Are you considering adding softscaping or hardscaping elements to your landscape design? That’s wonderful! Landscaping & hardscaping is just as crucial of a property investment as the interior of your home as it can increase your livable space, add value to your property, and create a fun and functional place for you, your family, and your friends to enjoy.
What’s the Difference Between Softscaping, Landscaping & Hardscaping?
Before explaining the importance of installation, it is critical to understand the difference between softscaping and hardscaping. Softscaping is when you solely manipulate the natural environment with other natural elements; this could be planting flowers, adding bark, or changing the shape of a garden.
On the other hand, hardscaping is when you install more rigid materials to enhance the aesthetic of the home for the long term. Examples of this could include walkways, driveways, pergolas, gazebos, decks, outdoor kitchens, fire pits, fences, water features, and so much more. While softscaping may need to be re-done with each season or annually, hardscaping can last for decades.
So, what’s landscaping? Landscaping is the overarching term that covers both areas of expertise. Therefore, a landscaping company may do one service or the other, or both.
The Importance of Installation in Hardscaping
While the average DIYers or garden lovers have the ability to plant flowers, pull weeds, trim bushes, and mow the lawn, hardscaping takes professional skills.
Any task that involves substantially changing the environment or adding a building structure takes extensive training and experience to ensure the safety and longevity of the space.
Professional hardscape designers will take all considerations into account, such as erosion, water distribution, weather conditions, material durability, and traffic flow, in addition to the components needed to create a beautiful and functional space that benefits the property.
A homeowner may be tempted to save a couple of dollars by doing it themselves. However, if hardscaping is completed improperly, it will not stand the test of time. Additionally, it may become a safety hazard or negatively affect the environment.
Overall, hiring a landscaping company specializing in hardscaping is the best way to ensure that you get the most value for your money while creating a safe and functional addition to your home. If you would like to learn more about our hardscaping services, please contact us at Design Scape Co today!
