Adrian Bartels, president of Cedar Springs Landscaping in Oakville, says homeowners want practical spaces built for real Ontario weather. "Comfortable seating and dining areas, firepits or fireplaces for shoulder seasons, and good indoor-outdoor flow" are in high demand.
Fire Features and Outdoor Rooms
Sunken patios with fire bowls or fire tables remain a favourite backyard item, according to Greg Hogan of Hogan Landscaping in Stouffville. "Great for all ages to enjoy, they give the space a very warm, intimate feel and extend the enjoyment of the backyard space well into the evening," he says. A covered patio with a fireplace or heater prolongs use into late fall and early spring.
Landscape lighting is now included in most projects for both front and backyards. Hogan notes it provides safe passage along walkways and highlights different features. Louvered pergolas are also on trend, as they help with municipal lot coverage restrictions while offering rain and bug protection.
Privacy and Low-Maintenance Designs
Bartels reports that in small urban yards, clients request smart privacy solutions using columnar trees like Slender Silhouette Sweetgum, Hornbeam, and Pyramidal Beech. "Overall, low-maintenance designs remain a top priority," he adds.
For landscape styles, Hogan finds new property owners prefer contemporary, geometric styles, while those with mature properties opt for natural, free-flowing designs. More homeowners are interested in attracting birds and butterflies through correct planting of trees like Serviceberry, shrubs like Arctic Fire Red Osier Dogwood, and perennials like milkweed.
Wellness and Eco-Friendly Spaces
There is increased demand for wellness sanctuaries—quiet areas for reading and meditating—as well as drought-tolerant, naturalized spaces and vegetable gardens. Natural stone flagstone and quality hardwoods like Ipe or Thermory are preferred for those with larger budgets, while large-format concrete pavers and low-maintenance composites are also popular.
Trends past their prime include pressure-treated or cedar decks, overly manicured lawns, high-maintenance grass, stark minimalist hardscaping, coloured mulches, plastic edging, and rigid formal symmetry.
Pool and Hot Tub Trends
Pools are now designed as an integrated part of the whole garden rather than a standalone feature. Bartels notes homeowners like geometric shapes, darker reflective interiors, natural stone accents, tanning ledges, beach entries, integrated spas, waterfalls, fire bowls, and LED lighting. "Energy-efficient equipment and well-placed surrounding plantings help with privacy, wind protection and making the most of our shorter swimming season," he says.
Hogan notes growing interest in hot tubs, either as an addition to a pool or as an alternative when space is limited. "If there's an elevation drop from the entry door to ground level, incorporating a hot tub into a deck is quite popular, especially when it's located close to the house for winter use. These are sometimes accompanied by a cold plunge tub."
Key Considerations for Homeowners
A competent landscape firm helps navigate site challenges, regulations, and design decisions. Important factors include site and climate realities (hardiness zones, heavy clay soil, drainage, sun/shade, wind exposure, freeze/thaw cycles), lifestyle and four-season use, plant selection (native and hardy species for lower maintenance), budget balancing upfront costs with long-term upkeep, and regulations (local bylaws, permits, lot coverage limits, conservation authority rules).
