Hardscaping versus Landscaping

The words hardscape, landscape, and even softscape are often used together or even to talk about the same things.  While this might lead you to believe that they are interchangeable terms, they actually have different meanings.  So what are the differences between these related words?  How do you know which word to use?  It depends on which particular items in your yard you are talking about.

Landscaping

Landscaping is the broadest of the three terms. It can be used to describe all of the elements that make up a yard or to describe the work of a person who works on all parts of a yard, lawn, or park.  Landscaping also often implies that there is an artistic element to the work - an intentional design has been implemented to create a landscape that is pleasing to all five of the senses.  Nearly all great landscapes include both hardscape and softscape elements.

Hardscaping

Hardscaping refers to the non-living or inorganic elements in a landscape.  This could be anything from decorative rocks in a flowerbed to a paved driveway.  Hardscape elements are generally made of stone or concrete, but some people will also use the term to refer to a wooden deck or decorative pieces made from plastic.  When most professionals use the term, however, they are talking about rocks, stones, bricks, and the mortar that binds them together.

As you may have guessed, softscaping refers to all of the organic elements in a landscape.  Trees, shrubs, flowers, and grass are all softscape elements.  Softscaping can also refer to tasks that maintain these elements, from weed prevention to routine mowing and edging.  In short, any part of a landscape that is alive is part of the softscape; anything that is not would be considered hardscaping.

Great landscape designs use both hardscape and softscape elements in a way that allows them to balance each other out.  You have probably seen landscapes that lean too heavily in one direction - they do not provide the peaceful, relaxing environment most of us are looking for in our landscapes.  Too much softscaping can make a yard look like a jungle; too much hardscaping makes it feel cold and commercialized.

Our landscape designers are careful to mix hardscape and softscape elements in just the right doses to create a serene environment in your outdoor space.  Rows of trees are broken up by stone pathways (which also allow you to easily walk among the trees).  Flowerbeds are separated from the lawn with paving stones, and stone patios are accented with potted plants.  When the two types of landscaping work together, a calming atmosphere is created that neither type can create by itself.

Now that you know the difference between hardscaping and softscaping, you can make informed choices about the landscaping elements you add to your own outdoor space.  Look for ways to use the natural beneficial relationships between the two, and you will be well on your way to an incredible landscape!