When people think “landscaping” they usually think about plants, trees, and bushes.
But one important part of landscaping that often gets overlooked is hardscaping. Most people think hardscaping refers to big things like fire pits, patios, retaining walls, etc. While it definitely does include those things, hardscaping is really just any design element that isn’t living. Benches, walkways, and strategically placed rocks are all considered hardscaping.
Adding hardscaping your landscaping adds both functionality and beauty to your home. Check out some of the specific benefits below.
1. Fix grade problems
An uneven lawn can create a lot of problems, from soil erosion to areas that are inaccessible. Adding a retaining wall can help prevent soil erosion and create a flat space for plants to grow. Adding a pathway or stairs can make the top or bottom of a steep slope more easily accessible. A patio can even out a slopped or bumpy area of your lawn.
2. Add privacy
A fence or stone wall can make your entire yard a private space. Or, if you like the open flow of your yard into your neighbor’s yard, you can add a gazebo or pergola to create a secluded area.
3. Expand your living space
Outdoor kitchens, patios, fire pits, and outdoor seating can create spaces for entertaining guests—or just spending time by yourself—when the weather is nice, instead of being confined to your living room.
4. Enhance your landscaping
Hardscaping creates unique textures that diversify your space and contrast with your plants. It also allows you to create focal points. Bonus: Hardscaping features don’t die in the winter.
5. Extend the usability of your yard
Fire pits, patios, and outdoor lighting make sure your yard is still accessible into the wee hours of the morning. Fire pits also mean you don’t have to abandon outdoor entertaining once it gets cold.
6. Direct traffic
Paths and sidewalks send a clear signal to your guests where they’re supposed to walk so they don’t trample the grass you’ve spent so much time taking care of.
7. Reduce maintenance
More hardscaping means less grass. Stones and concrete don’t need to be cut or watered, which means you can spend less time maintaining your landscaping and more time enjoying it.
