There are several broad elements that may be a significant part of your landscape, and the realm of hardscape products is among the most notable in many cases. What is a hardscape for your landscape, which elements are often involved in creating it, and what else should you be thinking about with regard to hardscape when designing or upgrading a landscape?
At Aeroscape, we’re here to offer a wide range of landscape designers and landscape maintenance services to clients around Salt Lake City, Sandy, South Jordan, Draper and nearby areas, including hardscape elements, water features and any other specialty needs you may have. Here are some basics on how hardscape is defined, some common elements that often make up a hardscape, and a few other basics to be aware of.
When defining hardscape, we’re referring to any non-living elements or structures that make up a landscape. This can include everything from walkways and patios to retaining walls, fences, and other structural elements.
Essentially, hardscape refers to the “bones” of your landscape – the features that define its structure and layout. Hardscape features will be combined with softscape elements (living vegetation) to create a balanced and functional landscape design.
When designing a landscape, it’s important to remember that hardscape and softscape elements are not mutually exclusive. In fact, the most successful landscape designs are those that effectively combine both elements in harmony.
For example, a patio may be designed with a layout and materials that complement the surrounding vegetation, or a retaining wall may incorporate planters or other softscape features for added visual interest.
Now that we’ve defined hardscape, let’s take a look at some common elements you may include in your landscape design, across our next few sections.
One of the most popular hardscape elements, retaining walls are used to hold back soil and create defined levels or terraces within a landscape. These walls can be made from a variety of materials, including concrete blocks, natural stone, brick, or wood.
Retaining walls not only serve a functional purpose but can also add visual interest and texture to your landscape design.
Another common wall element in hardscape design is sitting walls. These low, non-load-bearing walls can be used to define an outdoor seating area or create a border between different areas of the landscape. Like retaining walls, they can also be made from various materials to match your overall design aesthetic.
There are many areas where sitting walls can be incorporated into a landscape, from surrounding a fire pit to lining a walkway or patio.
These hardscape elements are essential for creating functional spaces within your landscape. Walkways provide a designated path through the landscape, while patios offer an outdoor living space for activities such as dining and entertaining.
Both walkways and patios can be made from a variety of materials, including concrete pavers, natural stone, and brick. These materials come in various colors, shapes, and sizes to create a unique look for your landscape.
Water features are another popular hardscape element that can add both beauty and tranquility to your landscape. From small fountains and ponds to larger waterfalls and streams, there are many options to choose from when incorporating water features into your design.
Water features can also provide a habitat for wildlife and bring the soothing sound of running water to your outdoor space.
Whether on a patio or in an outdoor kitchen, a grill surround is a must-have hardscape element for any outdoor cook. A well-designed grill surround not only adds functionality but also serves as a focal point in your landscape design.
Grill surrounds can be made from various materials and can include features such as built-in storage, seating options, and even decorative accents.
If you want to take things a bit further than a grill, a fire pit is the ultimate hardscape element for outdoor entertaining. It can provide warmth and ambiance on chilly evenings while also serving as a gathering spot for friends and family.
Fire pits can be designed using various materials, including natural stone, concrete pavers, or even metal. They can also incorporate seating options and other features to enhance their functionality and aesthetic appeal.
For those looking to add some shade and architectural interest to their landscape, pergolas are the perfect hardscape element. These structures can be designed in various sizes and styles, and can be used to create a focal point or define an outdoor living space.
Pergolas can also provide support for climbing plants, adding another layer of texture and color to your landscape design.
As you can see, hardscape elements are crucial for creating a functional and visually appealing landscape. It’s important to work with a professional landscape designer who can help you incorporate these elements in a way that complements your overall design aesthetic and meets your specific needs.
At Aeroscape, our team of experts has years of experience designing and installing hardscape features for clients in the Salt Lake City, Sandy, South Jordan and Draper areas. Contact us today to learn how we can enhance your landscape with the perfect hardscape elements!
There are several areas of your property’s landscape that may be important to you, and the backyard is typically high on this list. Whether you’re designing a brand new backyard landscape or upgrading a current backyard landscape design, there are a few basic themes to keep in mind during this process.
At Aeroscape, we’re proud to assist clients around Salt Lake City, Sandy, South Jordan, Draper and nearby areas with all their landscape contractor needs, from landscape designers with years of experience to landscape maintenance, truck leasing services and more. Here are some of the most important concepts to be considering when designing or upgrading a backyard landscape.
One of the first steps in designing a backyard landscape is to assess the current site and evaluate its strengths and weaknesses. This includes taking into account factors such as sunlight, soil type, drainage, existing plants or structures, and any potential obstacles or limitations.
A thorough site evaluation will provide valuable insights that can inform your design choices. Be sure to consider both the short and long-term impact of your landscape design on the site, as well as any potential future changes or additions that may need to be made.
One part of this evaluation that’s so vital it’s worth its own section: soil. The quality and composition of the soil in your backyard will significantly impact your ability to grow healthy plants and maintain a thriving landscape. So, take the time to have your soil tested by a professional before beginning any major landscaping projects.
Depending on the results of this evaluation, you may need to amend or improve the soil in certain areas of your backyard for optimal plant growth. This could involve adding organic matter, adjusting pH levels, or implementing drainage solutions.
Next, it’s important to think about how you want your backyard to function. Are you looking for a space for outdoor entertaining, a quiet retreat for relaxation and meditation, or a play area for children and pets? Consider the different activities that you and your family will want to use the backyard for, and plan your design accordingly.
Down related lines, privacy is another important consideration when designing a backyard landscape. Do you want to be able to enjoy your outdoor space without feeling exposed to neighbors or passersby? Consider incorporating elements such as hedges, fences, or strategic plantings to create more privacy.
In other cases, you might want to take advantage of views or natural features on the property, and design your backyard landscape in a way that enhances these aspects while still maintaining some level of privacy.
Naturally, your budget is a key factor when designing any landscape, and the backyard is no exception. Consider what you can realistically afford to spend on materials, labor, and ongoing maintenance, and plan accordingly. You may need to make some compromises or adjustments in order to stay within your budget.
This is one part of the process where working with a professional landscape contractor can be invaluable. They can help you prioritize your design elements and find creative solutions that fit within your budget.
What sort of aesthetic are you looking for in your backyard landscape? Do you want a more formal, structured design, or something more natural and organic? Think about the architectural style of your home and how you can reflect this in your backyard landscaping.
Also consider elements such as color schemes, textures, and plant choices to create a cohesive and visually appealing outdoor space. Don’t be afraid to mix and match different elements and styles to create a unique backyard landscape.
Finally, it’s important to consider the long-term maintenance requirements of your backyard landscape. Will you be able to keep up with regular upkeep, or will you need to hire a professional landscaping company for ongoing maintenance? This is an important factor in choosing certain plants, materials, and design elements that will be sustainable and manageable for you in the long run.
At Aeroscape, we understand that designing a backyard landscape can be overwhelming. That’s why we’re here to provide our expertise and help you create a beautiful, functional, and low-maintenance outdoor space that you can enjoy for years to come. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can assist you with your backyard landscape project, whether you’re in SLC, Sandy, Draper, South Jordan or any nearby area.
