Category: Hardscaping

The Difference Between Hardscaping and Softscaping
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The Difference Between Hardscaping and Softscaping

A well-designed landscape can enhance the beauty and value of any home. It also acts as an ideal space for relaxing and rejuvenating in nature. However, designing an incredible landscape is indeed tough without balancing the essential landscaping elements—hardscaping and softscaping. Knowing the differences between these elements and precisely incorporating them into your landscape can help you develop a better space. 

Here’s everything you need to know about hardscaping and landscaping. 

What is hardscaping?

Hardscaping refers to all the non-living elements in your landscape that are solid and unchanging, hence are called hardscapes. Hardscaping elements include various features such as walkways, pathways, fountains, patios, decks, statues, outdoor kitchens, and retaining walls. 

What is softscaping?

Softscaping is used to describe all the living elements of your landscape. They keep changing and are softer to touch. Hence, they are called softscape elements. They include plants, shrubs, trees, grass, and flowers.  

How does softscaping differ from hardscaping?

The significant difference between these elements can be described according to the following factors.

Hardscape is more permanent

Hardscaping elements are often designed with stone and cement are of fixed nature, so once you add them, you cannot remove them without a lot of work. They also are pretty expensive to add, so you need to introduce them after carefully considering all the variations. 

Softscaping is more changeable

Softscaping is all about the living things in your landscape that keep constantly growing and changing. Every day you can notice some change in your landscape due to hanging softscaping elements. They are also affected by the seasons, so when adding softscaping features to your landscape, you need to consider these factors. 

Softscaping requires more maintenance

As softscaping elements are alive, they need daily care and maintenance to thrive and grow. You need to water, prune, trim, fertilize, and de-weed to ensure your softscaping elements are healthy and look aesthetically pleasing. 

People often occupy hardscaping

If you want to entertain guests in your garden or like to spend a lot of time outdoors, you would undoubtedly require hardscaping elements in your landscape. Decks, patios, walkways, outdoor kitchens, and fire pits are essential for people to sit and enjoy the outdoors. It is up to you to creatively design the elements. 

Softscape adds life to your landscape

You can build various hardscaping elements to your landscape, but without the softscaping details, it would become lifeless and cold. Softscaping smoothens the harsh edges created by hardscape elements in your landscape. 

Hence, it is essential to add both elements to your landscape. If you don’t have the time to maintain the softscaping features, you can opt for low-maintenance plants and trees that work well with your landscape design. 

About us

We have been serving the Delaware area for over 30 years. We specialize in residential and commercial landscaping and hardscaping and offer a broad range of services for lawn care needs. So whether you want an aesthetically pleasing landscape in your lane, a patio for your home, or a professional ground around a commercial area, we got you covered. Get a free quote by calling us at (302) 653-6246, leaving an email at info@a1kevinslandscaping.com, or filling out our online contact form.

Learn About Hardscaping: 7 Types of Hardscaping - 2022
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Learn About Hardscaping: 7 Types of Hardscaping - 2022

Hardscaping refers to all the artificial elements in your landscape that add beauty and functionality. A good landscape is perfect for a hardscaping combination of hardscape and softscape features. You need to carefully choose your hardscaping elements to enhance the entire landscape’s value and go well with your softscaping pieces. 

Here are some hardscape features you can add to your landscape this year. 

Fire pits 

One striking hardscaping feature you can add to your landscape is a fire pit. A well-constructed fire pit can give a place for your family to sit outside and enjoy the warmth and incredible ambient lighting. You can relax with your family and friends and enjoy the cozy ambiance of the bonfire every day. 

Stone pathways

Pathways are an essential element for any landscape as they allow you to move around your landscape without treading onto the lawn. You can also turn them into a striking landscaping feature by choosing various colored stones and designs. 

Retaining walls

As the name suggests, retaining walls can create walls in your landscape to prevent your soil from eroding during rains and storms. They also act as a great privacy screen for your landscape. You can make it an attractive feature by adding ornamental grass, moss, and flowering plants. 

Gazebos and pergolas

If you want to add a hardscaping structure that can be utilized in all weathers, a gazebo or a pergola is what you need. They come in a variety of designs and themes. You can choose one to match your landscape or even design your landscape around it. They add elegance to any landscape and improve the space’s functionality by giving a place to sit and take respite from sun or rain. 

Decks and patios

If you want to add some old-school charm to your landscape through hardscaping elements, consider adding a deck or patio to your landscape. You can use wood, concrete, stone, or bricks to build your patio or deck, and you can use that outdoor space to entertain guests and enjoy your leisure time. 

Fountains

Water features give a distinctive appeal to any landscape, and fountains are one of the best water features you can add to your landscape. Fountains can be the focal point around which you build your entire landscape. They also act as an excellent place for birds and small animals to rest. 

Driveways

Driveways are essential for any home; without them, you cannot take your vehicles inside the garage and outside conveniently. However, they can be more than just a path for your cars. You can turn them into a landscape feature by using the right colors and materials. 

About us

We have been serving the Delaware area for over 30 years. We specialize in residential and commercial landscaping and hardscaping and offer a broad range of services for lawn care needs. So whether you want an aesthetically pleasing landscape in your lane, a patio for your home, or a professional ground around a commercial area, we got you covered. Get a free quote by calling us at (302) 653-6246, leaving an email at info@a1kevinslandscaping.com, or filling out our online contact form.