The TurfMutt Foundation, which advocates for the care and use of backyards, public parks, school yards and other green spaces, predicts 2026 will be a year of purpose, precision and pet-friendly landscapes. The era of the purely aesthetic lawn is over; the future is about the high-performance, consciously designed landscape.
“Your yard is no longer just a patch of grass; it’s strategic investment, a sanity-saving sanctuary, and a vital link in your community’s connected ecosystem,” says Kris Kiser, President & CEO of the TurfMutt Foundation. “In 2026, outdoor living will become smarter and more personalized than ever before. Intentionality is the new foundation of American landscaping.”
The 365-Day Landscape Homeowners are rejecting a one season yard. To maximize their investment and enjoyment, the “backyarding season” now spans all four quarters. Winter is for smart planning and equipment maintenance or new purchases; spring and summer to plant and enjoy outdoor activities; and fall to make critical improvements for the year ahead. This strategic, year-round approach relies on localized knowledge like using the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map to select the right plants for the right place.
