The landscape around your home or business can significantly influence its overall look and appeal. You should think of the landscape as an extension of the interior and treat its design with as much care as you would the selection of your furniture and paint colors. When designing your landscape, you have two options: Hardscape and softscape.
What is Hardscape?
Hardscape gets its name quite literally. It refers to any elements of your landscaping that include any hard components, ranging from natural elements like rocks to man made articles like bricks.
Hardscaping Elements
There are many types of hardscapes that are commonly used in home and business landscapes, including:
- Retaining walls
- Patios (made of pavers, natural stone, or poured concrete, among other options)
- Walkways
- Steps
- Decorative columns
- Sitting walls
These elements can stand alone or they can work together in one integrated design. Some elements can be functional, some decorative, and some a combination of the two. When considering hardscape and softscape, you can think of hardscape as the places that people will occupy most often.
What is Softscape?
Softscape refers to all the elements of your landscaping that are living. People often use the terms “softscaping” and “landscaping” interchangeably to refer to the same thing. While every property technically has softscaping, many do not have intentionally designed softscaping, and they are worse off for it.
Softscaping Elements
Softscaping elements can be planned by landscapers or found naturally. Softscaping elements can include:
- Small plants
- Flowers
- Ornamental grasses
- Bushes
- Trees
You will need to select these elements carefully to complement the native plants, as well as the property.
Design Considerations
Hiring one of the professional designers at Triad Associates can help you create a gorgeous design that combines hardscape and softscape elements and brings out the best in your property. Here are a few of the things you should consider when putting together your design:
Functionality
You may have big dreams for your landscape, but you need to think of its practical functionality, as well. A labyrinth may be cool, but how well will you traverse your yard with it in it? Think about how things like certain plantings, retaining walls, and natural steps can help manage the land and work for you.
Usage
Some areas of your design will mostly be aesthetic, so they can be created with any materials. Others will get lots of usage, so they will need to be designed with that in mind. Busier areas need tougher materials.
Aesthetics
Of course, your design has to look beautiful. Think about how all the elements work together to create one impactful design and balance your hardscape and softscape.
Hardscape and Softscape Maintenance
When creating your design, think about the maintenance required for all your hardscaping and softscaping items. Some plants will require a lot more tending than others, and some hardscaping materials need regular sealing and cleaning to prevent them from breaking down.
Finding a Balance
Both hardscape and softscape can work to improve the look of your property and raise its value. Work with your designer to create a beautiful design that strikes the right balance between them.
Hire Triad Associates’ Design Experts Today!
The professionals at Triad Associates are ready to help you create a gorgeous landscape that will showcase your property to its fullest potential. Call us today to schedule a consultation and start exploring the possibilities for your new landscape.
