Professional landscape design isn’t just planting some flowers and calling it a day. To truly elevate property from average to amazing, creating balance is key. A great landscape incorporates a blend of both hardscapes and softscapes to create a beautiful, finished, and professional look. Most importantly, hardscaping is what brings true functionality to your yard.
What is the Difference Between a Softscape and a Hardscape?
Softscape is synonymous to what you think of when you hear “landscape.” Softscapes are landscaped areas that contain living plants, shrubs, trees, and grasses to make it much more visually appealing. Hardscapes, in contrast, are constructed surfaces that fall into two general categories:
- Flat surfaces: like patios, decks, walkways, and driveways
- Raised surfaces: such as retaining walls and stairs.
Essentially, a hardscape is anything that is constructed to withstand foot or vehicular traffic or support other structures.
Add Value, Functionality and Versatility to Your Yard With Custom Hardscaping
Hardscapes also make a yard more functional, especially if slopes make mowing difficult or prevent you from using the space due to the incline. We can add functionality to your outdoor spaces by excavating these areas or installing retaining walls to make flat terraces. Flat surfaces give you the freedom to install a variety of features, such as an outdoor kitchen or living room, complete with patio. A well-designed outdoor living area will only add to the property value of your home.
Finally, hardscaping requires very little to maintain. If you’re not someone who enjoys getting their hands dirty in the yard, or if you simply don’t have the time, replacing a portion of your yard with a hardscape might be just what you need to maximize your enjoyment. Less lawn means cutting down on yard work, a decrease in the fees for maintenance services, and an exponential increase in the amount of time that you have to enjoy the outdoors in your new outdoor living area.