How To Choose A Landscape Design Style
When a homeowner is ready to update their landscape or start fresh after losing many plants from the weather, it can be hard deciding to stick with the current style or find another aesthetic for their property. New beds, plants, trees, gravel, edging- the list can seem endless when starting the conversation.
The best landscape style is one that works with your home, property, lifestyle, and environment.
For homeowners in the DFW area, it should also account for North Texas heat, soil, water availability, and the plants that perform well in the region.
As a designer, here are some quick and easy breakdowns I discuss with clients that are stuck at the starting line.
What Is A Landscape Design Style?
A landscape design style is the overall visual and functional direction of a landscape.
It influences choices such as:
Plant selection
Hardscape materials
Colors
Shapes and lines
Outdoor furniture
Planting density
Maintenance requirements
Overall layout
A consistent style helps individual elements work together instead of making the landscape feel pieced together. Even when phasing a project, things can still look like they’ve always been together when it’s finished.
1. Modern Landscape Design
Modern landscapes typically emphasize clean lines, simple shapes, and intentional planting.
Common characteristics include:
Geometric planting beds
Clean edges
Simple plant palettes
Structural plants
Gravel or large-format pavers
Minimal ornamentation
Open spaces
Modern landscaping can work particularly well with contemporary homes, but elements of the style can also be incorporated into traditional properties.
For smaller Dallas yards and townhomes, modern design can also help make a space feel organized without requiring excessive plant material.
2. Traditional Landscape Design
Traditional landscapes tend to feel more structured and established. Think country clubs, French estates, formal buildings with layered beds that are well- manicured.
Common characteristics include:
Symmetrical layouts
Defined planting beds
Formal hedges
Classic trees and shrubs
Repetition
Traditional materials
Strong connections to the architecture
This style can complement traditional, Colonial, Tudor, and other established architectural styles.
3. Natural Landscape Design
Natural landscapes are designed to feel less formal and more connected to the surrounding environment. More organized than a field of wildflowers, but the same simplistic beauty.
They often use:
Native plants
Layered planting
Curved edges
Grasses
Perennials
Natural stone
Informal groupings
A naturalistic approach can be particularly useful when the goal is to create a landscape that feels relaxed, wildlife-friendly, and less dependent on intensive maintenance. Many butterfly gardens follow this design style.
4. Texas Native Landscape Design
Native-focused landscapes use plants that naturally occur in Texas or are well adapted to the region.
Potential benefits include:
Reduced water requirements once established
Support for local wildlife
Adaptation to regional conditions
Seasonal interest
Reduced dependence on plants that struggle in Texas
Native landscaping does not have to look “wild.” Native plants can be incorporated into modern, traditional, or naturalistic designs. The Austin hill country is a great example of sticking to native plants that complements home with various architectural styles.
5. Cottage-Style Landscaping
Cottage landscapes typically emphasize abundant planting and a relaxed appearance. Very similar to the Natural Style, but for more “hands-on” homeowners who like to care for plants.
They may include:
Flowering perennials
Shrubs
Small trees
Layered planting
Informal pathways
Containers
Pollinator-friendly plants
This style works well for homeowners who enjoy gardening and want their landscape to have a softer, more colorful appearance. This style is great for people who enjoy certain ornamental trees/plants or specimen plants.
6. Xeriscape and Water-Conscious Landscaping
Xeriscaping focuses on reducing unnecessary water use through thoughtful design and plant selection.
It can include:
Drought-tolerant plants
Native plants
Gravel or stone
Efficient irrigation
Reduced lawn areas
Strategic planting zones
Xeriscaping does not mean removing all plants or creating a landscape full of rocks. It is primarily about designing a landscape around water efficiency.
How Do You Choose the Right Landscape Style?
When we design for our clients, we avoid choosing a style based only on reference photos, but consider these five factors.
1. Look at Your Home
The architecture of your home is one of the best starting points.
Consider its:
Roofline
Exterior materials
Colors
Windows
Architectural details
Age
Overall character
A landscape does not need to perfectly match the architecture, but the two should feel compatible.
2. Consider How You Use Your Property
Your landscape should support your lifestyle.
A family that regularly entertains outdoors may need large lawn, synthetic turf, or patio areas.
Someone who prefers gardening may want larger planting beds with a mix of plants they have to maintain and the rest can grow naturally.
A homeowner looking for privacy may prioritize screening plants, trees, fences, and strategically placed structures.
3. Think About Maintenance
Be realistic about how much maintenance you want to perform.
A heavily planted landscape can require more pruning, watering, weeding, and seasonal care. This also is important when discussing seasonal color beds.
A simpler landscape with carefully selected plants and defined planting areas may be easier to maintain.
Low-maintenance does not have to mean no-maintenance. The goal is to create a landscape that fits the amount of time and effort you are willing to invest.
4. Consider Your Property
The property itself can influence the appropriate style.
Consider:
Lot size
Sun exposure
Existing trees
Slopes
Drainage
Soil
Views
Neighboring properties
Existing hardscape
For example, a heavily wooded property may naturally lend itself to a more naturalistic design, while a small urban property may benefit from a simpler, more structured layout.
5. Consider the North Texas Climate
For Dallas-Fort Worth homeowners, aesthetics should not be the only consideration.
A plant may look perfect in a photograph but struggle with North Texas heat, cold snaps, clay soil, or inconsistent rainfall.
Choose plants and materials that can perform in your property’s needs. Each home is like a fingerprint- what works for your neighbors across the street might not work for you.
Start With a Landscape Plan
Once you have an idea of the style you prefer, the next step is turning that inspiration into a plan. Here’s where Hortica comes in!
A landscape plan can help determine:
Where different spaces should go
Which plants fit the style
How much lawn to keep
What materials to use
Where privacy is needed
How people will move through the property
How the landscape will look as plants mature
This is especially valuable when planning a larger landscape or a project that will be installed in phases.
The Right Style Is the One That Works for You
There is no single “best” landscape design style.
The right style balances appearance, function, maintenance, architecture, property conditions, and climate.
For Dallas-Fort Worth homeowners, the best landscape is one that looks intentional while using plants and materials capable of performing in North Texas conditions.
Start with what you want your property to accomplish, then build the style around those goals.
Hortica Landscape Design helps Dallas-Fort Worth homeowners develop landscape plans that balance design, functionality, horticulture, and long-term goal