Top Landscaping Trends in Vermont for 2025
Design Ideas to Transform Your Outdoor Space
If you're thinking about giving your yard a makeover, there's no better time than now. Landscaping trends are constantly evolving, and in Vermont, that means finding the perfect balance between natural beauty, functionality, and sustainability.
Whether you’re looking to boost curb appeal, increase your home’s value, or create your dream outdoor retreat, landscaping plays a huge role in how your property looks and feels. In Vermont, landscaping is about more than just good looks—it's about blending beauty with functionality and sustainability.
At Pinnacle Properties, we’ve been helping homeowners across Chittenden County and beyond bring their outdoor visions to life for years. From design to installation and ongoing maintenance, we know what works for Vermont’s unique climate, terrain, and seasonal shifts.
Looking ahead to 2025, here are the landscaping trends we're seeing gain momentum—and ideas to inspire your next project.
1. Native and Pollinator-Friendly Plantings
Vermonters are leaning into native plants more than ever—and for good reason. Native species are adapted to local conditions, meaning they require less water, fewer chemicals, and less maintenance overall.
Even better? They support Vermont’s native pollinators like bees, butterflies, and birds.
Top Native Plant Picks:
Black-Eyed Susans
Bee Balm
Purple Coneflower
Joe-Pye Weed
Milkweed
Designing with biodiversity in mind not only supports the environment—it creates a vibrant and lively yard that evolves with the seasons.
2. Sustainable Lawn Alternatives
Say goodbye to thirsty, high-maintenance lawns. Homeowners are opting for low-water alternatives like microclover, no-mow fescue, and creeping thyme. These ground covers look great, feel soft underfoot, and are far easier to maintain.
We’re also seeing more requests to remove parts of lawns altogether in favor of ornamental grasses, mulched beds, or gravel pathways to reduce mowing and increase interest.
✅ Pro Tip: Ground covers help reduce erosion, cool the soil, and suppress weeds—all major wins in Vermont’s fluctuating climate..
3. Outdoor Living Spaces
Creating livable outdoor spaces continues to be one of the most popular landscaping trends—especially in Vermont, where homeowners want to make the most of the warmer months.
Think:
Custom patios using local stone
Fire pits for chilly evenings
Pergolas or shade structures for summer comfort
Outdoor kitchens for entertaining friends and family
These features turn your yard into an extension of your home. They also add lasting value if you ever decide to sell.
4. Low-Maintenance Landscape Design
Let’s face it—nobody wants to spend every weekend weeding and watering. Homeowners are looking for beautiful spaces that don’t demand constant upkeep.
That means:
Using mulch to suppress weeds and retain moisture
Installing drip irrigation systems to water efficiently
Choosing perennials that come back strong each year
Grouping plants by water needs for easier care
Want even less maintenance? Check out our year-round property maintenance services »
5. Edible Landscaping
Another big trend for 2025 is edible landscaping—a creative and practical way to make your yard both beautiful and functional.
Instead of ornamental-only plantings, homeowners are mixing in:
Raised garden beds
Berry bushes
Fruit trees (apples, plums, pears)
Herbs like lavender, thyme, and rosemary in border beds
These features not only feed your family but also attract beneficial pollinators and encourage seasonal engagement with your yard.
6. Naturalistic and Wild Designs
Instead of pristine, manicured landscapes, many Vermonters are embracing wild, meadow-inspired gardens. These designs use flowing native grasses and wildflowers in a more organic layout that reflects the surrounding environment.
They're low-maintenance, pollinator-friendly, and feel like a natural extension of Vermont’s forests and fields.
7. Year-Round Interest
Because Vermont experiences all four seasons in full force, homeowners are planning landscapes that look great all year long.
That means designing with:
Evergreen shrubs for winter structure
Ornamental grasses with winter interest
Early spring bloomers like snowdrops and crocuses
Late summer perennials that keep color alive through fall
FAQ: Landscaping in Vermont
Q: When’s the best time to start a landscaping project in Vermont?
A: Spring through early fall is the ideal window. Design planning can begin in winter, so your project is ready to go when the ground thaws.
Q: Can landscaping really increase my property value?
A: Absolutely. Quality landscaping can boost property value by up to 15%, especially when it includes outdoor living spaces and sustainable design.
Q: What’s the average cost of a landscape design and installation?
A: It varies depending on the scope. We’re happy to provide quotes based on your budget.
Let’s Bring Your Outdoor Vision to Life
At Pinnacle Properties, we specialize in custom landscape design and installation that works with Vermont’s climate, supports local ecosystems, and fits your lifestyle.
Ready to get started? Let’s talk about how we can transform your outdoor space in 2025 and beyond.
📞 Contact us today to schedule a consultation or learn more about our design process.»