Omaha’s Must-Have 2025 Outdoor Trends

With 2025 finally here, it seems as though just about everyone in Omaha is looking to refresh their yards with trends that bring both style and purpose. 

At Sun Valley Landscaping, we’ve been keeping our fingers on the pulse of these trends, and we’re excited to share with you exactly how we can help you incorporate them. 

Whether it’s a low-maintenance lawn, a fully-equipped outdoor kitchen, or a nature-inspired retreat, there’s something in store for anyone looking to elevate their yard this year. 

Let’s break down the leading trends shaping next year’s most stunning outdoor spaces and why we think they’re going to win hearts (and yards).  

1. Butterfly and Pollinator Gardens 

Butterfly gardens remain at the top of our list, and it’s easy to see why. These vibrant garden spaces aren’t just beautiful—they serve a much larger purpose. By incorporating plants that attract pollinators like butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds, these gardens help sustain local ecosystems while providing a natural, lively aesthetic. 

For homeowners open to experimenting with native plants but worried about the garden looking “messy,” we recommend mixing structured yet pollinator-friendly plants such as coneflowers, butterfly bushes, milkweed, and salvia. These varieties offer a neat, intentional design while maintaining their ecological benefits. 

Prairie-style beds, which often replace large lawns, are also becoming a popular request among our clients. Not only do they use less water, but they also reduce maintenance time—talk about a win-win!

And if you have any concerns about pollinator gardens attracting bees or other bugs? Don’t worry—there’s always a way to tailor your plant selections to attract specific pollinators without attracting pests. Just ask us, and we’ll help craft a butterfly garden that works in harmony with your home. 

2. Health and Wellness Outdoor Spaces 

People are increasingly looking to transform their backyards into havens of relaxation and rejuvenation. Enter health-focused outdoor retreats. These spaces blend comfort with calming features, helping you unwind and reinvigorate right outside your door. 

Some popular elements we’re asked about frequently include water features like cascading fountains or quiet koi ponds (sound therapy is real!), saunas, cold plunge pools, and even hammocks tucked into shady corners. 

We’ve also seen a rise in edible gardens—think fresh herbs, leafy greens, or even fruit trees. These don’t just add practicality to your design but also connect you with nature, bite by bite. 

Birdwatching spots are another underrated addition. Many people are opting for bird feeders or planting shrubs that attract native species to make their yards even more tranquil. They might sound small, but it’s these tiny, intentional touches that turn an ordinary yard into a personal sanctuary. 

3. Outdoor Living Rooms 

Why limit your gatherings to the indoors when you can create a cozy, functional living space outside? Outdoor living rooms are paving the way for extended evenings under the stars while extending the livable square footage of your home. They merge convenience with style, combining the comforts of indoor seating and dining rooms with the fresh openness of the outdoors. 

We love designing spaces with weather-proof couches, oversized chairs, and other sleek elements to keep the area warm and inviting. String lights or louvered pergolas help set the mood and add a touch of elegance. Dining areas with nearby outdoor kitchens—complete with grills, pizza ovens, and mini-fridges—create a multi-functional space that’s just perfect for entertaining. 

One exciting addition to these outdoor setups that we expect to see more of in 2025? Televisions. Whether mounted under pergolas or integrated into garden walls, they’re becoming a must-have. From game nights to cozy date nights, homeowners are finding endless ways to enjoy their outdoor living rooms year-round. 

4. Natural Materials Stealing the Spotlight 

The shift towards natural materials continues to gain traction. Stone, wood, and other organic elements bring warmth and authenticity to any outdoor design. Whether it’s through a rustic flagstone patio, elegant wooden pergolas, or reclaimed wood garden benches, natural materials create spaces that are timeless and elegant.

What’s great is that these materials offer durability without sacrificing beauty. For example, incorporating natural stone accents like fireplaces, retaining walls, or pathways immediately elevates any outdoor area. The rich textures and colors of wood can make cozy pergolas or decking stand out effortlessly while blending seamlessly with your garden’s overall look. 

