A home’s outdoor living space consists of two elements: hardscape and softscape. As the name suggests, hardscape refers to the hard things present in your yard, such as brick, concrete, stone, etc. Softscape, on the other hand, includes soft stuff, such as bushes, plants, trees, etc. Softscape is made of living things, whereas the hardscape consists of non-living materials. Beautiful homes are those that can strike a balance between the hardscape and softscape. People fond of cars often turn their hardscape into magnificent driveways. While these driveways may seem impressive, they give a residential property a commercial flavor. Similarly, people fond of gardening fill up their outdoor space with gigantic trees and imposing bushes and shrubs, making their home look like a jungle. It is, thus, essential to not only strike the right balance between the hardscape and softscape, but care must also be taken to ensure one is not going over the top.

What Are Some of the Hardscape Elements?

To understand the clear difference between the two, let us dig a little deeper. Here are some of the things that fall under the purview of hardscape elements.

• Hardscape refers to hard but movable things, such as paving, gravel, stones, etc. that fill the outdoor space.
• Hardscape constitutes inanimate and non-living objects and thus, does not change with time.
• Different types of hardscape materials impact the environment differently. For instance, pavements and stones do not let water get soaked into the soil and thus, increase runoffs, thereby increasing the chances of contaminants entering the water streams. Porous materials, on the other hand, allow water to get soaked into the soil and thus, reduce runoffs.
• Other than stone, gravel, and pavings, patios, gazebos, decks, outdoor kitchens, and driveways are other common hardscape elements.
• Hardscape elements can be both natural or humanmade.

What Are Some of the Softscape Elements?

Let us try and understand a little more about softscape elements.

• Unlike hardscape elements, softscape elements are soft to touch.
• Flowers, ground covers, shrubs, and trees make excellent softscape elements. However, since they are living objects, they evolve and change with time and thus, need proper care.
• Softscape elements, such as trees and shrubs, are available in different sizes, textures, and shapes

Tips on How to Incorporate Hardscape and Softscape Features into Your Home

Here are a few tips to keep in mind while adding hardscape or softscape features to your home.

• If you have a small house, use the vertical spaces for adding softscape features.
• Add pedestals and container gardens to create the illusion of space in smaller homes.
• Use hardscaping elements, such as a low retaining wall, to create extra space.
• If you live in an area where the government has restricted water use, compelling you to reassess your outdoor softscape features, do not worry. You can continue to enjoy a beautiful garden by only making a few minor changes, For instance, if the water supply is an issue, consider replacing a few softscape features with hardscape elements. For example, you can replace the grass patch in your garden with hardscape materials, such as concrete, pavers, or granite. Add to this, some drought-tolerant plants. This way, you will be able to maintain a beautiful garden without needing too much water.

The Final Word

Softscape and hardscape features do not only add to the beauty of a home but also enhance its commercial value. We hope you will find our simple tips handy while adding hardscape and softscape features to your yard.

Schedule a Quote from JJW Brick Today!

Give JJW Brick a call today to learn more about hardscape at 1-800-BRICK-PAVERS.  We look forward to hearing from you!