Industry Update: Landscaping and Construction Trends Shaping the Fraser Valley

Across British Columbia, the landscaping and construction industries continue to evolve. From new infrastructure investment to changing homeowner preferences, the way outdoor spaces are designed and built is shifting.

For homeowners and contractors in Chilliwack and the Fraser Valley, these changes are influencing everything from landscaping materials to the types of outdoor projects people are choosing for their homes.

Understanding these industry trends can help homeowners make smarter decisions when planning landscaping upgrades or outdoor improvements.

Growing Demand for Outdoor Living Spaces

One of the biggest trends across the landscaping industry is the growing importance of outdoor living spaces. Many homeowners now view their yard as an extension of their home rather than simply a lawn.

Modern Landscaping Projects Increasingly Include:

• Functional patios and seating areas

• Defined garden beds and walkways

• Fire pits and outdoor gathering spaces

• Low-maintenance planting areas

Design trends now focus on creating outdoor environments that feel connected to the home itself, allowing homeowners to enjoy their property in new ways.

The Shift Toward Lower-Maintenance Landscapes

Another major trend shaping landscaping projects today is the move toward lower-maintenance outdoor spaces. Homeowners are increasingly choosing materials and landscaping designs that reduce ongoing upkeep while still creating attractive yards.

Trending Garden Approaches:

• Using mulch in garden beds to suppress weeds

• Installing durable walkways or hardscape features

• Selecting plants suited to the local climate

• Improving soil quality before planting

In the Fraser Valley, where seasonal rainfall can affect soil and plants, choosing the right base materials can make a big difference in how well a landscape performs over time.

Materials That Support Landscaping Trends

At Kel-Mor, we see these trends firsthand in the types of materials homeowners and contractors are using throughout the Fraser Valley.

Kel-Mor supplies locally sourced gravel, sand, topsoil, mulch, and decorative rock for landscaping projects across the region. We make sure you get the right materials from the begining, browse our full list of materials here.

For Garden Beds: Mulch Has Gained Popularity

Mulch helps suppress weeds, retain moisture, and create a clean finished look. Kel-Mor carries several types of mulch and compost products, including blends that have been composted for extended periods to enrich soil and support healthy plant growth.

Quality Soil Matters

Many homeowners choose bulk topsoil or specialty soil blends when planting new gardens or refreshing existing yards. Bulk soil can often provide better consistency and value compared to small bagged soils sold at large retail stores.

Walkways & Garden Paths Are Another Growing Trend

Instead of muddy pathways or worn grass routes, many homeowners install durable surfaces using materials such as crushed gravel, crusher dust, or decorative rock. These materials create stable, attractive paths that hold up well in the Fraser Valley climate.

Plants That Thrive in the Fraser Valley Climate

Choosing the right plants is just as important as choosing the right materials.

The Fraser Valley experiences wet winters and warm summers, so plants that tolerate both moisture and periods of dryness tend to perform best.

Reliable Plant Choices for Fraser Valley Gardens:

• Lavender

• Hydrangeas

• Boxwood shrubs

• Hostas

• Ornamental grasses

• Japanese maple trees

These plants provide colour and structure, while generally requiring less maintenance than more delicate varieties.

Pairing these plants with quality topsoil and mulch helps establish strong roots and maintain moisture during warmer months.

Soil Health & Long-Term Landscape Performance

Across the landscaping industry, there is also a growing focus on soil health.

Healthy soil supports stronger plant growth, better drainage, and longer-lasting landscapes. As a result, many landscaping projects now begin with improving soil conditions before planting begins.

Steps for Better Soil Health:

• Adding quality topsoil or soil blends

• Using mulch to protect soil and retain moisture

• Improving drainage to prevent water pooling

• Choosing durable materials that perform well in local conditions

These steps help create landscapes that require less maintenance and perform better over the long term.

What This Means for Homeowners in the Fraser Valley

For homeowners planning landscaping projects, these industry trends highlight the importance of choosing materials that balance appearance, durability, and long-term maintenance.

Homeowners Are Investing in These Projects:

• New lawn installations

• Garden bed improvements

• Mulched planting areas

• Drainage improvements

• Outdoor seating or patio spaces

Thoughtful planning and the right materials can help create landscapes that look great and remain manageable over time.

Materials Homeowners Need for Common Landscaping Projects

For example, installing a new lawn requires more than simply laying seed or turf. Preparing the ground properly is key. Many homeowners begin with a base layer of high-quality turf mix or topsoil to create a healthy growing surface for grass roots.

Garden beds also benefit from a combination of nutrient-rich soil and protective mulch. Adding fresh topsoil helps plants establish strong roots, while a layer of bark mulch suppresses weeds and helps retain moisture during warmer months.

Drainage improvements are another common landscaping project in the Fraser Valley, particularly because of the region’s heavy rainfall. Materials like drain rock, clear crushed gravel, and sand are often used to move water away from foundations, patios, and planting areas. Preventing the water from pooling, protecting soil structure, and reducing erosion.

Kel-Mor supplies all of the materials needed for these projects, including premium aged topsoil blends, compost bark mulch variations, decorative river rock, sand, gravel, and drainage aggregates.

If you’re unsure whether your project requires mulch, topsoil, or another landscaping material, see our article about Topsoil vs Mulch.

For larger landscaping projects, many homeowners choose to work with experienced contractors. If you’re planning a major installation, you can explore the Kel-Mor Trusted Partners page to find contractors who regularly work with our materials, serving homeowners throughout Chilliwack and the Fraser Valley.

Infrastructure Growth Across British Columbia

At the same time as the aforementioned landscaping trends, the broader construction industry in BC continues to grow. New housing developments, transportation upgrades, and infrastructure projects are happening across the province.

For communities throughout the Fraser Valley, this means continued development and increased demand for construction materials and site preparation.

Looking Ahead

As the Fraser Valley continues to grow, landscaping and construction projects will remain an important part of shaping our communities.

Homeowners, contractors, and builders all play a role in creating outdoor spaces that support everyday living and long-term property value.

At Kel-Mor, we’re proud to support the homeowners, landscapers, builders, and contractors who are building and improving outdoor spaces throughout Chilliwack, the Fraser Valley and beyond.

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Planning a project in Chilliwack or the Fraser Valley? Browse our full range of gravel, topsoil, decorative rock, and drainage materials here.