Beyond aesthetics, natural materials like these also align with the growing push toward sustainability. If “green” is on your mind, we’re here to talk about ensuring these designs work in harmony with the environment—all while adding lasting elegance to your yard. 

5. Say Goodbye to Grey; Hello to Earth Tones 

Grey might have had its moment in modern landscaping over the last few years, as it did in interior design, but earth tones are back to taking center stage in 2025. Think soft browns, warm tans, and muted greens—colors that feel grounded and naturally connected to the environment. 

Shifting to warmer palettes helps create outdoor areas that feel cozier and more calming than the cool, industrial vibes of grey. We often pair these tones with textured elements, like cobblestone borders or brown-stained wood finishes, to make spaces feel layered and rich. 

6. Sustainable Lawns and Hardscaping 

Gone are the days of lush, water-hungry grass being the ultimate yard goal. Sustainable options like drought-tolerant grasses, buffalo grass, and even short-clover lawns are replacing traditional turf. If your lawn feels outdated, these alternatives offer a significant upgrade for Omaha’s climate while reducing water usage and maintenance. 

Hardscaping is evolving, too. Homeowners in Omaha are leaning into eco-friendly materials like permeable pavers and composite decking. These not only look incredible but also help with drainage and reduce heat retention during Omaha’s warmer months. Brown tones, again, are also taking over from greys, giving outdoor spaces a natural warmth combined with timeless appeal. 

Our team has worked with cutting-edge hardscaping solutions like Unilock and Techo-Bloc for homeowners looking to update patios or driveways with a sustainable focus. This small yet impactful shift makes outdoor areas look cleaner while promoting sustainability. 

7. Fire and Water Features for All Seasons 

Nothing anchors an outdoor gathering space quite like a fire pit or a soothing water feature. Whether your vibe is a sleek gas fire pit for cozy evenings or the calming flow of a water fountain, these features are seeing modern upgrades that make them incredible additions to Omaha homes. 

Clients we’ve worked with often add fire pits near outdoor TVs or integrate waterfall sounds into their dining spaces for upscale ambiance that feels totally effortless. 

As you might imagine, placement is key, so we prioritize this in our design. From visibility to nearby seating and shading, we’ll figure out what works best for you to make these additions feel both functional and stylish. 

Modern designs are leaning toward simplicity, clean lines, and low maintenance—something we do well at Sun Valley Landscaping. 

8. Maximalist Outdoor Aesthetics 

While minimalism may continue to appeal to some, we’re also seeing maximalist outdoor spaces on the rise, giving homeowners the chance to really showcase their individual style. Picture layered textures, bold materials, and vibrant colors that create a backyard full of personality, or even something as simple as statement planters, eclectic furniture, or sprawling flower beds. 

This isn’t about going overboard, but rather, allowing every part of your space to speak to you, and help you express yourself in the most authentic way possible. 

9. Smart Landscaping Technology 

Imagine never having to adjust your sprinkler system manually again or not having to worry about overwatering during a rainy spell. 

Smart landscaping technology like Bluetooth-enabled irrigation systems is poised to make your outdoor maintenance as stress-free and efficient as possible in 2025. These setups detect rainfall and automatically adjust watering schedules, so your plants get just the right amount of hydration while you save on utility bills. 

Old-school, inefficient sprinklers are officially out. For homeowners here in the Omaha area, where autumn and early winter’s historical low rainfall has so far made efficient water usage more important than ever, these systems are quickly becoming a must-have. 

We’ve been switching out outdated irrigation systems for new ones that not only save water but also reduce long-term maintenance headaches. 

10. Green Walls and Vertical Gardens 

Why keep all the greenery on the ground when you could add dimension and style to your yard with a vertical garden?

Living walls, or green walls, are all the rage this year. They provide a fresh, modern look while improving air quality and creating privacy—especially useful if you’re not keen on traditional fencing. Similarly, vertical gardens make great use of compact spaces without feeling cramped. 

Out with the outdated wooden fences that clash with today’s sleek designs! Folks are swapping these for fences adorned with cascading vines, intricate lighting, or decorative cutouts that add artistic flair. Evergreens, tall grasses, and columnar trees are trending for screening—plants that create privacy without feeling obtrusive. 

