Sustainable Landscaping Trends for Northwest Louisiana Homeowners

Caring for a traditional grass lawn—between watering, mowing, edging, weeding, and fertilizing—can be time-consuming and resource-heavy. And while a pristine lawn has long been the gold standard for curb appeal, more homeowners across Northwest Louisiana are rethinking their outdoor spaces in favor of environmentally conscious, lower-maintenance alternatives that celebrate the natural beauty of our region.

Across the country, landscape design is shifting away from rigid layouts and non-native plantings toward sustainable, organic options that honor native ecosystems. In Northwest Louisiana—where we experience hot summers, mild winters, and varied rainfall—these changes are not just a trend, but a practical, eco-friendly choice.

Native Plants Over Manicured Hedges

Gone are the days of neatly clipped hedges and sculpted shrubs that require constant attention. Today’s homeowners prefer landscapes that feel more natural and less forced. Native plants, flowers, and grasses not only blend seamlessly with our local environment, but they’re also better adapted to Louisiana’s unique climate, meaning they thrive with less water, fertilizer, and upkeep.

Instead of spending your weekends trimming imported bushes or reviving struggling exotic flowers, consider low-maintenance landscaping using plants like Louisiana phlox, butterfly milkweed, black-eyed Susans, and ornamental grasses that love our soil and sun.

Rethinking the Lawn: From Turf to Xeriscaping

Although artificial turf has improved in texture and appearance, many residents still prefer the real thing—or no grass at all. That’s where xeriscaping comes in. This water-conscious landscaping method uses drought-tolerant plants and smart design strategies to reduce the need for irrigation. Think succulents, wildflowers, native shrubs, and even cacti—yes, some varieties grow beautifully in Louisiana’s sandy and clay-rich soils.

For those interested in xeriscaping, it’s best to group plants with similar water needs together, and to consider natural features like slope, sun exposure, and drainage. Using a natural mulch—such as aged hardwood or pine straw—can help retain moisture, nourish the soil, and keep weeds at bay without the potential contaminants found in dyed or chemically treated mulches.

Hardscaping: Less is More

Incorporating hardscaping—like stone borders, brick pathways, or iron dividers—can elevate a landscape, but moderation is key. Your plants should be the focal point, not the masonry. A good rule of thumb? Aim for 70% greenery and 30% structural elements. This ensures a soft, welcoming aesthetic while keeping future changes flexible and cost-effective.

From Kitschy to Natural: Rethinking Lawn Décor

Whether you love a classic birdbath or can’t resist a garden gnome, lawn ornamentation is a personal choice. But many Northwest Louisiana homeowners are choosing a more natural aesthetic, using understated features that complement rather than clutter the landscape. Items like native stone fountains, clay planters, or subtle lighting add charm without overpowering the yard. When in doubt, keep decorative elements simple—and consider moving more expressive pieces to the backyard.

Harnessing Rainfall: Build a Rain Garden

Louisiana weather brings plenty of rainfall—and runoff. A rain garden is a beautiful and functional way to manage excess water from your roof, driveway, or lawn. Designed on a natural slope, rain gardens use native plants to collect and filter runoff, preventing erosion and helping more water soak into the ground.

A proper rain garden should sit at least 10 feet away from your home and well clear of septic systems. With layers of sand, compost, and mulch, and carefully selected plant groupings, you’ll have a landscape feature that’s both eye-catching and environmentally beneficial.

Invite Wildlife with “Nature Spacing”

“Rewilding” or “nature spacing” has become one of the most popular landscaping movements in the South. Here in Northwest Louisiana, homeowners are creating peaceful backyard sanctuaries that invite songbirds, butterflies, frogs, and even deer.

Add a birdbath or water feature with local aquatic plants like creeping jenny or Louisiana iris. Pergolas covered in ivy or climbing roses provide shade and visual interest, while pollinator-friendly blooms like lavender, daisies, and coneflowers keep bees and butterflies thriving.

Grow What You Eat: Kitchen Gardens

Another rising trend? Edible gardens. A well-tended kitchen garden filled with vegetables, herbs, and edible flowers adds beauty and function to your property. Many Louisiana-grown favorites—like okra, peppers, squash, and sunflowers—offer visual appeal as well as food for your table.

Kitchen gardens can be grown in raised beds, decorative containers, or woven into your landscape design. Don’t forget herbs like rosemary, basil, and mint, which do well in our southern climate and add year-round fragrance to your yard.

Bringing It All Home

At Berkshire Hathaway Ally Real Estate, we understand that outdoor living is a way of life in Northwest Louisiana. Whether you’re updating your landscape to sell your home, improve curb appeal, or simply enjoy your space more, incorporating natural, low-maintenance design elements is a smart move for both property value and quality of life.

Interested in homes with spacious outdoor areas or native landscaping features? Let one of our local experts help you find a property that fits your lifestyle and vision.