What Businesses Need To Know
The landscaping industry is constantly evolving, with new trends emerging to meet changing priorities such as sustainability, functionality, and aesthetics. For Perth businesses, 2025 is shaping up to be a year where eco-conscious design, innovative technology, and multi-functional spaces start to take center stage.
Staying across these trends will help you create a landscape for your business that’s not only visually appealing, but also practical and future-proof.
Trend #1: Sustainability takes the spotlight
Sustainability will continue to dominate commercial landscaping trends, as businesses move to reduce their environmental footprint and comply with environmental regulations and community expectations. Key elements will be:
- Native plants and drought-tolerant landscaping: With Perth’s hot, dry summers, the planting of native species like Kangaroo Paw and Grevillea will reduce water consumption and promote biodiversity.
- Water-wise reticulation: Smart irrigation systems with sensors to detect soil moisture levels will become a standard feature to optimise water consumption.
- Green roofs and walls: Vertical gardens and rooftop greenery are gaining popularity for their ability to improve air quality, regulate temperature, and activate unused space.
Why it matters: Sustainable landscaping demonstrates your company’s commitment to environmental stewardship, which is a value that is becoming increasingly appreciated by employees, customers, and stakeholders alike.
Trend #2: Multi-functional outdoor spaces
In 2025, outdoor spaces will be designed with functionality in mind. Businesses are seeing the value in transforming inactive or single-use landscapes into areas that can serve multiple purposes, such as:
- Employee wellness zones: Green spaces with seating areas, walking paths, and private areas provide a retreat for employees to relax and recharge.
- Outdoor meeting spaces: Courtyards or gardens with wi-fi connectivity and power outlets to encourage outdoor collaboration and walking meetings.
- Event-friendly areas: Thoughtfully landscaped spaces that can host events such as product launches, demonstrations, or community gatherings. These can all increase the utility of commercial properties.
Why it matters: Creating versatile outdoor spaces enhances employee satisfaction and boosts the usability of your property.
Trend #3: Technology integration
Commercial and industrial landscapes are becoming smarter and more efficient with the integration of technology, as the above example of staff or community wi-fi service in outdoor areas demonstrates. Also consider:
- Smart lighting: Solar-powered, motion-activated lights improve safety and security while minimising related energy costs.
- Automated irrigation: Systems equipped with weather-based controls ensure plants receive optimal watering while cutting down on waste.
- Landscape design software: Advanced 3D modeling tools allow businesses to visualise landscaping projects before a shovel ever goes into the ground, ensuring consistency and alignment with brand identity and functional requirements.
Why it matters: Technology-driven landscaping can have more up-front costs, but typically reduces long-term maintenance costs and promotes efficiency.
Trend #4: Low-maintenance landscaping solutions
Low-maintenance landscaping remains a priority for businesses looking to reduce costs without sacrificing quality. Here are the trends to look out for in 2025:
- Artificial turf: Ideal for high-traffic areas, artificial turf eliminates the need for mowing and irrigation.
- Hardscaping: Decorative gravel, paving stones, and retaining walls add structure and visual interest while reducing upkeep to practically zero.
- Ground cover: Hardy plants like Pigface or Lomandra can replace traditional lawns in low-traffic areas.
Why it matters: Low-maintenance designs save time and money, allowing businesses to focus on operations rather than upkeep and overheads.
Trend #5: A focus on wellness and biophilic design
Biophilic design is the practice of integrating natural elements into built environments, and it's becoming increasingly prevalent. In 2025, expect to see:
- Native pollinator gardens: Planting flowers and shrubs that attract bees and butterflies to support biodiversity and add natural beauty to landscapes.
- Shade trees: Strategically placed trees not only provide comfortable shade, but can also reduce energy costs by cooling buildings.
- Natural soundscapes: Incorporating elements like water features can reduce unwanted noise pollution and create a calming atmosphere.
Why it matters: Biophilic design enhances mental well-being and fosters a stronger connection between people and nature.
Trend #6: Climate resilience
Extreme weather conditions are becoming more common, so Perth businesses increasingly need to adopt landscaping practices that can withstand them. For 2025, this means:
- Heat-resistant plants: Drought-tolerant species and mulching techniques help landscapes survive prolonged heatwaves.
- Erosion Control: Ground covers and terracing prevent soil erosion in areas with sloped terrain.
- Stormwater management: Rain gardens and permeable pavements prevent flooding and improve water quality.
Why it matters: Climate-resilient designs will protect your investment in the long-run, and ensure your landscaping remains functional and attractive year-round.
Wrapping up: How will you take advantage of these trends?
To stay ahead in 2025, you should keep these considerations in mind for your business:
- Partner with a professional landscaper who understand Perth’s climate and local regulations, and has experience with the particular considerations of commercial and industrial settings (like Crafted Gardens and Landscaping!).
- Focus on long-term value over short-term cost or aesthetics.
- Invest in sustainable and innovative solutions that reflect your brand values, and also align with the broader expectations of your customers and the community in which your business operates.