a design that’s uniquely yours.

Say Goodbye to Harsh Outdoor Lighting

As night falls, landscape lighting plays a key role in enhancing the ambiance of your space. While bright floodlights and industrial-style fixtures can seem like an easy solution, they can quickly transform your backyard into something more like a parking lot than a cozy retreat. The key is to choose lighting that sets the right mood and illuminates your yard, rather than overpowering it.

To achieve this, opt for energy-efficient LED options that cast a soft, inviting glow. Pathway lights, string lights, paver lighting, and lantern-style fixtures can be used to enhance safety along stairs, walkways, and pool areas, while also highlighting the beauty of your landscape long after dark.

As you plan your next project, remember that a great design is about more than just following trends. It’s important to focus on creating a functional and aesthetically pleasing design that will stand the test of time. If you have any questions or need guidance, consult with your Unilock Authorized Contractor. These professionals bring trusted expertise to every project and are backed by our two-year Workmanship Guarantee, bringing you peace of mind every step of the way.