Yards can do so much more than simply give us space to enjoy fresh air and entertain in when good weather prevails; with some careful forethought and planning, they can be beautiful spaces that give us the freedom to express ourselves in so many ways.
Hardscaping refers to manmade features that are used in landscaping, such as walkways and patios, and which when done right, can transform the ugliest of yards into a stunning, usable space.
Here are 7 ways that hardscaping could benefit your yard or garden:
1. It can save you both time, and money
Once a hardscape feature has been professionally put in place, it will typically require minimal maintenance and be very easy to take care of. Hardscaped features don’t need to be mowed, trimmed or watered, which can save you money on your water bill and certainly save you a whole heap of time.
2. Erosion is minimized
For anyone with a sloping or uneven yard, you’ll likely know the perils of erosion and flooding. With a retaining wall however (a significant hardscaping element), you can reduce these risks and keep the area from waterlogging and eroding.
3. It can help you stay cooler in the hot, summer months
With the addition of stone walls, you can reduce the glare from the sun while enjoying some quality time in the shade of a patio or deck, while a pool is arguably the single most effective way to keep cool when the mercury rises.
4. You can add some personality to your home
Hardscaping is a wonderfully effective way to add your own unique style to your home, and to show anyone who sees it, that you’re home means something to you. With the use of different materials and colors, not to mention features such as fountains and statues, you can give your backyard a stunning makeover that will have the neighbors green with envy!
5. It will increase functionality
For homes with a lot of outdoor space, hardscaping enables you to create a convenient and easy-to-clean area for entertaining or enjoying time with your family, and even if you only have a small outside space, creative hardscaping can give you more freedom to use the area for storage, or for growing plants in raised bed planters, and many other things.
6. You’ll do better with sustainability
Hardscaping significantly reduces the amount of water needed to maintain your yard or garden, which will help you preserve water in times of drought, and improve your water efficiency at other times.
7. The value of your home will be increased
A well-designed hardscaped yard or garden is virtually guaranteed to increase the value of your home, and will act as a major selling point for potential buyers. Many homeowners view properties with outdoor features such as decks, patios, and pools as being superior to those homes who don’t have any hardscaping features, and will often pay handsomely for the privilege.
If you’d like to find out more about how hardscaping can transform your yard, reach out to a local hardscaping company and ask to see examples of their previous work along with testimonies from satisfied customers.