Your home and yard will look terrific with the right landscaping. But wait, it will look even better with the right hardscape added, too. So, what’s the difference between hardscape and landscape?
Actually, we believe the best-looking properties look their absolute best with “hardscape landscaping.” Most people would agree that the best outdoor look for a home blends elements of a hardscape with the landscaping.
This article will explain the differences between these two ways of improving your outdoor property’s look. We expect you will agree that they make a terrific pairing.
The Difference Between Hardscape and Landscape
Hardscaping and landscaping are two complementary ways of enhancing the look of your home’s exterior. These two terms are often used interchangeably, but they have different meanings. Landscaping refers to designing and installing plants and other natural elements in a landscape. Hardscaping has nearly always been a part of landscaping, but it’s only recently received its own name. Hardscape refers to designing and installing non-living elements, such as walkways, patios, and driveways.
Both landscaping and hardscaping can be used to improve the appearance and functionality of a property. Landscaping can add color, texture, and interest to a yard, while hardscaping can provide a place to walk, sit, or entertain. When used together, landscaping and hardscaping can create a beautiful and functional outdoor space.
The following paragraphs provide fuirther answers to the question, “What is the difference between landscaping and hardscaping.”
What Is Landscaping?
A landscape is the soft, organic, and living vegetation in a yard, park, commercial setting, or similar outdoor space. Landscaping is the art of making that space more attractive by shaping it into a design and adding decorative features.
Landscaping materials include plants like flowers, decorative grasses, shrubbery, and ground cover. Of course, any other plants likely to thrive in your particular climate are worth considering, too.
Unless you’re a seasoned horticulturalist, we recommend hiring a landscaping professional for the work. This is especially the case if you’re planning to hardscape the landscaping.
What Is Hardscape?
Hardscaping (also known as hard landscaping) refers to inorganic or inanimate parts of a landscape. Hardscape materials include anything that is stone, brick, metal, concrete, wood, etc..
Using hardscape in a landscape has been done almost perfunctorily for a long time. Anything from decorative walls or trellises in a garden to lawn ornaments to a patio can be considered hardscape.
For some homes, such as those in arid areas, hardscape might comprise almost the entire yard. Think about interspersing the hardscape with desert flora like cacti.
Choosing Between Landscaping and Hardscaping
Now that you understand the differences between landscaping and hardscaping, you must consider your preferences, dreams, needs, and budget. Hardscaping may be a good choice if you are looking for a low-maintenance option. If you want to add color and interest to your yard, landscaping may be a better option. Or, if you dream of a quiet solace or an outdoor space for hosting parties and get-togethers, these desires must be weighed. In your overall design, you will likely want a combination of both.
And no matter what elements you choose, consulting with a professional landscaper or hardscape expert is wise to get the best results. A professional can usually help you design a space that satisfies your list of wishes, needs, and budget.
How to Integrate Hardscape in Landscaping
If you plan to integrate hardscape in landscape that already exists, look for the empty spots or areas where plants overlap. Hardscaping materials like natural stone draw the eye toward the scenic plantings.
If your hardscape consists of an entire patio, walkway, or gazebo, try a reverse integration. Plant landscaping around the edges to add to the structure’s design.
Remember, before planning the new look for your new hardscape landscaping, be sure to check for hidden obstacles and hazards. Digging near buried plumbing or wiring can create serious problems.
And if you live in a planned community, be sure to check with your HOA for any restrictions.
The Perfect Outdoor Look
Achieve the look you want for your landscaping project. Make sure your landscaping and hardscaping materials suit your tastes, budget, and affinity for outdoor work. Landscaping always needs maintenance!
The difference between hardscape and landscape is a matter of individual interpretation. The only lines you need to draw are those in the hardscape landscaping project itself—the lines drawn for aesthetic reasons.
Do you live near Lake of the Ozarks? Do you need help with your project off the ground (literally and figuratively)? If so, please consider us first. It would be our pleasure to help you.
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