When it comes to landscaping, most of the time, what immediately comes to mind is green lawns, lush trees, and intricate flower gardens. This is all what is classified as softscape. There is more to landscape than simply the greenery, however. Another key aspect is hardscape.
What is Hardscape?
Hardscape can be classified as any non-living element of your landscape. This often includes stone and brick work such as walls, patios, pavers, walkways, water elements, planters, and more. Hardscaping is the entire process of creating and installing this part of your landscape design. Even aspects such as outdoor kitchens and fire features can be included as well.
How to Tell the Difference
It is fairly simple to understand the difference between softscape and hardscape. However, confidently knowing the difference will help you communicate more effectively with your landscaper and properly convey the ideas you have for the finished project. This can assist with eliminating miscommunications and aid in getting the project completed quicker and easier. You will most likely end up more satisfied with the outcome as well.
The easiest way to break down the definitions of the two terms is to take them as literally as possible. Hardscape involves anything in your landscape that is, you guessed it, hard. Softscape is anything in your landscape that is soft. Now, this might not be the most scientific method of differentiating the two, but it will help narrow it down tremendously.
Kinds of Hardscape
There are many different ways that you can utilize hardscape in your landscape. Here are a few project ideas to get you started:
Water Features
Stone fountains and water walls are brilliant ways to incorporate multiple kinds of elements into your hardscape ideas.
Retaining Wall
These elements can be used to help prevent erosion in your lawn and garden, but they can also add character and design depth to your property.
Walkways
These can be made up of poured concrete, laid bricks, spaced out pavers, or gravel, and all of these versions are considered hardscape. Combining different kinds is a great way to add visual interest to your yard.
Patios
Outdoor patios make for great places to host barbecues and gatherings. These can be created with bricks, concrete, or pavers, similar to walkways.
Why Hardscape
There are plenty of reasons to add some hardscaped elements into your yard. The most common one is simply to add design appeal to your home. Hardscape can also improve on or add to the functionality of your outdoor space, and in most cases, adds to the value of your home. If you’re ready to add some hardscaping to your property, contact us today!
