Best Top-of-Year Landscaping Upgrades
- Living Water Team
- Jan 27
- 4 min read
The start of a new year is the perfect time to reset—not just your goals, but your outdoor space as well. Tackling landscaping upgrades early in the year gives you a major advantage: better planning, smarter water use, and a yard that’s ready to enjoy when spring and summer arrive. Whether you’re focused on curb appeal, low maintenance, or creating a more functional backyard, these are the top landscaping upgrades to prioritize right now.
Bushes, Shrubs, and Trees
Planting and refreshing greenery is one of the most impactful ways to transform your landscape. Bushes, shrubs, and trees provide structure, color, privacy, and shade while softening hardscape elements.
Early in the year is an ideal time to remove overgrown or outdated plantings and replace them with drought-tolerant, climate-appropriate options. Thoughtful placement can improve privacy, frame views, create natural shade, and reduce long-term maintenance. Trees planted early also have more time to establish strong root systems before warmer weather arrives.
Irrigation System Overhaul
An efficient irrigation system is the backbone of a healthy landscape. Many homeowners are surprised to learn how much water is wasted through outdated or improperly set systems.
A top-of-year irrigation upgrade may include smart controllers, drip irrigation for planting beds, and zone adjustments that ensure each area of your yard gets exactly what it needs. Updating your irrigation now helps plants thrive, reduces water bills, and prepares your landscape for peak growing season.
Ground Cover: Decorative Rock, Gravel, and Sand
Ground cover plays a critical role in both the look and performance of your yard. Decorative rock, gravel, and sand are increasingly popular alternatives to traditional lawn areas and high-maintenance mulch.
These materials help control erosion, improve drainage, and reduce weeds while adding texture and visual interest. Decorative rock and gravel are especially effective around plants, walkways, and architectural features, creating clean lines and a polished, low-maintenance finish that holds up year-round.
Artificial Turf, Including Putting Greens
Artificial turf continues to be one of the most requested landscape upgrades—and for good reason. It offers a consistently green, manicured look without watering, mowing, or fertilizing.
Homeowners use turf for front yards, side yards, play areas, pet spaces, and backyard gathering zones. Custom putting greens add a fun, recreational element while maintaining a clean, professional appearance. Installed early in the year, turf gives you immediate results and long-term savings on maintenance and water use.
Paver Driveways, Walkways, and Backyard Gathering Areas
Hardscape upgrades define how your outdoor space functions. Paver driveways dramatically improve curb appeal, while walkways guide flow and enhance safety throughout the property.
In the backyard, paver patios and gathering areas create spaces designed for entertaining, dining, and relaxing. Starting these projects early allows time for proper base preparation and finishing so everything is ready for peak use during warmer months. With the right layout and materials, pavers add durability, style, and value to your home.
Stone Veneer for Walls and Raised Planters
Plain cinderblock walls can detract from an otherwise beautiful yard. Stone veneer is one of the most effective ways to elevate your landscape instantly.
Applying stone veneer to boundary walls, raised planters, seating walls, and other vertical surfaces adds depth, texture, and a high-end look. It also helps tie together other stone elements like pavers and outdoor kitchens, creating a cohesive, custom design throughout the property.
Landscape Lighting
Landscape lighting is often the finishing touch that brings everything together. It improves safety and security while extending the usability of your yard into the evening.
Well-designed lighting highlights pathways, trees, walls, and architectural features, adding warmth and dimension after dark. Energy-efficient LED systems and smart controls make lighting both practical and cost-effective, allowing you to enjoy your outdoor space long after the sun goes down.
Start the Year Strong with Living Water Landscaping
The best landscapes aren’t built all at once—they’re thoughtfully planned and executed. Starting your landscaping upgrades at the beginning of the year gives you the flexibility to prioritize, design, and build with intention.
Living Water Landscaping specializes in custom design and installation, helping homeowners turn ideas into cohesive, functional outdoor environments. Whether you’re refreshing a few key areas or planning a full transformation, now is the time to build the foundation for a great year outdoors.
Contact Living Water Landscaping today to start planning your top-of-year landscaping upgrades and get your yard ready for everything the year has to offer.
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