Softscape vs Hardscape: Know these landscaping terms

Last Updated on: 14th March 2024, 05:22 am

You can enjoy the benefits of both aspects of landscaping.

When diving into landscaping, two primary principles shape our understanding: softscape and hardscape. If you’re from the picturesque towns of eastern North Carolina, you’re likely familiar with the captivating beauty of local landscapes. At Tayloe’s Lawn Care Services, we emphasize the delicate balance between these principles to bring out the best in every outdoor space. Let’s take a closer look.

What is Softscape?

Softscape refers to the living elements within the landscape. Think of soft, malleable, and ever-changing elements such as plants, trees, shrubs, and lawns. Softscape elements change with the seasons and grow over time, offering dynamic beauty that evolves with each passing season.

Benefits of Softscape:

Environmental Benefits: Plants absorb carbon dioxide, provide habitat for wildlife, and offer shade and cooling effects.
Aesthetic Beauty: Plants’ colors, textures, and shapes add vibrancy and contrast to landscapes.
Versatility: Softscape elements can be rearranged and redesigned, allowing for flexibility in design.

In zones 7 and 8, where our customers reside, there’s a rich diversity of plant life suitable for various gardening ambitions. Our primary specialty at Tayloe’s Lawn Care Services is lawn care and softscape design. With our intricate knowledge of local flora and the specific care they require, we help gardens and lawns reach their full potential.

Softscape Elements:

Here are some frequent softscaping elements you’ll see:

Lawn:
- Typically composed of turfgrass varieties suited for the specific climate.
- Provides a soft ground cover and play area.
Flower Beds:
- Can be annuals, perennials, or a mix.
- Adds color, texture, and beauty to landscapes.
Shrubs:
- Small to medium-sized woody plants.
- Used for privacy, as a windbreak, or purely for decoration.
Trees:
- From small ornamentals to large shade providers.
- Offers benefits like shade, habitat for wildlife, and increased property value.
Ground Covers:
- Low-growing plants that spread across the soil.
- Ideal for preventing soil erosion and suppressing weeds.
Vines:
- Climbing plants that can be used on trellises, fences, or walls.
- Adds vertical interest and can provide shade.
Ornamental Grasses:
- Grasses grown for their aesthetic appeal rather than utility.
- Provides movement and texture to the landscape.
Vegetable and Herb Gardens:
- Edible plants that can be both functional and decorative.
- Fresh produce at your fingertips!
Mulch:
- Organic or inorganic materials spread over the soil.
- Helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and improvement of soil health.
Plant Containers and Pots:
- Containers of varying sizes and materials for plants.
- Offers flexibility in design and plant placement.

What is Hardscape?

On the flip side, hardscape encompasses the inanimate elements of landscaping. These are the solid, unchanging structures such as patios, walkways, retaining walls, and fountains. Hardscape components often serve as the backbone of landscape design, providing structure and functionality.

Advantages of Hardscape:

Durability: Unlike plant materialss, hardscape elements are not subject to diseases or pests.
Low Maintenance: Most hardscape components require minimal upkeep once installed.
Functional Utility: Hardscapes can serve various purposes, from entertaining guests on a patio to guiding paths or retaining soil.

While we do not provide hardscaping services, we understand the value that well-placed hardscape elements can bring to a property in terms of aesthetics and functionality.

Hardscape Elements:

Here are some good examples of hardscaping elements:

Patios:
- Typically made from concrete, bricks, pavers, or natural stone.
- Provides a solid surface for outdoor seating or dining.
Walkways and Paths:
- It can be constructed from flagstone, gravel, concrete, or other materials.
- Directs foot traffic and connects different areas of a landscape.
Retaining Walls:
- Built to hold back soil in sloped areas, prevent erosion, and create level spaces.
- Common materials include concrete blocks, treated timbers, and natural stone.
Driveways:
- Commonly made from asphalt, concrete, pavers, or gravel.
- Provides a surface for vehicles.
Fountains and Water Features:
- Fountains and waterfalls can be wall-mounted, free-standing, or even pond-based.
- Adds a sense of tranquility and aesthetic appeal to outdoor spaces.
Decks:
- Elevated surfaces are usually made from wood or composite materials.
- Extends living space to the outdoors.
Fences and Gates:
- Made from wood, metal, vinyl, or other materials.
- Provides privacy, security and defines property boundaries.
Pergolas and Gazebos:
- Outdoor structures that provide shade and a place to relax or entertain.
- Constructed from wood, metal, or vinyl.
Stairways and Steps:
- Connect different elevations in a landscape.
- Made from concrete, stone, or wood.

Striking the Balance

A well-designed landscape seamlessly integrates both softscape and hardscape elements. Consider the elegant dance between a lush lawn leading up to a stone patio or how ornamental plants border a gravel pathway. When you get it right, combining soft and hard elements creates harmony and balance, making any outdoor space a sanctuary.

Let’s Create Your Perfect Landscape

At Tayloe’s Lawn Care Services, we bring vast experience in gardening, plant care, and landscaping design. Our services are well-suited to the unique climates of zones 7 and 8. Whether you’re envisioning a serene garden oasis or a functional outdoor space, we’re here to turn your vision into reality.

Tayloe’s Lawn Care Services: Put Our Softscape Expertise to Work for You

By understanding and integrating hardscape and softscape elements, you can create a well-balanced and harmonious outdoor space that caters to functional needs and aesthetic preferences.

Dive deeper into our world, witness our projects, and engage with our passionate community. We invite you to follow us on Facebook for the latest updates, tips, and inspirations. Your dream landscape is just a quick click away. You can also learn more by calling or texting us: 252.287.3375.

Author Profile

Randy Tayloe

Randy Tayloe is the COO of Tayloe's Lawn Care Service, LLC. He is a certified custom applicator, recognized by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture Pesticide Division. A native of Bertie County, NC, and graduate of Bertie High School, he wants to beautify his home county - one yard at a time.