Most American yards include two important elements: hardscaping and landscaping. And while projects involving both share some key qualities, they also have a few important differences. How you work with those differences will lead to either greater success or a harder time. Here are a few of the biggest ways your hardscaping project should differ from a traditional landscaping project and what they mean for you.
1. Hardscaping Needs More Help
In general, even homeowners with little experience can do much of the work on their landscape. Planting, watering, aesthetics, and moving earth around are skills that most are willing and able to take on.
However, putting in concrete, building a structure, and large-scale grading are often beyond a homeowner's purview. You should expect to hire more outside help and plan accordingly in your budget. Be honest about your skill levels with these more complex structures so you end up with something that both looks and works well. Save much of the DIY work for the landscape.
2. Hardscaping Should Be Practical
Landscaping's main purpose is to be aesthetically pleasing. Hardscaping's goal is more often to be useful. You must choose materials and placements that facilitate use and stands up to traffic. Never sacrifice quality and stability for design and appearance.
The modern homeowner has many choices when it comes to hardscaping, so keep looking until you find the right elements to withstand your climate and provide years of enjoyment.
3. Hardscaping Is More Permanent
A few parts of your landscape are quite permanent. Trees, for instance, may outlive your time in the home. But for the most part, greenery and landscaping layouts are changeable. Plants die, people's taste change, and new things are added in. In fact, many landscapes are constantly evolving. You can be more experimental, knowing that little is a long-term commitment.
However, many hardscaping features are going to be hard to change or remove once installed. A pergola, patio, outdoor kitchen, or fence is likely to have to stand the test of time. Keep it timeless in both style and material choice. Think about how future buyers will look at things, and design areas to be flexible so you can change how they're used later.
Where to Learn More
Before you jump into a hardscaping project, think about how these and other differences should affect your approach. Learn more by meeting with an experienced landscape and hardscape service in your area today. With their guidance, you'll design the best outdoor area possible and love it for a lifetime. Reach out to a local service, such as MC's Lawn & Landscaping LLC, to learn more.
