A hardscape is a patio, walkway, water feature, or retaining wall that complements the landscape on your property. Credible hardscaping companies will integrate these features into your design with an eye toward ambiance and function.
While plant materials are the “yin” of the garden, hardscape projects offer the “yang.” They give shape and form to the space and make entertaining friends possible in the yard. Keep reading the article below to learn more about Hardscape Services.
The most important aspect of any landscape construction project is proper site preparation. This includes everything from clearing brush and removing trees to soil excavation and site grading. Site preparation also includes determining and noting the location of any underground utilities. Once the area has been prepared, it is ready for the installation of hardscape features such as patios, walkways and retaining walls.
It is important to understand the difference between landscaping and hardscaping. While many people use these terms interchangeably, they are not the same. Landscaping deals with plants and plant-based materials while hardscape services work with stones, gravel, brick, wood and concrete. Hardscaping is the process of building structures in your yard with these materials while landscaping involves planting.
Homeowners are increasingly looking for ways to transform their yards into a relaxing retreat, outdoor living space or place to entertain guests. This is pushing the need for more hardscapes such as flagstone patios, pergolas and fire pits. The pandemic pushed businesses to rethink their outdoor spaces as well, with many converting patios into kitchens and adding water features to create ambiance.
Although hardscapes may seem like an inanimate, non-living element of your yard, it is crucial to incorporate them into the overall design of your outdoor space. Using a variety of plants and shrubs along with hardscape features will make your yard feel more natural and inviting. Aside from making the yard more visually appealing, these elements will help regulate your outdoor temperature and provide shade in the summer and solar radiation in the winter.
When you are working with a professional landscaper to build your backyard, they will likely suggest incorporating hardscapes into the overall design. However, it is important to understand that while hardscapes are a great addition to any landscape, they should not be used as a replacement for plants and trees. If too much hardscape is used, the yard can look cold and uninviting. The best way to avoid this is to work with a professional who can incorporate both hardscapes and softscapes into the overall design of your backyard.
Design
While the term “landscaping” is generally thought of as organic elements like flowers and shrubs, a more precise definition involves all built or “hardscape” aspects of a yard. This includes patios, landscaped walkways, sitting walls, retaining walls, water features, fire pits, grill surrounds and pergolas. A landscaping company that provides hardscape services will plan and design these man-made structures as part of a landscaping project.
A good landscaping company will use a hardscaping design that complements the existing look and feel of your home’s exterior. The result is a natural transition from house to yard that makes you feel right at home when entertaining guests or relaxing with family members in the backyard.
The first step in the hardscaping process is a consultation to discuss your goals and get ideas. A professional will visit your property and analyze the space in order to make a recommendation on how best to meet your needs. They will address design considerations including the purpose of the space, what features you would like to incorporate and your preferred style. Once the initial plans are drawn, you will receive a proposal that includes proposed location and materials for your hardscape and a comprehensive plant list.
Once the hardscaping is completed, it is important that regular maintenance be performed to keep it looking its best. This can include routine cleaning, weed removal and inspection for any damage. If left unattended, your hardscape could become damaged and less attractive over time.
When considering what type of hardscape services you need, it is essential that you work with a team of professionals that have the experience and expertise necessary to ensure the success of your project. A good hardscape contractor will be able to provide you with an extensive range of options that will suit your budget, space and lifestyle. They will also be able to recommend the best plants and flowers to complement your hardscape and help it look its best.
Hardscape services offer a number of benefits for both residential and commercial properties. While they can add visual appeal, they can also increase a property’s value by increasing its utility and usability. Moreover, they can help in reducing water waste and provide a beautiful environment that is low-maintenance and eco-friendly.
Installation
Unlike softscape features like plants, trees and flowers that come and go with the seasons, hardscaping stays throughout the year to provide beauty and function. With the addition of hardscape, homeowners can transform their landscapes into functional outdoor living spaces for relaxing, entertaining and enjoying nature with family and friends. When installed tastefully and soundly, hardscapes increase the resale value of your home.
The process of constructing your hardscape design begins with creating a plan for the structure of the project. This includes laying out the location of the hardscape, determining its shape, how many levels it will have and what look it should achieve. It also includes deciding on the materials to use for construction. A professional hardscape contractor will know what works best for the climate and soil conditions of your property. They will also have a good understanding of the layout of underground utility lines and pipes so they don’t cause any delays or cost overruns later on in the project.
Next, the hardscape contractor will create a drawing of your new landscape. This will show the layout of your new hardscape, including any existing landscaping you want to retain and any other features such as pools, patios or garden beds. The plan will also include the location and dimensions of any walls, walkways or driveways that are needed for the hardscape installation.
Once the hardscape design is complete, the actual construction process can begin. Depending on the size of your hardscape project, this may take a couple of days to a few weeks to complete. During this time, it is important that all workers follow the plan closely so the finished product is consistent and aesthetically pleasing.
Installing a hardscape can be messy, especially with all the dirt, gravel, sand and concrete paving stones that need to be moved around during construction. As a result, it is recommended that you wear standard work gloves, knee pads, safety glasses and earplugs for protection and comfort. It is also recommended that you hire a professional hardscape contractor to install your project for you. They will have the proper equipment and experience to ensure the job is completed correctly and safely.
Maintenance
When many people think of landscaping, they picture lush green grass and flower beds. However, the outdoor space around a home or business also includes non-organic components like patios and walkways that add functionality to the property. This is known as hardscaping, and it is a growing area of landscape design and construction. Hardscaping services can include the creation of retaining walls, sitting walls, paving stones, pergolas and more. In addition, hardscaping can reduce the amount of time you spend looking after your landscape by reducing water requirements and eliminating the need for trimming and fertilizing.
A variety of materials can be used in hardscaping, from bricks and stone to concrete pavers and wood. The material you choose will depend on your budget, aesthetic preferences and maintenance needs. For example, if you opt for a natural stone surface, it may require periodic sealing to protect the stone from water absorption and staining. Conversely, a paver or concrete surface can be sealed with a wet-look or clear sealer to improve appearance and provide added protection.
Another factor to consider is durability and longevity. While some hardscapes are designed to be temporary, others, such as a driveway or patio are intended to last for years to come. This is why it is important to research and compare the different options available before choosing a hardscape.
Maintaining your hardscaped area requires a little more work than traditional landscaping, but it is still less time-consuming. Some of the most common hardscaping tasks include power washing, cleaning and weed control. Power washing can be done using a pressure washer, and it is recommended that you use cleaning solutions that are safe for your specific hardscape material. It is also important to regularly inspect your hardscapes for cracks and damage, and repair them promptly to prevent further damage.
A weed control system is an essential part of any hardscaping plan. You can use a weed killer or simply fill the spaces between pavers with polymeric sand to discourage weed growth and maintain the stability of your hardscape. It is also a good idea to regularly inspect your hardscapes for signs of stains and remove them as soon as they are noticed.