Typically, when people think of “landscaping,” they picture plants, trees, and bushes.
But hardscaping is a crucial component of landscaping that is frequently disregarded.
The majority of people think that hardscaping contains extensive features like fire pits, patios, retaining walls, etc.
Although it undoubtedly includes those elements, hardscaping is really just any decorative component that isn’t a living thing.
Hardscaping includes things like benches, walkways, and carefully placed rocks.
What exactly is hardscaping?
The term “hardscaping” describes the integration of man-made elements into landscape design and architecture, such as stone walls or paved paths.
Hardscapes can include a variety of features, including patios, decks, walkways, retaining walls, outdoor kitchens and fireplaces, fire pits, pergolas, planting beds, and other rock formations.
The most popular hardscaping components are boulders, concrete, stone, brick, wood, metal, gravel, and other natural materials.
We firmly believe that hardscaping plays a crucial role in developing a harmonious and lovely landscape design and offers both the homeowner and the property itself a number of advantages.
The idea of incorporating landscape lighting to marry both landscape and hardscape design creates a magical outdoor living experience, which builds on this idea.
Before discussing landscape lighting, let’s take a look at the top 8 benefits of hardscaping.
- To increase the size of your home
Hardscaping can be used to create an outdoor space with indoor features like a bustling full kitchen, a warm fireplace, or a tranquil lounge area, making it ideal for hosting guests.
- To raise the value of properties
The addition of thoughtful, high-quality hardscaping can expand your living area outside, create a stunning kerb appeal, and consequently raise the value of your home.
In fact, according to experts at Extra Space Storage, 85% of buyers look for an outdoor patio when buying a home, which can also generate a 500% return on investment.
- Defining spaces
Hardscape design elements such as built-in seating, pergolas, and walls help define spaces within an area by acting as visual and physical borders.
Professionally designed hardscapes and landscapes are thoughtfully arranged to be cohesive while still maintaining clearly defined individual spaces.
- Resolve any grade issues
Numerous issues can arise from an uneven lawn, such as soil erosion and inaccessible areas.
A retaining wall can be added to help stop soil erosion and make a level area for plants to grow in.
A steep slope can be made easier to access by building a path or some stairs. A sloped or uneven area of your lawn can be smoothed out by a patio.
- Adding privacy
Your entire garden can become a private area by adding a fence or a stone wall.
Or, if you prefer the way your garden flows into the garden of your neighbour, you can add a gazebo or pergola to create a private space.
- Increase your garden’s usability
Patios, fire pits, and outdoor lighting ensure that your garden is still usable in the early morning hours.
Additionally, fire pits allow you to continue hosting outdoor gatherings even in the winter.
- Manage traffic
In order to prevent your guests from trampling the grass you’ve spent so much time maintaining, paths and sidewalks clearly indicate where they are supposed to walk.
- Minimise ongoing maintenance
Less grass means more hardscaping. Since stones and concrete don’t require cutting or watering, you can spend more time enjoying your landscaping instead of taking care of it.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while many people may associate landscaping solely with plants and greenery, hardscaping is a critical component that should not be overlooked. Hardscaping includes a variety of man-made elements, such as stone walls, walkways, and outdoor living spaces, that can enhance the beauty and functionality of your outdoor space. The benefits of hardscaping are numerous, from increasing the value of your property to resolving issues with uneven terrain and minimizing ongoing maintenance.
By combining landscape lighting with hardscaping, you can create a truly magical outdoor living experience that brings together the best of both worlds. Whether you’re looking to expand your living space, increase privacy, or simply enjoy your landscaping without the hassle of ongoing maintenance, hardscaping is a smart investment that can pay dividends for years to come.
Hardscaping can improve your landscaping and make your garden more useful. Get in touch with AJ’s Landscapes & Groundworks to have the ideal outdoor living space designed and installed for you.
