Hardscape Versus Softscape

Softscape and hardscape are the two main elements that make up your outdoor living space. Softscape and hardscape are opposites of one another. However, both of them are needed to make a landscape fully functional. Hardscape basically refers to the hard stuff in your landscaping like stone, bricks, and concrete. Meanwhile, softscape involve soft and growing stuf like trees, succulents, shrubs, and perennial flowers. Softscape involve living things while hardscape does not. A landscape that’s designed well maintains a balance between these two elements. You’ve probably seen properties in your neighbourhood have too much softcape or hardscape. For example a landscape that is filled with hardscape will look like the driveway of a hotel. Meanwhile, a yard that is overfilled with softscape will make it look like a jungle. Having too much hardscape or landscape will negatively affect the curb appeal of your home. It may even decrease the value of your property. As for your backyard, having too much hardscape won’t make the atmosphere relaxing. Meanwhile, having too much softscape can make your property look like it’s unkempt. It simply means you need to find the balance between softscape and hardscape. Elements of Hardscapes If you know the difference, the characteristics of a hardscape will make more sense.

1. Hardscape are hard yet movable parts of your landscape like stones, paving, and gravel.
2. They are inanimate items.
3. Unchanging and solid
4. Other great examples are pavers, retaining walls, gazebos, driveways, decks, water features, outdoor kitchens, and patios.
5. It could be natural elements like stone or manmade like an outdoor structure.
6. The materials used for hardscape will have varying effects on nature. Pavement is a hardscape. It stops water from getting into the soil, which could increase runoff and carry contaminants into the stream.
7. A shrub is a softscape not a hardscape.

Features of Softscape You’ll find different kinds of plants with varying shapes, sizes, textures, and colors. When choosing softscape, here are few things to consider:

1. Take into account the soft horticultural features of the landscape like the trees, flowers, ground covers, shrubs, and etc.
2. Change and evolution should be constant as they adapt and grow to climate as well as other conditions.
3. Softscape is softer to the touch. It’s like touching blades of grass or leaves of a tree.
4. A brick wall is a hardscape not a softscape.

Landscaping For Properties With Small Spaces

Even if you have a small yard, your landscaping Charleston will still look great and maintain a balance between softscape and hardscape if you plan smart. Think about vertical space. You can economize space by having raised planters as well as pedestals with container gardens. Carefully choose hardscape features. For example, a retaining wall could also serve as a holder for your planter of herbs. Also, having ground covers that can take foot traffic will add softscape between retaining walls and pavers, which creates a great balance.

Call Porter Hayes Landscaping LLC if you need help in creating a beautiful landscape for your home.

Porter Hayes Landscaping LLC Charleston, SC 29419 (843) 532-3270 http://www.porterhayeslandscaping.com/

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