Landscaping is most often associated with gardening, topiary and other forms of cultivating plants aesthetically. However, hardscapes—pavement, retaining walls, walkways, patios and other non-living elements—are also a vital component of landscaping. If your property seems like it's lacking a certain appeal, there are benefits to adding some hardscaping elements.
Grass needs mowing, hedges need trimming, gardens need weed killer and sufficient water, and so on. Hardscapes have no such needs. Most forms of hardscaping require less regular maintenance compared to softscaping elements. This is especially valuable during times of drought, when lawns and gardens are at risk from lack of water.
In an outdoor setting, hardscapes can create the impression of distinct spaces. The contrast between materials allows for partitioning, such as with a patio or walkway, without putting up actual barriers. Additionally, features like retaining walls break up a flat landscape for amore distinctive look. Hardscape designers use these to develop well-defined spaces that still form a cohesive whole.
Water runoff is a common concern for property owners, causing erosion and preventing groundwater from being replenished. Retaining walls, tiered patios and more can help adjust the landscape's grade, while permeable pavers allow rain to penetrate the soil. Properly placed stone or concrete fixtures block runoff from erosion-prone areas, too.
Professional hardscape construction can transform your property into a more welcoming and distinctive landscape. Contact Monarch Landscaping Companies today to find out more about how we can help you.