11. Modular and Flexible Outdoor Spaces 

Your outdoor space should work as hard as you do. That’s why modular and flexible setups are trending in 2025. Think furniture you can easily rearrange, propane fire pits you can move around, and layouts that cater to various activities like lounging, dining, and entertaining. 

Gone are the days of fixed, rigid designs that box you in. Omahans are now blending multi-functionality with features like large patios for flexible areas or elevation changes to create distinct “zones” within a single space. 

Whether you’re connecting outdoor rooms with steppers, using movable lawn furniture, or accenting everything with custom lighting, we can help create a layout that evolves with your family’s needs. 

12. Outdoor Workspaces 

The line between home and work has blurred. For 2025, more people are heading outside to combine productivity with fresh air than ever before—and it’s not just about adding a picnic table to the yard. Outdoor offices are becoming thoughtfully designed spaces with comfortable seating, fans for hot summer days, and even bug-repelling features. 

Four-season rooms and creative setups for outdoor work-friendly spaces are getting a lot of attention right now. Whether you need functional pieces like outdoor fans to keep mosquitoes away or cozy spots where you can focus uninterrupted, we can help you design a workspace that’ll make you actually enjoy all those Zoom calls. 

13. Biophilic Design 

This year, it’s all about connecting with nature through biophilic design. Instead of overly manicured gardens, we’ll opt for natural materials like stone, water features, and native plants that augment the surroundings without disrupting them. The beauty of biophilic spaces, after all, lies in how they make you feel. 

Whether it’s adding a gentle water feature or subtle, Zen-inspired greenery, biophilic elements are perfect for creating a relaxed, tranquil environment. It’s less about perfection and more about building a space you can breathe in, unwind, and truly enjoy. 

14. Climate-Resilient Landscaping 

With unpredictable weather a growing concern for Omaha’s homeowners, climate-resilient landscaping continues to gain traction in 2025. Windbreaks, drought-tolerant plants, and durable materials are now must-haves for outdoor spaces designed to thrive in fluctuating temperatures. 

While it’s not the flashiest trend on this list, choosing the right plants and materials for the local climate makes a huge difference. We’ve spent years perfecting these details, ensuring your outdoor investment lasts for years without constant upkeep. 

15. Sustainable Lighting Solutions 

Nothing transforms your outdoor space quite like the right lighting. Energy-efficient LED lights and solar-powered options are not only environmentally friendly but also offer endless customization for defining your yard’s vibe—whether it’s a cozy atmosphere or Husker game day red and white. 

Choosing professional-grade installations makes all the difference compared to basic DIY solar lights. Pro setups last longer, provide better coverage, and include helpful features like timers or smart controls. Not to mention, they’re designed to avoid tripping hazards and keep your pathways safe without being blinding. 

16. Backyard Retreats 

There’s no place like home—especially when your backyard feels like a private retreat. From hammocks to tranquil seating areas filled with natural plants, creating an oasis-like feel tops the charts this year. Relaxation hasn’t gone out of style, and it probably never will. 

Combining purpose with beauty makes all the difference—crowded spaces loaded with mismatched plants feel chaotic, but layering your yard with intention adds depth. We love collaborating to design backyards where every corner feels serene, intentional, and something you can’t wait to show off. 

The Time to Transform is Now

Your yard should be more than just a patch of grass—it should be your refuge, your entertainment hub, and your favorite hangout space, all in one. 

Feeling inspired to update your outdoor space? Whether it’s creating a butterfly garden that supports pollinators, adding a health-focused retreat, or revamping your yard with natural materials, we’ve got you covered. Check, check, and check.

At Sun Valley Landscaping in Omaha, Nebraska, we’re here to make your outdoor dreams a reality. Our team works closely with homeowners to bring these trends to life—without compromising functionality or style. 

Get in touch if you’re ready to start designing the most beautiful outdoor space your neighborhood has seen. Let’s make 2025 your backyard’s best year yet.