In recent years, many gardens have become a showcase of fleeting trends where The "perfect" photo is valued more than the actual health of the plants.The same mistakes are repeated: exotic species out of place, mounds of mulch around tree trunks, enormous lawns that constantly drink water, or hard surfaces that block the soil. It all looks beautiful for the first month, but in the medium term, the garden becomes expensive, fragile, and unsustainable.
If you want a green space May it last for years and bring you more joy than sorrow; it's time to review which landscaping trends should be left behind and which ones have a futureBased on the experience of universities, landscape design studios, and gardening companies, we will see which practices we should abandon now, and what alternatives experts recommend to achieve functional, beautiful, and environmentally friendly gardens.
Harmful trends: when aesthetics take precedence over plants
One of the biggest pitfalls of modern landscape design is designing with only the final photo in mind, without considering whether The plants will withstand the climate, the soil, and the actual maintenance.The typical example is choosing spectacular species from other regionswhich simply don't work in our area.
This happens, for example, with Mediterranean and tropical plants that become fashionable on social media and are happily planted in cold areas or areas with frequent frosts. Bougainvillea is a textbook example: It looks amazing in mild, sunny climates, but in cold areas it ends up dying after one or two winters.The result is a double expense: wasted time, money invested, and a garden that never becomes established.
Experts agree that, beyond trends, The garden design should support the natural conditions of the siteSoil type, rainfall patterns, extreme temperatures, and orientation are all important factors. Forcing a garden to resemble a landscape it doesn't have (a "Caribbean" in a continental climate, or a "rainforest" in an arid zone) usually ends in failure.
Therefore, the main trend that must be discarded is that of copying without criteria what we see in other gardens, magazines or social networks without asking ourselves if, in our specific area, it makes sense.
Mulch volcanoes: a dangerous trend for trees
Among the most damaging landscaping practices that have become popular is the creation of “mulch volcanoes” around tree trunksAt first glance, it seems like an aesthetic solution: the base of the trunk is hidden, giving the impression of a "well-kept garden," and the foot of the tree is finished off with an orderly mound of bark or soil.
However, specialists at the University of Maryland Extension Home and Garden Information Center in the United States have been warning for years that a veritable epidemic in urban landscapingTheir message is clear: there is no real benefit and many risks for the tree.
A mulch volcano is created by piling a large amount of material (shredded bark, compost, soil, etc.) close to the trunk, covering the basal swelling of the tree. Instead of a thin, spreading layer, a tall cone is formed that covers the area where the trunk opens towards the roots.
This simple gesture triggers a series of problems that, in the long run, can severely shorten the life of the treeIt's not just a poorly conceived aesthetic issue: it's a directly harmful technique.
How mulch volcanoes damage trees
The first consequence of mulch volcanoes is that They cover the "flare" or widening of the rootsThe root zone, that area at the base of the trunk where the tree naturally opens towards the ground. This part must always remain visible and well-ventilated; burying it alters the way the tree breathes and exchanges gases with the outside.
Furthermore, when the mulch forms a thick cone around the trunk, The roots begin to grow upwards and in circles, inside that mound, searching for oxygen and nutrients.Over time, some of these roots end up surrounding the trunk itself and can strangle it, as if it were a tight noose.
Another serious problem is excessive humidity: Keeping the trunk constantly in contact with a moist material promotes bark rot.The area becomes more vulnerable to fungi, bacteria, and insects that find an ideal environment to settle there.
The expert from the University of Maryland sums it up bluntly: They behave almost like a "disease" of the gardenThey weaken the tree's structure, making it more prone to pests, breakage, and in many cases, ultimately causing its premature death.
If we add that the urban trees They already suffer from stress due to pollution, compacted soils, and aggressive pruning. It's practically pushing the specimen towards collapse.
Economic and environmental cost of this bad practice
Mulch volcanoes are not only a biological problem: they also represent a considerable waste of resources and moneyFirstly, much more material than is actually necessary is used to protect the soil and conserve moisture, which means extra expense for each tree.
When the tree begins to suffer and finally dies, You have to add the cost of cutting it down, removing it and replacing it with another specimenIf this happens in private gardens it already hurts, but in public parks or street alignments the economic impact is even greater.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) also points out that Being surrounded by trees has proven benefits for mental healthThey reduce stress, improve mood, and promote rest. Every tree we lose due to poor landscaping practices is a small blow to that well-being.
