What Is Hardscape Landscaping?
Are you thinking of designing your outdoor space? Before you start, you need to know the difference between hardscape and landscape. Both elements are important to your space as they add some structure and softness. You need to implement both to create a great outdoor space where you can relax, enjoy the fresh air, and entertain guests.
What Is Hardscape?
Hardscaping is any landscaping design made of brick, gravel, stone, wood, and pavers. As long as the structure is not plant life, it is considered landscape. This includes fountains, patios, walkways, driveways, and fire pits.
Importance of Hardscaping
Landscaping is not just for aesthetic purposes. It also has other important roles in your outdoor space. When choosing hardscaping materials, design and layout, think of how they will affect the appearance, flow, and efficiency of your exterior.
For instance, stone stairs and retaining walls can help level uneven land. They can also improve drainage around your home by reducing runoff in areas that often flood. Fences and gates can give you security and privacy while enhancing how your home looks.
Another reason to implement hardscaping into your property is that it can create a flow from inside the house to the outside. This is through the construction of decks, patios, and outdoor kitchens to enjoy amenities that you would normally have inside the house.
What Is the Landscape?
On the other hand, landscape involves soft or living things such as plants, grass, flowers, and trees. When used well, landscaping can transform your outdoors into a relaxing oasis.
Importance of Landscaping
As we have already mentioned, landscaping or softscaping is all about the soft features in your outdoor spaces. Unfortunately, most people struggle in this area. You will find people have neglected their trees, plants, or grass, yet they need maintenance. If you want your outdoors to maintain a good look, be prepared to care for all the plants around your property. This includes mowing your lawn, cutting off dead branches or limbs, and caring for plants and flowers.
How Does Softscaping and Hardscaping Work Together?
Even though these two aspects are different, when combined, they create some balance in your outdoor space. A yard full of plants only creates a jungle-like look giving it the impression that it is not cared for. Adding stone features like gravel and walkways brings harmony, allowing your place to look more organized.
On the other hand, if the space has too many hard features, your home will have an industrial look. This is far from what a residential structure should look like. It can even affect your resale value as it will ruin your curb appeal. Instead, try and incorporate both elements.
Whenever in doubt about how to combine these two elements into your yard, talk to RainforestLA, Inc. We have extensive knowledge of landscaping and hardscaping services. Whether you want to create a complete custom backyard, or specific features like a patio, pergola, fence, and fire pit, let us help. We will make your space functional and appealing, leaving you proud. Give us a call for a free quote.