Ask the Experts

Top 9 Emerging DFW Landscaping Trends for 2026

If you are planning a residential landscaping project in Dallas or North Texas, our team can help you design a landscape built for the 2026 climate and beyond.

Homeowners across North Texas are rethinking how their landscapes should look, feel, and function in a region defined by heat and drought. Southern Botanical’s experts, Business Developer Blake Lambert and Senior Landscape Designer Angelo Quaglino, shared the biggest landscape trends for 2026 and what Dallas homeowners should prioritize this new year.

Top Landscape Trends for 2026 in North Texas

These are the top 9 landscape design trends that Southern Botanical’s Design-Build professionals have identified for North Texas homes in 2026:

  • Function-first design
  • Native and climate-adapted plant palettes
  • Modern landscape lighting
  • Natural materials that blend with architecture
  • Outdoor living spaces designed for year-round use
  • Greater emphasis on irrigation efficiency
  • Soil improvement as a core investment
  • Phased luxury design for realistic budgets
  • Strategic shade planning for energy savings

1. A Shift to Function-First Design

What’s changing in 2026?

Homeowners want landscapes that work, not just landscapes that look good in photos.

Blake sums it up clearly: “Homeowners are becoming much more intentional about how their outdoor spaces function, not just how they look.” He emphasizes that “the focus has shifted from high-maintenance showpieces to livable, sustainable landscapes that feel like an extension of the home.”

Why this matters in North Texas

  • Our climate demands durability.
  • Flexible outdoor spaces support year-round living.
  • Functional design improves long-term value and reduces maintenance.

This trend aligns with growing interest in outdoor living trends in Dallas, including shaded patios, multifunctional courtyards, and family-friendly layouts that handle heavy use and extreme weather.

2. Native and Climate-Adapted Plant Palettes

North Texas homeowners are leaning heavily toward native plants and climate-adapted plants for Texas. According to Blake, this shift is rooted in survival. “People want spaces that can handle our Texas heat, require less water, and still look great year-round.”

Why this trend is growing:

  • Lower water usage supports drought-tolerant landscaping in Dallas.
  • Fewer replacements after freezes.
  • Better compatibility with our alkaline soils.
  • Increased biodiversity and pollinator support.

This approach also supports low-maintenance and sustainable landscaping practices in Dallas.

3. Modern Landscape Lighting Takes Center Stage

Lighting has become one of the strongest design trends in North Texas, and Angelo sees it everywhere. “Landscape light is very strong right now, especially with contemporary architecture,” Angelo says.

What homeowners want:

  • Energy-efficient LED systems.
  • Elegant uplighting around trees.
  • Warm architectural lighting that blends with modern homes.
  • Smart lighting with app-based control.

Lighting is now considered part of both aesthetics and security, which is why we’re seeing more requests for landscape lighting across residential projects.

4. Natural Materials That Blend With Architecture

Instead of bold, contrasting materials, homeowners show a preference for stone, wood, and neutral hardscapes that feel integrated with the home’s architecture. Blake notes, “We’re seeing more emphasis on natural materials that blend with the architecture instead of competing with it.”

This aligns well with:

  • Contemporary North Texas homes.
  • Transitional landscaping.
  • Clean lines and organic textures.
  • Luxury landscapes that feel subtle as opposed to flashy.

5. Outdoor Living Spaces Designed for Year-Round Use

Climate shifts have influenced what Dallas homeowners want out of their landscape. Blake explains, “The weather extremes we’ve had in recent years — from droughts to freezes — have made homeowners much more conscious of long-term durability.” He notes that “there’s a growing desire for flexible outdoor living areas that can be used throughout the year, not just in spring and fall.”

Key features gaining popularity:

  • Covered patios with heaters and fans.
  • Layered shade structures.
  • Outdoor kitchens designed for heat resistance.
  • Fire features carefully placed for wind patterns.

This trend reflects a strong interest in Dallas outdoor living design as part of residential property value.

6. Irrigation Efficiency Becomes Non-Negotiable

Both experts emphasized that irrigation is a major priority. Angelo put it simply: “Irrigation is key. A proper system will help ensure better and sustainable success.”

Blake echoed this, adding, “Start with infrastructure. That is, irrigation efficiency, proper drainage, and soil improvement.” He stressed that “those aren’t the most glamorous parts of a landscape, but they determine how well everything else performs.”

2026 irrigation upgrades homeowners want:

  • Smart controllers.
  • Zoned efficiency.
  • Pressure regulation.
  • Drip irrigation for beds.
  • Retrofits for water restrictions.

This level of planning is essential for Dallas water-efficient landscaping.

7. Soil Improvement as a Core Investment

Healthy soil is replacing cosmetic fixes. Blake explains, “Improve soil structure, amend and decompact where needed. Those are the upgrades that make everything else work.” He also adds that “people are investing more in quality and design that will hold up, rather than quick curb appeal fixes.”

Soil improvement supports:

  • Better root development
  • Increased drought tolerance
  • Stronger plant performance
  • Reduced water needs over time

This reinforces demand for soil improvement in North Texas landscaping.

8. Phased Luxury Design for Realistic Budgets

Homeowners want high-end design, but they also want long-term manageability. Angelo emphasizes that “Realistic budgets are important. We can maintain the integrity of the design, even when a project has to be completed in phases to stay within a desired budget.”

Phasing allows homeowners to:

  • Build premium spaces over time.
  • Invest in infrastructure first.
  • Follow a master plan without sacrificing quality.

This approach is popular in residential landscaping across North Texas.

9. Strategic Shade Planning

Blake highlights shade as a long-term strategy. “Plant for shade. Deciduous trees placed strategically reduce energy costs and protect understory plants.”

Shade planning helps with:

  • Energy savings.
  • Plant survival.
  • Reduced water usage.
  • Increased outdoor comfort.

This trend allows homeowners to enjoy their outdoor spaces even through the hot summer months.

FAQ: Emerging North Texas Landscape Trends for 2026

What are the biggest landscape design trends for 2026 in North Texas?

Homeowners are prioritizing sustainable landscape design, native plants, climate-adapted plants, modern landscape lighting, and outdoor living features that function year-round. The focus is shifting toward designs that can handle heat, drought, and freezes while still looking refined.

How is Dallas’ landscape design changing because of extreme weather?

Drought cycles, freezes, and heavy storms have pushed homeowners to ask smarter questions about plant survivability, irrigation efficiency, drainage, and long-term maintenance. Designs are now built around durability first, aesthetics second.

How do I make my Dallas landscape more water-efficient?

Start with irrigation upgrades, smart controllers, zone adjustments, and soil improvement. Adding drought-tolerant landscaping and shade structure planning helps reduce long-term water use.

How do I future-proof my landscape in the Dallas and North Texas climate?

Focus on infrastructure first. Improve soil structure, install efficient irrigation, address drainage, and select a diverse palette of native and climate-adapted plants. Include modern landscape lighting and thoughtful tree placement to protect the site long term.

Whether you want climate-adapted plantings, luxury outdoor living spaces, modern landscape lighting, or a full Dallas landscape redesign, our team of DFW landscape experts is here to help.

Contact Southern Botanical to start planning a landscape built for durability, beauty, and long-term performance.