To make matters worse, many of these trees could have been saved simply avoiding piling material against the trunk and applying it correctlyIt's an easy mistake to correct, but very costly if it persists over time.
How to use mulch correctly around trees
The good news is that mulch, when applied wisely, is a magnificent tool. It protects the soil, reduces evaporation, limits the appearance of weeds, and improves soil structure. Over time. The problem isn't the material, but how it's used.
Experts recommend placing the mulch in a way that forms a wide, flat circle around the tree, never in the shape of a mountainIdeally, the trunk should be left clear, with nothing attached to the bark, and only the area where the surface roots extend should be covered.
As a general guideline, a layer of between 5 and 8 cm thickIt should be well distributed, without compacting. It is sufficient to retain moisture and protect the soil, but allows air to reach the roots.
It is also important to respect the "neck" of the tree: The base of the trunk and the root expansion should be visible.If you already have a mulch volcano in your garden, the solution is as simple as removing material until the mound is lower and detached from the trunk.
Applied in this way, mulch ceases to be a silent enemy and becomes an ally for the health of trees and the garden in general.
The endless, thirsty lawn: a trend that's running out
Another trend that experts encourage people to reconsider is the garden transformed into a perfect and continuous carpet of grassFor decades it has been seen as the ideal of a well-maintained outdoor space, but in the current context of climate change and recurring droughts it is becoming a luxury that is difficult to sustain.
Traditional lawns, especially the finer and more demanding blends, It consumes enormous amounts of water and requires frequent mowing, fertilizers, and often pesticides.All of this translates into a high economic cost and a considerable environmental impact.
In contrast to this model, universities and specialized landscape architects recommend opt to reduce the lawn area to the minimum necessaryInstead of maintaining the entire garden like a golf course, it is suggested to leave only a central green area for games, relaxation or aesthetics, and surround it with other types of plantings.
The most interesting option is Replace part of the lawn with native species, flower meadows, ground cover, or gravel areas with hardy plants.In this way, water consumption is reduced, maintenance needs are lowered, and biodiversity is increased.
According to the experience gathered by gardening specialists and organizations such as the EPA, Reforesting the garden with native trees and plants can significantly reduce the water bill, improve thermal comfort and offer a much more vibrant and rich environment for insects, birds and small mammals.
Native species and naturalistic gardening: the great alternative
Landscape design studies agree that the direction in which the sector is moving is clear: naturalistic gardens, inspired by the Mediterranean (when the climate allows), with native species and low water consumptionThis does not mean neglected gardens, but rather carefully designed spaces that mimic the logic of nature.
Landscape designers explain that, when choosing plants, Climate and soil are the two key factorsIn Spain, for example, the diversity of conditions is enormous; it makes no sense to recommend a single list of "trendy plants." What is a clear trend, however, is to prioritize drought-resistant plants with moderate watering needs, avoiding those that are too hot or too cold. invasive species.
Within this naturalistic approach, the following are sought: combinations of ornamental grasses, Mediterranean shrubs, aromatic plants and flowering perennials that offer interest year-round with reasonable maintenance. Irrigation is planned to be efficient, with drip irrigation and sectorization, avoiding waste.
These types of gardens also integrate better with the surroundings: They engage with the surrounding landscape instead of imposing an “artificial setting”Local fauna, green corridors, distant views, and ecological continuity are taken into account.
The result is gardens that evolve over time, gaining character year after year, and above all, can be maintained without depending on disproportionate water consumptionThey are less about "posturing" and more about long-term consistency.
Hard, waterproof surfaces: an idea that is losing steam
For a long time, poured concrete has been the standard for driveways, parking lots, pool decks, and patios. However, modern landscaping experts believe that Large waterproof surfaces are a trend that should be left behind..
These continuous slabs of concrete, asphalt, or other compact materials They prevent rainwater from infiltrating the soilInstead of recharging aquifers and nourishing vegetation, the water runs across the surface, carrying pollutants into streams and rivers, and overloading sewer systems.
In addition, in climates with frost, Concrete suffers from freeze-thaw cyclesIt cracks, peels, and ends up generating constant repair costs. Add to that its monotonous appearance and lack of aesthetic flexibility, and it's easy to see why this option is becoming increasingly unattractive.
