Are you trying to transform your outdoor space but don’t know where to start? You’re in luck! Kansas City is known for its diverse and exciting landscape settings that evoke a variety of feelings from tranquility to functional efficiency. As a Kansas City homeowner, you are surrounded by some unique landscaping trends, elements, and design approaches that transform ordinary backyards into extraordinary pieces of art. Our beautiful city is a melting pot of farmhouses, vintage homes, barbecue spots, and verdant spaces that all embrace the spirit of outdoor living.
If you’re looking for a quick glimpse, here are the top five Kansas City landscaping trends you’ll want to explore:
- Outdoor cooking spaces for barbecue enthusiasts
- Front yard patios for social gatherings
- Unique specimen plants and specialty evergreens for standout landscaping
- Transition from Knockout Roses to Drift Roses for longer blooms
- Sun-loving hydrangeas, and butterfly and bee-friendly plants for vibrant gardens
At Liberty Landscape, we put these trends into action, crafting bespoke outdoor spaces that suit your unique lifestyle and preferences. We pride ourselves on our ability to blend aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability in every project we undertake. Our team understands Kansas City’s climate, soil, and plant ecosystems, making us the ideal partner to translate these city-wide trends into a beautiful reality for your home or business.
Let’s explore these trends in more detail to help you understand how they align with your outdoor living vision.
Trend 1: Outdoor Cooking Spaces
Outdoor cooking has always been a popular pastime, but in recent years, it’s become one of the hottest Kansas City landscaping trends. No longer are backyards only home to a simple grill. Today, outdoor enthusiasts are transforming their spaces into full-fledged cooking and dining areas.
The Rise of Outdoor Cooking Enthusiasts in Kansas City
The desire to cook and dine alfresco is on the rise in Kansas City. As our expert, Nathan Amor, at Liberty Landscape explains, “Outdoor kitchens are becoming increasingly popular as homeowners recognize their potential to extend the home’s living space. They provide a unique space for cooking, dining, and socializing, all while enjoying the fresh air and natural surroundings.”
How to Design a Well-Equipped Outdoor Cooking Area
Designing an outdoor kitchen depends on several factors, including your backyard’s layout, your cooking preferences, and your budget. Here are some tips to get you started:
- Location is key: Your outdoor kitchen should be near gas, water, and electrical hookups for convenience. It should also be easily accessible from your indoor kitchen.
- Invest in quality appliances: Choose weather-resistant appliances designed for outdoor use to ensure your kitchen is not only stylish but also functional.
- Incorporate ample seating and dining areas: Your outdoor kitchen should be a space where people want to gather. Include comfortable seating and a dining area for your guests.
- Lighting and shade: Install adequate lighting to make your outdoor kitchen usable at any time of the day. An umbrella, pergola, or canopy can provide shade during sunny days.
- Storage and counter space: Like any kitchen, you’ll need plenty of storage and counter space for food preparation and serving. Consider built-in cabinets and spacious countertops.
The Importance of Selecting the Right Trees and Plants for Outdoor Cooking Spaces
Choosing the right trees and plants is crucial to creating a beautiful, thriving, and sustainable outdoor kitchen. At Liberty Landscape, we recommend implementing sustainable landscaping methods that reduce maintenance costs, enhance local ecosystems, and add beauty to your backyard. Native plant gardens are a great way to bring local flavor to your outdoor cooking space.
Each backyard is unique. At Liberty Landscape, we’re here to help you transform your backyard into the perfect outdoor kitchen that suits your needs and preferences. Let’s turn your backyard ideas into reality and make your outdoor space an extension of your home’s living area! Contact us today to get started.
Trend 2: Front Yard Patios
One of the emerging Kansas City landscaping trends is the move towards front yard patios. These are becoming increasingly popular as homeowners strive to create more social, welcoming environments right at the front of their homes.
The Popularity of Front Yard Patios for Socializing
Front yard patios offer a unique opportunity to engage with the community while enjoying the comfort of your own property. This trend is picking up pace in social neighborhoods, suburban cul-de-sacs, and even urban settings. As Nathan Amor, our topic expert at Liberty Landscape notes, “More and more people want a patio space in their front yards. It’s more formal than lawn chairs out on the driveway, and provides a space for homeowners to socialize with neighbors or watch their children play.”
Tips for Designing a Formal Outdoor Space in Your Front Yard
Creating a front yard patio can be a simple and rewarding DIY project, but for the best results, it’s often wise to work with an expert like us at Liberty Landscape. Here’s a quick guide to get you started:
- Choose the right spot: Select a small level space near your house. This will be the base of your patio.
- Prepare the ground: Clear away the existing grass or soil and put down a base of mulch or flagstones.
