Hardscape Landscaping: What Is It & Is It Right for Your Yard?

Hardscape landscaping plays a major role in how an outdoor space functions, looks, and holds up over time. From patios to fire pits, hardscape features provide structure and functionality that plants alone cannot. Before adding these elements to a yard, it helps to understand what hardscape landscaping entails, how it works alongside softscape features, and whether it aligns with your property goals, budget, and maintenance preferences.

What is Hardscape Landscaping?

Landscaping is the process of designing and altering an outdoor space to make it more functional and appealing. It is composed of two primary elements: softscape landscaping and hardscape landscaping.

Softscape landscaping is a part of a landscape design that focuses on living elements, such as flowers, trees, ornamental grasses, and shrubs. Hardscape landscaping is a part of a landscape design focused on non-living elements, such as patios, driveways, fire pits, and water features.

A good landscape design will blend both hardscape and softscape elements for maximum function, durability, and curb appeal.

Is Hardscape Right for Your Outdoor Area?

Hardscape landscaping is a strong choice for many properties, but it is not the right solution for every yard. Understanding how you use your outdoor space and what challenges your property presents can help determine whether certain hardscape features make sense.

Hardscape elements work especially well in areas where durability and structure matter most. Patios, walkways, and retaining walls, for instance, can improve usability in high-traffic areas and help manage drainage and erosion. Homeowners who want defined gathering spaces like outdoor kitchens or low-maintenance features often benefit from incorporating hardscape into their landscape design.

That said, hardscape should not replace greenery entirely. Yards that rely too heavily on hardscape elements can feel rigid or uninviting without enough plant material to soften the space. A balanced design that combines hardscape with trees, shrubs, and groundcover usually performs better and looks more inviting.

If an outdoor area needs more structure, better functionality, or improved longevity, hardscape elements may be a smart investment. When paired thoughtfully with softscape elements, hardscape landscaping can create an outdoor space that is both practical and visually appealing.

Hardscape Landscaping FAQs

What are common hardscape landscaping materials?

Hardscape materials landscape contractors commonly use in landscaping projects include concrete pavers and natural stone, such as flagstone.

What is the least expensive hardscape?

The truth is, there is no single "least" expensive hardscape design element, as material, labor, and upkeep costs vary widely.

What maintenance do hardscape features need?

Different hardscape features need different maintenance schedules. Wooden decking, for example, often needs yearly staining to protect it from rot, UV exposure, and mold. Brick patios, on the other hand, may need weekly weeding to control unwelcome plant growth that ruins the look of the patio and threatens the structural integrity of the pavers.

What are the benefits of incorporating hardscape elements into my garden?

Correctly installed and properly maintained hardscape elements can:

• Improve usability. An outdoor fireplace can extend the use of outdoor seating areas into the night or colder seasons.
• Protect softscape features. Walkways help manage foot traffic, preserving soil and plant health.
• Generate visual appeal. Hardscape features can create stunning focal points that other landscape elements, such as ornamental grasses, can complement for an overall aesthetically pleasing outdoor living space.
• Improve property value. Homeowners often enhance the curb appeal and resale value of their homes through hardscaping projects like retaining walls, pergolas, or outdoor kitchens.

When you're looking for professional help for your next hardscape landscaping project, turn to the company with decades of experience serving St. Louis properties just like yours: Poynter Landscape Architecture & Construction.