7 Trending Landscaping Ideas for Your Outdoor Space in Grand Traverse and Leelanau County MI

1. Experiment with More Refined Color Palettes

Gone are the days of throwing every bright flower into the yard and hoping for the best. The latest landscaping trend is all about intentional color choices—using pops of color strategically to create balance and harmony. Think deep blues and purples for a cool, calming vibe or warm oranges and yellows for an inviting feel.

One of the best ways to make colors stand out? Thoughtful hardscaping. Neutral stone pathways, sleek patios, and modern retaining walls provide a subtle backdrop that lets your border plantings truly shine. Instead of overwhelming the space, the goal is to highlight your favorite plants and create a polished, high-end look.

2. Focus on Outdoor Wellness Spaces

Life can be chaotic, so why not let your yard be your personal retreat? One of the biggest trends in landscaping right now is creating outdoor wellness spaces—areas designed to help you relax, recharge, and soak in the restorative power of nature.

Imagine the gentle sound of a small water feature, like a bubbling fountain or a koi pond, washing away stress as you sip your morning coffee. Or picture a cozy meditation nook, complete with soft greenery, a comfy bench, and dappled sunlight filtering through the trees. If yoga is your thing, a smooth stone or wood deck can create the perfect space for your morning flow.

The goal? To craft a space that invites you to slow down and enjoy the moment—because sometimes, the best thing you can do is step outside and just breathe.

3. Incorporate Native Plantings

We get it—when you hear “native plants,” you might picture an overgrown, messy jungle of weeds taking over your yard. But hear us out! Native plantings are actually one of the easiest ways to create a lush, beautiful landscape with less maintenance.

Unlike fussy ornamental plants that need constant attention, native species are naturally adapted to Traverse City’s sandy soils and climate. That means they require less watering, fewer fertilizers, and less overall upkeep. Plus, they provide a habitat for local pollinators like butterflies and bees—so your yard stays buzzing with life in the best way possible.

By thoughtfully incorporating native plants into your design—think vibrant coneflowers, hardy little bluestem grasses, and colorful wild lupine—you get a landscape that looks intentional, inviting, and effortlessly gorgeous. Low-maintenance, high-impact—what’s not to love?

4. Go Full Luxury with Plunge Pools

icture this: You step outside on a warm Northern Michigan evening, drink in hand, and sink into your own private plunge pool—perfectly chilled or deliciously warm, no crowded public pools required. Sounds pretty great, right?

Plunge pools are the ultimate luxury upgrade for homeowners who want the benefits of a pool without the space, cost, or maintenance of a full-sized one. They’re smaller, easier to install, and perfect for lounging, cooling off, or even enjoying hydrotherapy. Plus, their compact size makes them a great fit for almost any backyard layout.

With options for built-in seating, LED lighting, and even spa-like jets, a plunge pool turns your outdoor space into a personal retreat. Whether you’re looking to entertain, unwind, or just make a statement, this trend is all about effortless luxury in a perfectly sized package.

5. Relax with More Natural Feeling Landscapes

Forget the rigid lines and perfectly manicured edges—landscapes that feel more organic and free-flowing are making a comeback. Instead of obsessing over straight rows and symmetrical beds, homeowners are embracing lush, layered plantings that feel more like a peaceful garden escape.

Think soft, draping textures, winding pathways, and plants that intermingle naturally rather than staying in strict formations. This trend creates a more relaxing, inviting space that feels like a private retreat rather than a showpiece that needs constant upkeep. Plus, it blends beautifully with Northern Michigan’s natural beauty, making your yard feel like an effortless extension of the landscape.

6. Partnering with Pros for Enhanced Full-Service Maintenance Plans

Keeping up with a beautiful landscape takes time—and juggling multiple contractors for mowing, pruning, fertilization, irrigation, and everything else? That’s a full-time job in itself. Instead of piecing together services from different companies, homeowners are choosing full-service landscape maintenance teams that handle it all.

By partnering with one trusted team, your entire outdoor space gets the care and attention it deserves. The professionals understand your property as a whole, ensuring plants thrive, hardscapes stay in top shape, and everything works together seamlessly. Plus, with a team that truly takes ownership of your landscape, you can actually relax and enjoy your outdoor space instead of constantly managing it. Whether it’s keeping flower beds looking fresh, ensuring your lawn stays lush, or adjusting care as the seasons change, having one reliable company makes all the difference.

7. Try Robotic Mowers & Electric Equipment

In a place as naturally stunning as Northern Michigan, it just makes sense to care for our landscapes in a way that also protects the environment. That’s why more homeowners are choosing landscaping companies that offer organic treatments, electric equipment, and robotic lawn mowers like the Husqvarna Automower.

These eco-friendly solutions reduce noise pollution, lower emissions, and minimize chemical use, making your outdoor space healthier and more enjoyable. Plus, robotic mowers keep lawns perfectly trimmed with less effort, while electric equipment offers a quieter, more sustainable way to maintain your landscape. With so much fresh water surrounding us, choosing sustainable landscaping practices helps preserve the beauty of our region while still keeping outdoor spaces lush, inviting, and easy to enjoy.

Partnering with TruNorth Landscaping to Design and Install Your Dream Landscape

Trends come and go, but great landscaping is all about creating an outdoor space that feels timeless, functional, and uniquely yours. Whether it’s adding refined color palettes, embracing the restorative power of nature, installing a luxurious plunge pool, or opting for sustainable lawn care, these trends are all about enhancing your outdoor space in ways that make life easier, more beautiful, and more enjoyable.

At TruNorth Landscaping, we do it all. From full-service maintenance to cutting-edge outdoor living designs, we stay ahead of the trends to ensure your landscape is not only stunning but built to last. Let’s create a space that invites you to relax, entertain, and enjoy everything Northern Michigan has to offer.

Ready to update your landscape and get outside this summer in Grand Traverse or Leelanau County? Get started by filling out our contact form.