The difference between hardscape and softscape surfaces is as simple as the difference between city and country–one is built and the other is grown. But landscapers blend them to create distinct hardscape installations, which homeowners can use for entertaining, spending time outdoors, and exhibiting the surrounding environment’s natural beauty.
Northern Virginia Landscaping has spent years perfecting our landscaping craft. We create excellent hardscapes and softscapes for clients all across Vienna, VA, and Northern Virginia. We also seek to help you maintain the beauty of your landscape, which is why we are trained and knowledgeable in arboriculture, horticulture, and botany. Hire Northern Virginia Landscaping and you’ll get a team of landscape experts when you need them.
Below, we describe the differences between hardscapes and softscapes:
What to Know About Hardscapes
Hardscapes are all the non-organic elements of a landscape. They are usually additions or features built in and around your landscape that make it easier to traverse and spend time in.
One crucial difference between hardscapes and softscapes is how they are maintained. Hardscape maintenance entails repairs or repainting to keep up appearances. Sometimes, components need replacement.
Other distinctions between hardscape and softscape can be seen if you consider other hardscape installations. These include:
- Pergolas/Gazebos
- Walkways
- Decks/Patios
- Outdoor Kitchens
- Fountains/Ponds/Pools
As implied by the list, hardscapes involve solid construction materials such as cut and treated wood, concrete, stone, and other composite materials.
What to Know About Softscapes
In contrast to a hardscape installation, softscape is composed of the organic elements within a landscape. From the grass on your lawn to the flower pots you arrange on your patio, as well as the soil in them, all of it makes up what is known as your softscape.
As mentioned previously, a big difference between a softscape and a hardscape is how they’re maintained. While hardscape maintenance involves things like tightening screws and power washing pavement every so often, softscapes need to be watered, cut, weeded, pruned, and mulched regularly to be properly tended to.
Furthermore, surveying the elements of a softscape also quickly and easily conveys its difference to a hardscape installation. Here are some examples of softscape elements:
- Flowers
- Shrubs
- Vines
- Trees
- Grass
Northern Virginia Landscaping: Extensive Hardscape Installation in Vienna, VA
It is easy to tell the difference between a hardscape and softscape, but being able to blend them to create a unique landscape takes time, effort, and experience. For the best hardscape installation and softscape arrangements, consider working with Northern Virginia Landscaping. Our team is made up of longtime landscaping experts who have spent years crafting excellent yards and gardens for clients throughout Vienna, VA. Contact us today at (703) 982-0100 to learn more and schedule an appointment with one of our landscaping professionals.
