
Six Must-Have Landscape Design Features for Tampa Bay Homes
Brent Wastney
The Sunshine State is famous for its pristine beaches, sprawling golf courses, and vibrant landscapes. No matter where you look, the Tampa Bay area is bursting with beautiful, inviting properties. Palm trees gently beckon you in, vibrant blossoms attract your eye, and the golden sunlight wishes you a warm welcome.
There’s no doubt that the standard for stunning landscapes is high in Tampa Bay, and aspiring to unlock the full potential of your own residential or HOA property is a natural reaction. No matter what your dream landscape looks like, working with a local Tampa Bay landscape design company can help you imbue your property with that flawless Florida vibe using these phenomenal features.
Florida Landscape Design Features to Transform Your Property
1. Native and Florida-Friendly Plants
Florida’s climate isn’t always friendly to landscaping. In fact, it can be downright brutal. Plants that aren’t up to the task can quickly fall victim to strong storms, intense heat, and periods of drought.
Thankfully, certain plants are up to the challenge. Native Florida plants are well-adjusted to the difficulties of growing in Tampa Bay’s unpredictable climate, making them an excellent choice for your landscape. Other Florida-friendly plants can also endure the hardships, and your local landscaping expert can direct you toward the right ones for your property.
Not only do these hardy plants require less maintenance (saving you money), but they also tend to look great year-round, even in the face of less-than-ideal climate conditions.
2. Functional Landscape Design Features
Tampa Bay landscape design should be pretty to look at, but you need to keep in mind that outdoor spaces are meant to be used. Whether you’re crafting the perfect backyard for family time and neighborhood gatherings or planning the ideal outdoor space for your HOA community, emphasizing functionality ensures that your Florida landscape is both pretty and practical.
What are some of the key functional elements to include in your landscape design in Tampa Bay? Think of things that make the space easier to use for its intended purpose, like well-placed lighting, comfortable seating, and pathways that are easy to navigate.
Remember, landscapes are meant to be used. By installing thoughtful, functional elements in your outdoor spaces, you encourage people to opt outside and truly enjoy the place they call home.
3. Tampa Bay Landscape Design with Sensory Elements
The visual side of landscape design tends to dominate, and for good reason. Aesthetics are a big deal, and curb appeal can truly differentiate your property from all the rest. If you want to take your Tampa Bay landscape design to the next level, however, you shouldn’t neglect other sensory elements.
People experience their surroundings through all their senses, not just sight. Including landscape design features that appeal to the other senses–especially hearing and smell–can elevate your property.
Consider adding water features for auditory ambiance, fragrant plants to stimulate the sense of smell, and even interesting textures to diversify your visual experience and lend a bit of a touch element. Giving your landscape depth and dimension by thinking beyond the purely visual is an undeniable way to become a premier Tampa Bay property.
4. Florida Landscape Features That Add Value
It’s well-known that proper landscape design can enhance the experience of residents, visitors, and even passersby, but the benefits don’t stop there. The right landscape design features can actually improve the value of your property, making them investments with a nice return.
Anything that enhances the curb appeal of your property can boost its value. In addition to aesthetic changes, investing in infrastructure never hurts. From outdoor lighting and well-defined walkways to functional spaces and smart irrigation systems, making your property easier to maintain and enjoy adds incredible value.
5. Blend Indoor and Outdoor Living
Thanks to Florida’s pleasant year-round weather and wonderful scenery, many people want to spend as much time outdoors as possible. Of course, they would prefer to do it as comfortably as possible, and we don’t blame them!
Whether it’s relaxing poolside during the summer or gathering around a fire when the weather gets a touch cold, facilitating outdoor living by blending it with indoor comfort really hits the sweet spot. Landscape design elements like covered porches, outdoor kitchens, and even fireplaces can create a comfortable, inviting environment year-round.
No matter what hybrid living space you choose to build, it’s wise to integrate important elements like fans, lighting, and other essentials. This extends the usability of the space into multiple seasons, adding both multifunctionality and value.
6. Signal the Shifting Seasons
Thanks to Florida’s limited seasons (summer and summer jr.), the landscaping can sometimes seem a bit bland or too uniform. There are no fall colors or white Christmases, leaving it up to you to make your property more engaging and seasonally appropriate.
With the right Tampa Bay landscape design, you can create seasonal shifts that add intrigue to your home or HOA community. From rotating flower displays to seasonal decor that promotes a festive environment, embracing your creativity and adding a bit of flair to your landscaping can elevate it, no matter what time of year it is.
Residential homeowners and HOA property managers who want to transform their Florida landscape can use the landscape design features discussed here to help their properties reach their full potential. Of course, tips and tricks can only be effective with proper execution, which is where a local Tampa Bay landscaping company comes into play.
Landcrafters has over 25 years of experience creating stunning Tampa Bay landscape designs, and your property could be next. No matter what your vision is, our team of passionate landscaping experts can help you bring it to life.
To discuss your dream property, feel free to reach out to us today. Whether you give us a call or fill out a consultation form, we can’t wait to dive into the details with you and help your landscape reach its full potential.

Brent Wastney
Landscape Designer for Landcrafters, Inc. Brent Wastney brings over 30 years of experience in the landscape industry across three different countries: New Zealand, Australia, and currently, he's spent the last 12 years immersed in landscaping here in Florida. Over the past 3 years, Brent has served as a landscape consultant designer, specializing in planning for both new landscape installations and enhancing existing landscapes while fostering strong relationships with clients. In addition to his extensive practical experience, Brent holds a New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture and a Florida National Growers Association Certificate. Furthermore, he's completed Dynascape Landscape Design Classes and attended the Water Star Class.