Hardscape consists of inanimate elements of landscaping and these projects are often composed of concrete, brick, stone, or wood. Incorporating hardscaping into your landscape design project can not only add natural beauty and form, but it is also beneficial to your property and the environment.
Some examples of hardscape projects are:
Retaining walls- Patio pavers
- Block walls
- Water features
- Concrete patios
- Gravel paths
- Wooden fences
- Gazebos
- Pergolas
Now that you have a picture of what exactly falls under “hardscaping”, let’s talk about some of the benefits and reasons you should consider adding it to your landscaping design.
- Economically friendly – By using natural product in your hardscaping, you not only are eliminating the worry of exposing your family and pets to harmful artificial chemicals, but you are also using a product that lasts for decades, helping to eliminate waste. Since these masonry and wood products are so durable, using them also cuts down on maintenance and costs.
- Low maintenance – As mentioned above, hardscape materials are often very low maintenance due to their sustainability and long lifespan. But also, because they do not require fertilizers, mulch, watering, and additional maintenance practices that other forms of landscaping do.
- Aesthetic Appeal – Adding a hardscaping element to your backyard, whether small like a gravel pathway, or large like a pergola or patio, can really enhance your home’s curb appeal. Pathways and stone additions can help bring your landscape design together, as well as create a certain feel to your design. Pergolas and patios not only make for a beautiful and extravagant looking addition, but they are also perfect for outdoor entertaining, and create a comfortable space to relax. Water features are a unique and elegant hardscape project that will make your landscape design really stand out.
- Serving a purpose – Many hardscaping projects do much more than add to your yards aesthetic appeal. For example, retaining walls are used to provide structure to hold back soil from building, prevent down slope movement, and provide support for vertical grade changes. This can prevent sink holes, eliminate dirt piles and hills, prevent flooding, prevent erosion, and prevent damages to surrounding property. A well-planned hardscaping layout can protect your home from landslide problems and foster proper drainage away from the home.
When planning your landscape design project, it is important to start with your hardscaping projects because they often involve construction. This type of construction can compact soil or damage surrounding planting if not done first.
When hiring a professional landscape design build company, you can rely on their trained professionals to know and understand which projects should come first, and how to complete each. They can also help you to turn your ideas into an actual well-thought out plan and design! With over 30 years of experience in the residential and commercial landscape industry, the landscape design build team at Red Cedar can help you put together a design that incorporates both beautiful and beneficial layouts for your hardscaping and landscaping projects. Contact us today for your free consultation!