Landscaping around your home can make a big difference in both the value of your home and the quality of the environment. A well-landscaped lawn generally reduces allergens like ragweed that can irritate homeowners. According to Money Magazine, landscaping can result in a recovery value of 100% to 200% at selling time, and in another survey, 63% of respondents said they’d pay more for a house or apartment with good green spaces.
When it comes to landscaping, there are actually two different types of designs you can mix and match to create the perfect landscaping design: hardscaping and softscaping. On the most basic level, it’s the difference between your lawn and patio. Essentially, hardscaping services cover landscaping elements that use heavy materials, like stone, rock and flagstone. Softscaping would cover trees, flowerbeds, gardens, grass and shrubs.
In most instances, hardscape designs and hardscape walkways break up the yard into spaces and proportions, which are then filled and embellished with softscaping elements.
Hardscaping
Hardscape includes installations that keep too much water from being absorbed, protecting the soil from erosion and loosening. Hardscape designs that include vertical walls, pools, walkways and benches are often used to keep the soil from moving around too much when it gets wet.
Softscaping
Softscaping is installed around hardscaping elements to bring color and decoration to a lawn or property. Elements like trees, bushes and flower gardens can also help to keep the soil in place and absorb excess moisture that could destabilize your yard. There’s no limit to what you can do with softscaping when hardscaping elements are already in place.
Talk to a Local Landscaping Expert Near You
A landscaping expert can show you how to landscape your yard in a way that combines the best aspects of softscape and hardscape designs. Contact a landscaping expert in your area that can work in both worlds of design and find out what they can do for your unique property. If you’re in Delaware or Southeastern Pennsylvania, give us a call today! We serve Wilmington, Greenville, Newark, West Chester, Chadds Ford, Glen Mills, Kennett Square and the surrounding areas with professional landscaping services and products.