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How to Design a Beautiful Hardscaping Project

For most homeowners — and even potential homeowners — high-quality landscaping is a must. In fact, 60% of potential buyers believe well-landscaped yards influence their purchasing decisions. Not only will an attractive yard make a home look its best, but it will also allow owners to get the most out of their property; a great outdoor space can actually extend your living space for recreation and relaxation.

But landscaping projects aren’t the only thing that can add beauty and function to your property. Hardscaping can help define your outdoor space in a way that landscaping alone cannot. Let’s take a closer look at hardscapes and some tips on how to design a successful project of this type.

What is hardscaping?
While landscaping involves the use of living plants, hardscaping — as the name implies — uses hard, natural, and/or inanimate materials to create a variety of structural elements. Some of the materials used in unique hardscapes are wood, metal, stone, brick, and concrete.

What are some common examples of hardscapes?
Popular projects of this type would include brick or stone patios; outdoor walkways made of concrete, stone, gravel, or brick; stone steps; wooden decks, gazebos, arbors, or pergolas; and fences or walls made or iron or stone.

What are some elements of a great hardscape design?

  • FirstĀ of all, make sure your yard has a distinct focal point. This creates visual interest without being overwhelming.
  • Secondly, if you live in an area that will support flora, don’t forget the green space. Hardscape projects look even better when there’s ample landscaping around them. By having both, your property will look more balanced.
  • Third, make sure you stick to a distinct style. Think about what kind of message you want to send with your backyard aesthetic and choose materials that fit in with that style. These should also coordinate with the feel of both the interior and exterior of your house itself. If you have too many styles or textures, your design will look cluttered and confused.
  • Finally, you should always hire experienced landscapers to make sure your projects look picture-perfect. This is especially important if you’re planning on constructing retaining wall or other extensive projects. Your landscaper will design and execute a design that fits in with your overall vision and will ensure it’s done correctly.

Spring is here, so it’s time to start planning your landscaping projects! At Borsello Landscaping, we can create a beautiful backyard oasis you’ll enjoy for years to come. For more information, contact us today.