- Add seating: Consider a couple of Adirondack chairs or other comfortable outdoor furniture.
- Create boundaries: To maintain a balance between public and private space, use plants, fences, or elevation changes as subtle dividers.
- Add personal touches: Incorporate elements that reflect your style and make the space welcoming.
The goal is to create a space that’s inviting yet respects your privacy. As you plan, consider how the patio will be viewed from the street and from inside your home.
At Liberty Landscape, we’re experts in designing stunning minimalist patios that perfectly balance style and practicality. Whether you’re looking for a low-maintenance patio solution or simply love the minimalist aesthetic, we’re here to bring your vision to life.
Trend 3: Specialty Evergreens and Unique Specimen Plants
One of the emerging Kansas City landscaping trends is the use of specialty evergreens and unique specimen plants. These plants serve as standout pieces in your landscape, creating a focal point and enhancing the overall aesthetic of your outdoor space.
The Demand for Standout Pieces in Landscaping
As more Kansas City homeowners become invested in their outdoor spaces, there’s a growing interest in having unique and standout pieces in their landscapes. Specialty evergreens and specimen plants are particularly gaining popularity due to their distinct shapes, colors, and textures. They are used to create a focal point, add visual interest, and provide year-round beauty and color.
For instance, the Yew, a versatile evergreen, can be pruned into various shapes and is an excellent choice for hedges or topiary. Its ability to thrive in both sun and shade makes it a popular choice among Kansas City homeowners.
How to Choose and Care for Specialty Evergreens and Unique Specimen Plants
Choosing the right plants for your landscape is not just about aesthetics; you also need to consider your specific yard conditions. Factors like soil type, sunlight, and climate play a significant role in determining what plants will thrive in your yard.
For instance, the Barberry, a hardy shrub known for its vibrant foliage that ranges from gold to deep red, prefers full sun to part shade and can adapt to a variety of soil conditions. On the other hand, the Bottlebrush Buckeye, a low-maintenance shrub with spectacular white flowers, thrives in well-drained soil and partial to full shade.
Caring for these plants involves regular watering, pruning, and feeding to maintain their health and appearance. It’s also crucial to monitor them for signs of pests or diseases, which should be addressed promptly to prevent spread.
At Liberty Landscape, we specialize in helping homeowners select and care for specialty evergreens and unique specimen plants. Our expert, Nathan Amor, has extensive knowledge and experience in Kansas City landscaping trends and can provide personalized advice and solutions for your specific needs.
Whether you’re looking to add a standout piece to your landscape or need help caring for your existing plants, contact us at Liberty Landscape. We’re here to help transform your outdoor space into a beautiful, thriving, and sustainable haven.
Trend 4: Transition from Knockout Roses to Drift Roses
In recent years, one of the most noticeable Kansas City landscaping trends is the transition from Knockout roses to Drift roses. Our expert at Liberty Landscape, Nathan Amor, explains why.
Why Drift Roses are Replacing Knockout Roses in Kansas City Gardens
Knockout roses, once the darling of many gardens, seem to have lived their life in popularity. Instead, more and more Kansas City gardeners are turning to Drift roses. But why is this happening?
According to landscape architect Amanda White, “Knockout roses have lived their life” (source: MartinCityTelegraph). This shift is due to a few key factors. Firstly, Drift roses are a ground cover that blooms from April to November, providing an extended blooming period compared to Knockout roses. Secondly, they have a compact size, making them ideal for smaller spaces and borders. Lastly, their resistance to diseases like blackspot and mildew makes them a worthy choice for any garden.
The Benefits of Drift Roses as a Ground Cover that Blooms for a Longer Period
Drift roses have several benefits that make them an excellent choice for Kansas City gardens. As ground cover, they add a vibrant splash of color to the landscape, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal. They are also vigorous bloomers, offering an array of colors from April to November. This long blooming period keeps your garden lively and beautiful for most of the year.
Moreover, Drift roses are low-maintenance and disease-resistant, making them a practical choice for busy homeowners. They require minimal care, freeing you from the hassles of frequent pruning, watering, and disease control.
Just like any other plant, Drift roses require a certain level of care for optimal growth. “Knowing when to trim plants is important,” says White. She suggests visiting a plant care website like www.garden.org for guidance.
At Liberty Landscape, we can help you transition from Knockout roses to Drift roses in your garden. Our team understands the local climate and soil conditions in Kansas City, enabling us to offer tailored advice and solutions for your landscaping needs. Contact us today to give your garden a trendy update with Drift roses.
Trend 5: Sun-Loving Hydrangeas and Butterfly and Bee-Friendly Plants
As a proud part of the Kansas City community, we at Liberty Landscape are thrilled to see a growing trend toward more ecologically conscious planting. One major shift we’ve seen is the increasing popularity of sun-loving hydrangeas and plants that attract butterflies and bees.
