Landscapers look for sustainable solutions.

Homeowners and commercial building owners will be paying a lot more attention to environmentally-friendly landscape options, such as adding native plants and managing stormwater more effectively, according to a new survey of leading members of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA).

Commercial clients are concerned with "green solutions" according to the informal survey. Members polled said they anticipate an increase in client requests for better stormwater management options, the use of recycled materials and energy-efficient lighting, green roofs, and native plantings.

Ann McGinnes, ASLA, of Garland, Texas, said that she expects to see more requests from commercial clients for "non-traditional" means of irrigating the landscape and a focus on better management of water resources. She also says green roofs are gaining in popularity for both their environmental qualities as well as their aesthetic appeal.

Other popular commercial client requests should include water features such as fountains and outdoor employee areas. Madeline Ann Sutter, ASLA, of Oriental, N.C., said that these employee areas will be designed for employees to getrespite from work.