Having your yard professionally landscaped is a wonderful idea, especially if you don’t know much about garden design, and want your yard to make a real statement. However, many homeowners fail to see the value of adding hardscapes to their design, or perhaps feel as if doing so will ‘spoil’ the look of a green space. On the contrary; professionally and carefully considered hardscapes can add a finishing touch to a yard or garden, and make it much more usable and attractive.
Alternatively, why not opt for a design that only has hardscapes, and put all worries about keeping your lawn green and lush (and better than the Jones’s!), firmly in the past.
What is hardscaping?
Essentially, any man-made features of a landscaped design, such as driveways, patios, fountains and decks, are classed as hardscapes, and they are often made from materials such as stone, brick, metal and wood.
Why should include hardscapes in your landscape design?
Here are 6 reasons why your garden or yard could be improved with the addition of some professionally installed hardscapes:
1. They’re low maintenance
Backyard hardscapes require minimal maintenance, and once you’ve sat down with your landscape designer and created a plan for the space, you’ll have a beautiful backyard that will last for many years to come with no watering, mowing or pruning required.
2. Hardscapes are great for conserving water
Instead of using gallons of water to maintain your lawn and plants, you can simply sit back and admire your hardscaped yard, all year round! In all seriousness, water wastage is a huge and growing concern for many Americans, and with a hardscaped yard, you can simply brush leaves and debris up every once in a while, and not have to worry about wasting water or paying big water bills.
3. They can boost your home’s value
It’s easy to increase the value of your home with some professionally designed and installed hardscapes. More and more homebuyers are looking for properties with ample outside space that they can use all year round, such as decks and patios, and if your home features some great, functional hardscapes, you can make your home more attractive to buyers, and even sell it for more.
4. Hardscapes help with outdoor entertaining
Nowadays, hardscapes such as decks and patios are seen as extensions of the home - especially in the warmer months – and incorporating a backyard hardscape will significantly increase your family’s outdoor experience and give them more room to sit and enjoy the great outdoors.
5. Add dimensions to your yard
With differing levels masterfully designed and installed by a hardscape professional, defined edges and meandering walkways, your yard can become something really special that you love to spend time in, instead of a dull, flat yard that lacks in imagination and forethought. Add a few walls, pergolas, fences and stone boundary lines, and you can make your yard more private, too, and not worry what the neighbors might be thinking as you party into the small hours!
6. Hardscaping significantly reduces erosion
With the help of a professional hardscape company, stone or concrete barriers can be installed in places where erosion is likely to occur, helping to keep the foundations of your yard, and your home, intact for many years to come.
To discuss the many benefits of hardscaping in more detail, reach out to a local landscaping company, who will assess your home and listen to your ideas before designing a stunning yard for you to enjoy, or to help you sell your home faster and for more.