After a long winter indoors, the Roots Landscape crew is ready to transform outdoor spaces into perfect springtime sanctuaries.
Owner Daniel Burt and his team look toward this season’s trends. Dan has more than two decades of experience in landscape/design. Before acquiring the Landscape By Terrain in 2016 and transforming it into the Roots Landscape of today, he worked on projects such as installing the Urban Outfitters corporate headquarters in Philadelphia.
“For us, the design process begins with honoring the property’s history and natural surroundings, then layering in thoughtful, modern elements that surprise and delight,” Dan says. “Looking ahead to 2025, we anticipate growing interest in outdoor living spaces that reflect this marriage of the classic and the contemporary.”
As one of the lead landscape designers for the company, Nathan Tuno works to implement these ideas in creative ways for clients across Bucks County, Philadelphia and the Main Line.
Nate has worked for Roots since its inception in 2014, and says he's seen repeatedly how the magic of a great outdoor space can change the energy of a home.
“It can turn your backyard into the place where your kids grow up, where your family dines, or where you finally get a quiet cup of coffee in the morning,” Nate says. “You look out, and instead of seeing a ‘yard,’ you see an oasis that’s alive, inviting and uniquely yours.”
Days spent designing, whether it be sketching ideas, tweaking layouts or choosing plants, are Nate's favorite part of the job.
“I’ve always been someone who loves to draw and dream, and it’s beyond satisfying to bring those ideas to life,” Nate continues. “Seeing a client’s reaction when they realize their backyard has turned into their personal sanctuary never gets old.”
Nate expects that clients will be looking for historically sourced items in their upcoming designs.
“Homeowners are increasingly drawn to materials with stories,” he explains. “Think reclaimed stone sourced from historic sites, juxtaposed with sleek finishes like brushed concrete or matte black metal. Outdoor kitchens are prime examples, combining modern amenities, such as pizza ovens, wine fridges and smart appliances, with classic materials like natural stone countertops and accents in neutral, timeless tones.”
Nate says the best designs feel both “intentional and intuitive.” That can mean carefully curated details that still keep in mind the area's native environment.
“There’s a deep appreciation for landscapes that thrive in harmony with their surroundings,” he says. “Native wildflower meadows, pollinator gardens and cooking herb installations are among the most-requested features. These additions not only beautify the property but also support local ecosystems, a philosophy we champion in all of our designs.”
The team also has witnessed an uptick in clients looking to make their spaces versatile for any type of mood or event.
“The outdoor room trend continues to grow, with clients seeking adaptable spaces for dining, lounging and entertaining,” Nate explains. “Expect to see a surge in custom pergolas, outdoor fireplaces and more.”
Finally, Nate’s designs will be incorporating unexpected details to give every space its own unique feel.
“It’s the unexpected elements that elevate a landscape from lovely to unforgettable,” he says. “Our team is exploring ways to incorporate intimate seating nooks, fire features that serve as art pieces, and outdoor lighting installations that highlight the interplay of texture and space.”
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Nathan Tuno | Roots Landscape lead landscape designer and marketing director
Since graduating from the landscape architecture and historic preservation program at Rutgers University, Nate has worked on several high-profile design projects in the Philadelphia area, including some featured in Martha Stewart Living, Gardenista, Home & Garden, Main Line Today and House Beautiful magazines.