The trend of planting sun-loving hydrangeas and butterfly and bee-friendly plants
Hydrangeas, especially those that thrive in sunlight, are proving to be a leading choice among Kansas City residents. Their large, vibrant flowers create a stunning focal point in any landscape, while their hardiness makes them well-suited to Kansas City’s varied climate.
In addition, there’s a growing appreciation for the ecological benefits of planting butterfly-and-bee-friendly flora. Our clients are increasingly interested in cultivating landscapes that not only look beautiful but also support local biodiversity. Plants such as sunflowers and zinnias, known for their bright colors and ease of growth, are particularly attractive to these pollinators and are a stylish addition to any outdoor space.
How to properly prepare the soil and care for these plants in Missouri’s high clay-content soil
Missouri’s high clay-content soil can pose a challenge when it comes to gardening. However, with a bit of preparation and the right choice of plants, it’s entirely possible to create a stunning, thriving garden.
When planting sun-loving hydrangeas and other pollinator-friendly plants, it’s important to ensure that the soil is well-draining. Clay soils can be improved by incorporating organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure into the topsoil. This helps to improve the soil structure, making it easier for plant roots to penetrate and access the nutrients they need.
These plants generally prefer a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH. Therefore, testing your soil’s pH and adjusting it if necessary, by adding lime to raise pH or sulfur to lower it, can help ensure your plants’ health and vitality.
At Liberty Landscape, we are experts in dealing with Kansas City’s unique soil conditions. We can offer advice and services to help prepare your soil for planting, ensuring your sun-loving hydrangeas and butterfly and bee-friendly plants thrive.
A well-planned, ecologically considerate landscape not only enhances the beauty of your property but also contributes positively to the local ecosystem. As we continue to see these Kansas City landscaping trends evolve, we remain committed to helping our clients create outdoor spaces that are both visually stunning and environmentally friendly.
Contact us today, and let’s explore how we can bring these trends to life in your outdoor space.
Trend 6: Regular Maintenance and Fresh Mulch
Creating a beautiful outdoor space is just the beginning. Keeping it clean, tidy, and well-maintained is an ongoing task that’s a crucial part of Kansas City landscaping trends. At Liberty Landscape, we understand the importance of regular maintenance in preserving the aesthetics and health of your outdoor space, and we’re here to help you every step of the way.
The importance of keeping a clean and tidy yard
A clean and well-kept yard does more than just look good. It promotes healthy growth of plants, helps prevent disease and pest infestations, and enhances your property’s curb appeal. Regular maintenance, including mowing, watering, and pest control, is essential during the peak growth season of summer.
Tips for regular maintenance and fresh mulch application
Keeping your outdoor space in top shape involves several tasks. Here are some expert tips:
- Regular Mowing: Mow your lawn regularly to keep it neat and healthy. As our expert Nathan Amor recommends, adjust your mowing height as summer progresses. Taller grass tolerates heat and drought better.
- Deep Watering: Water deeply and less frequently to encourage the development of deep root systems. Aim to provide about 1 inch of water per week, preferably in the early morning when evaporation rates are lower.
- Pest Control: Regularly check for insect or disease damage. Early detection and treatment can save you a lot of hassle and keep your landscape looking its best.
- Fresh Mulch: Besides enhancing the look of your garden, mulch helps retain soil moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weed growth. Apply fresh mulch around your plants and trees as needed.
At Liberty Landscape, we’re committed to helping you maintain your outdoor space. Whether you need assistance with regular maintenance or fresh mulch application, we’ve got you covered. Reach out to us today, and let’s ensure your outdoor space remains beautiful and healthy all year round.
Trend 7: Building to Code for Tornado Safety
One of the essential Kansas City landscaping trends that we at Liberty Landscape emphasize is building to code for tornado safety. Kansas City lies at the edge of Tornado Alley, which makes it crucial to ensure your landscape features are built to withstand high winds and severe weather conditions.
The Necessity of Building to Code in Kansas City Due to the Threat of Tornadoes
The threat of tornadoes in the Kansas City area is real, and it’s vital that your landscaping structures can stand up to the challenge. This means that any outdoor structures, be it a pergola, gazebo, or even a garden shed, need to be built to code. Building to code not only ensures the safety of your property and your family but also protects your investment against devastating weather events. As Nathan Amor, our expert at Liberty Landscape often advises, it’s crucial to consider the local climate and weather patterns when planning your landscape design.
Incorporating Solid Overhead Structures and Wind Screens in Your Landscape Design
When it comes to landscaping in areas prone to high winds, incorporating solid overhead structures and windscreens into your design can be a game-changer. Solid structures provide shelter during summer rains and afternoon thunderstorms, offering a safe and comfortable outdoor space to wait out the weather.