In response, they take center stage Permeable pavements: paving stones with wide joints, stabilized gravel, slabs separated with grass or ground coverThese systems allow water to filter into the subsoil, reduce runoff, and help maintain a more pleasant microclimate.
In some projects, this type of pavement is even combined with rainwater harvesting systemsThese systems store the infiltrated water in underground tanks for reuse in irrigation or cleaning. Besides being a more sustainable solution, this can open the door to tax incentives in certain cities.
Stamped concrete and monochrome materials: aesthetics to review
Another resource that is going out of fashion is the stamped concrete that imitates stone, wood or brickAlthough it was once sold as a decorative and economical solution, experience has shown that its weaknesses outweigh its advantages.
In the end, It remains a continuous concrete slabwith the same vulnerabilities: cracks, frost damage, difficulty in repairing specific areas without the patch being noticeable, and the need for periodic sealing to maintain the color and finish.
Furthermore, if the final finish does not match what the catalog promised, There is no easy way to rectify without removing the entire surfaceThe result can leave an artificial and unnatural appearance in gardens that seek precisely the opposite.
Landscape designers recommend instead, use concrete pavers or other independent moduleswhich offer a very wide range of shapes, textures, and colors. Custom patterns can be designed, borders created, paving "carpets," and distinct zones with considerable freedom.
If an area becomes damaged over time, it is enough to lift and replace the affected partswithout affecting the rest. And if permeable designs are also chosen, drainage is improved and problems associated with runoff are reduced.
Related to this, experts warn that Opting for a single type of paving, in a single color and texture, can make the garden look flat and uninteresting.Combining different materials in a coherent way (not haphazardly) helps to give depth, define areas and enrich the experience of the outdoor space.
Overcrowded flowerpots and an excess of "plant decoration"
Another classic that professionals advise against is the Fill every corner with pots, planters, and plants without rhyme or reason.Although the intention is good (adding greenery and color), the result is usually visual chaos and a maintenance burden that is difficult to sustain.
When too many species are crowded into a small space, Plants compete for light, water, and nutrientsThey get sick more easily, and the whole thing looks messy. Plus, watering and caring for each container separately becomes a never-ending task.
Landscape architects propose a clear alternative: Plant with intention and let the design breathe.It is better to select fewer species, but well chosen, ideally native or adapted, and place them strategically to accompany the paths, highlight seating areas or soften the boundaries of the hard pavement.
Ornamental herbs, low-growing shrubs and carefully selected perennials can to frame and enhance the architectural elements of the gardeninstead of covering them up. The idea is that “soft landscaping” complements the hard landscaping, not overwhelms it.
Ultimately, it's about understanding that in the garden, as inside the house, Less can be much more if done intelligently..
Towards a sustainable, technological and habitable landscape
Looking ahead to the next few years, strong trends in landscaping point in the same direction: sustainability, well-being and functionalityThe aim is for the garden to be not just a backdrop, but a real extension of the home where one can live, work, relax and connect with nature.
In this context, concepts such as sustainable and low-maintenance landscapesThese gardens utilize native plants, locally sourced materials, efficient irrigation, and environmentally friendly drainage solutions. Pollinator gardens, designed to feed and shelter bees, butterflies, birds, and other beneficial insects, are also gaining popularity.
Called outdoor living spaces Patios with distinct areas for eating, relaxing, doing yoga, reading, or working on a laptop are also gaining prominence. More attention is paid to furniture (wood, rattan, bamboo, durable aluminum), textures, and outdoor textiles, so that the garden feels as comfortable as the living room.
The technology, for its part, is integrated in a discreet but practical way: smart irrigation systems, solar lights, humidity sensors and automation that allow you to take care of the garden with less effort and less waste of resources.
The following are also being consolidated: Vertical gardens and green walls as a response to lack of space. In small patios or urban terraces, they allow the introduction of vertical vegetation, improving the microclimate and creating a true oasis without the need for large areas of land.
This entire paradigm shift invites us to rethink the garden not as a static postcard that follows passing trends, but as a living ecosystem that reflects our way of life and our responsibility towards the environmentLeaving behind harmful trends such as mulch volcanoes, endless lawns, or completely impermeable surfaces is an essential step to achieve this.
