Hardscaping vs. Landscaping

The outside of your home can do just as much for its aesthetic value as the inside. But some people stop short at the home’s immediate exterior, thinking only about things like the siding and architectural elements. But both hardscaping and landscaping of the surrounding property can make a big impact on the look of  the home.

What is Hardscaping?

Hardscaping consists of the man-made features in the area around the home, such as pathways, retaining walls, columns, and fire pits. These are usually the things you see in outdoor entertaining areas, or the accent items you find among the landscaping.

What is Landscaping?

Landscaping refers to the natural properties outside the home, such as the lawn, the bushes, and the trees. But when people talk about landscaping, they typically don’t mean the natural elements that were already in place, but rather, the elements that a property owner manipulated or added to the property in an attempt to create a beautiful design. 

Hardscaping vs. Landscaping

There are benefits and drawbacks to both hardscaping and landscaping, and understanding these can help you make the right choice for your property.

Benefits of hardscaping:

• Long-lasting results
• Sophisticated design elements that elevate your home’s curb appeal
• Effective land management to address drainage and erosion issues
• Reduce yard maintenance
• Improves the functionality of the space
• Increases privacy
• Improves property value

There are few cons to hardscaping, but some may include:

• Higher investment cost
• Regulatory requirements

Landscaping also has several pros and cons, many of which are similar to hardscaping. Some of the benefits of landscaping can include:

• Erosion control 
• Drainage management
• Beautiful, natural look that increases home’s curb appeal and benefits local ecosystem
• Improve health by encouraging you to spend more time in nature and lowering stress

Some of the drawbacks of landscaping can include:

• High costs
• High maintenance demands

How to Choose Between Hardscaping and Landscaping

You have a beautiful yard, but you want to do more with it. You want to look outside and see a beautiful scene. Maybe you want to entertain more frequently, spending time with your closest friends and family. It’s time for you to invest in some exterior design, but you aren’t sure if you should choose hardscaping or landscaping.

In most cases, you don’t have to choose between one or the other. Most designs work well with a mix of both hardscaping and landscaping elements. Maybe you install a patio but then plant some flower beds and bushes in the area around the patio. Or maybe you plant a gorgeous garden and then install a path and a seating area inside of it.

If you have to choose between one or the other, you should consider installing the hardscaping elements first, as they can create the foundation for the overall design. 

Call the Design Experts at Triad Associates to Plan Your Hardscape

Triad Associates has been designing beautiful hardscapes for Haverhill residents for many decades. Call us today to schedule a consultation and get started designing your new hardscape. You can create a gorgeous space that will provide years of enjoyment while improving the value of your property.