Windscreens, on the other hand, can offer protection against persistent winds. Materials like Plexiglas are commonly used for windscreens because they can reduce wind impact without obstructing the view. Moreover, windbreaks and shelterbelts, which are rows of trees or shrubs, can also be strategically planted to shield against wind.
At Liberty Landscape, we understand the unique challenges that Kansas City’s weather poses. We use our local knowledge to create landscapes that are not only beautiful but also safe and resilient. If you’re looking to incorporate solid overhead structures or windscreens into your landscape design, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our team is ready to help you create a landscape that caters to your personal style and stands up to Kansas City’s dynamic weather.
Trend 8: Hiring a Local Designer for Personalized Landscaping
In landscaping, one-size-fits-all solutions simply don’t cut it. The uniqueness of your outdoor space, coupled with your personal preferences, necessitates a tailored approach. As we close our list of Kansas City landscaping trends, we must highlight the increasing demand for personalized, local landscape design services.
The Benefits of Hiring a Local Designer Like Liberty Landscape
Opting for a local landscape designer like Liberty Landscape comes with a myriad of benefits. As natives of Kansas City, we understand the specific climatic conditions and soil types that influence plant growth and landscape design. We’re also well-versed in local regulations and codes, ensuring all our designs are compliant.
Moreover, our proximity allows for seamless communication and prompt service. We’re just a phone call away, ready to address any concerns or modifications you might have.
Our local expertise, coupled with our commitment to customer satisfaction, enables us to deliver landscaping solutions that resonate with Kansas City’s unique charm while catering to your specific needs.
Crafting a Backyard Living Environment that Exceeds Expectations
The heart of our service at Liberty Landscape lies in understanding your vision and bringing it to life. Our expert, Nathan Amor, excels in crafting landscapes that not only meet but exceed client expectations.
We begin by conducting a comprehensive assessment of your outdoor space, taking into account factors such as soil type, sunlight exposure, and existing structures. We then proceed to design an outdoor living environment that aligns with your lifestyle and aesthetic preferences.
Whether you dream of a vibrant garden teeming with native plants, a cozy outdoor cooking space, or a serene front yard patio, we’re here to make it happen. Our team employs innovative design concepts, top-notch construction techniques, and meticulous attention to detail to transform your outdoor space into your personal haven.
In conclusion, hiring a local designer for personalized landscaping is more than just a trend; it’s a smart choice for homeowners in Kansas City. At Liberty Landscape, we’re dedicated to bringing your outdoor visions to life while ensuring your landscape stands out in the neighborhood. We invite you to explore our services and experience the transformation we can bring to your outdoor space.
Conclusion
It’s clear that Kansas City landscaping trends are evolving each year and are significantly improving the look and feel of our outdoor spaces. From the rise of outdoor cooking spaces to building tornado-safe structures, these trends are not only enhancing the aesthetics of our yards but also adding functionality and safety.
In recap, the eight landscaping trends that are making waves in Kansas City include:
- Outdoor Cooking Spaces: More than just a backyard grill, these spaces are becoming the heart of outdoor entertainment.
- Front Yard Patios: A new socializing trend that extends the living space to the front yard.
- Specialty Evergreens and Unique Specimen Plants: Standout pieces that enhance the appeal of landscapes.
- Transition from Knockout Roses to Drift Roses: A shift towards more sustainable and longer-blooming plants.
- Sun-Loving Hydrangeas and Butterfly and Bee Friendly Plants: Enhancing biodiversity and bringing vibrant colors to your garden.
- Regular Maintenance and Fresh Mulch: Essential steps to keep a clean, tidy, and healthy yard.
- Building to Code for Tornado Safety: A necessary measure in Kansas City to ensure the safety of your outdoor structures.
- Hiring a Local Designer: The advantage of personalized designs that meet your unique needs and preferences.
These trends, when implemented effectively, can significantly enhance your outdoor living experience. They bring in elements of comfort, functionality, and beauty, turning your yard into a perfect outdoor haven.
At Liberty Landscape, we believe that every outdoor space has the potential to be an exquisite landscape that reflects the homeowner’s unique style and preferences. Nathan Amor, our founder, has a wealth of experience and knowledge in creating stunning landscapes that are not only visually appealing but are also functional and sustainable.
Whether you’re considering incorporating one or more of these trends into your space, or you’re looking for a complete landscape transformation, we’re here to help. We understand that every client has unique needs and expectations, and we’re committed to providing personalized services that will exceed your expectations.
Ready to transform your outdoor space? Contact us today to schedule a consultation. We’re excited to help you bring your vision to life and create a landscape that stands out in your neighborhood.
