Landscape design can become incredibly complex, particularly for larger properties that need to leverage significant amounts of hardscaping. Hardscaping is a crucial element of all landscaping and property design plans, but many people are relatively unclear about what it means.
The combination of hardscaping and softscaping are what make up your outdoor living spaces. We’re going to look at what hardscaping is, why it’s important to understand in the context of your property, and more.
What Is Hardscaping?
Hardscaping is a landscaping industry term that can have a wide range of meanings depending on the context of use. It generally refers to any exterior living space component that is non-living. This can mean pavers, stone, brick, and more. It can mean your patio, garden boulders, driveway, outdoor kitchen, automatic pergola, and anything else that can be considered a non-living part of your landscaping.
Why Is Hardscaping Important?
It is important to understand how it can impact the comprehensive use and value of your property. Hardscaping, and those hard surfaces, should be balanced by softscaping. Softscaping is living materials like plants, turf, and landscapes. Having comprehensive property care and design process includes balancing hardscaping and softscaping.
Common Types Of Hardscaping
Stone Walkways
Paths and walkways are typically made from natural stone elements or pavers. These are incredibly common hardscaping features that allow access to various areas of the property without traversing the grass or other softscaping. They also help keep foot traffic from tracking excess dirt into other areas by providing a relatively clean walkway.
Retaining Walls
Retaining walls are walls that are constructed to hold back incredible horizontal pressures that result from retaining hills, slopes, and other changes in grade. They are also frequently used to draw a boundary or dam water flow, particularly when used to create garden beds and raised planters. Retaining walls can be an absolutely vital element of successful landscaping.
Fire Features
Fire features like outdoor fire pits are generally made of stone or brick and are considered one of the best places for gatherings and relaxing evenings. The right fire feature can make your outdoor living space far more comfortable and livable.
Water Features
Things like fountains or paved streams are known as water features, and they are another element of hardscaping. They can be used to provide separation of one area from another or can be used as a focal point or gathering place. Water features are known for providing a peaceful and relaxing ambiance.
Pergolas & Gazebos
Freestanding structures like gazebos and pergolas provide shade and partial shelter from the elements and are another form of hardscaping. They can not only provide additional space for daily activities but also locations for gatherings and special events.
Patios
Stone or concrete patios and even wooden decks are considered hardscaping and can help transform an outdoor area into an outdoor living area. Decks can be constructed from wood, stone, or any other common material.
Driveways
Most people have a driveway, but most aren’t aware that it is technically part of their landscaping plan and an element of hardscaping. Driveways can be poured concrete, pavers, crushed stone, asphalt, and almost any other material capable of bearing a vehicular load.
Fun fact, many cities will limit the amount of impermeable surfaces you have on your property. Impermeable surfaces can be anything that doesn’t readily absorb water, including hardscapes and structures. This limitation is often utilized to help prevent storm water runoff from overtaxing municipal drainage systems. It is wise to consider your own local regulations when determining the amount of hardscapes you envision on your property.
Your Trusted Hardscaping Partner
If you have questions, reach out and speak to a member of our expert landscaping team to discuss your needs and how we can best help you meet those needs.
