Snohomish Hardscapes, Softscapes & Landscaping
Hardscapes and softscapes are two key elements of a well-designed garden. Hardscaping is the construction and installation of hard landscape materials such as masonry structures, retaining walls, decking, fencing, and raised beds.
Softscapes are the planting and care of soft landscape materials such as trees, shrubs, flowers, ground cover plants, and mulch. Both are essential to creating a beautiful outdoor living space that maintains its beauty year after year.
The main difference between hardscapes and softscapes (the latter being defined as any landscaping not built from solid materials) is that the former requires more precise planning and execution to ensure it remains intact.
If you live in Snohomish and the surrounding areas and wish to have a more beautiful and thriving landscape, call Rios Landscaping, LLC. (360) 862-8702
Softscapes for Beautiful Snohomish Lawns and Gardens
Softscapes create an inviting space to create privacy and add color to your property. While they require regular maintenance like any other living material, they add natural beauty to your residential property.
Have you thought about how many plants you need? Are they going to be the right size and color? Do they correspond with the Northwest Washington environment? How about watering and maintenance? A great, customizable plan awaits you, and Rios Landscaping LLC has the skills and ability to help you design softscapes that are visually pleasing and functional.
Softscapes include:
- Flowers
- Plants
- Trees
- Dirt
- Mulch/ tree bark
- Grass/turf
- Fertilizer
Softscapes are landscapes that use live plants to create a natural look. They have several benefits over hardscapes, such as being more flexible and sustainable. Here are some of the main differences between softscapes and hardscapes:
- Softscape is a term for landscaping that uses live plants; hardscape refers to manufactured materials.
- A softscape is generally more natural than a hardscape. It is more flexible because it can be changed easily depending on your preferences or needs at different times of year (for example, you may choose to plant flowers in the spring and summer but not in the winter). In contrast, hardscapes tend not to change much unless redesigned from scratch—even then, they’ll often need maintenance every few years rather than each year like softscapes.
- Softscapes can be as simple or complex as you’d like. It’s just a matter of knowing what plants to use and how best to use them.
- Softscapes are a great way to add color, texture, and interest to any property. They can be as simple or complex as you’d like. It’s just a matter of knowing what plants to use, how best to use them, and where they’ll look their best on your property.
Utilizing the right plants can help you save money on water usage.
- Consider using plants native to your area, as they’re likely to be more accustomed to the local climate.
- Research drought-tolerant plants and other low-water options. Plenty of varieties out there don’t need frequent watering but still, they look great!
- Consider using plants with deep roots, which require less water than shallow-rooted varieties.
Hardscapes and softscapes are essential elements of a well-designed landscape.
Hardscaping is the use of hard materials to create a design. These materials can be anything from stones, bricks, or pebbles to concrete, stone pavers, stepping stones, and rocks. It can also include things like fences, walls, and gates. Hardscaping is a way to bring the outdoors in by adding features around your property that are useful as well as attractive.
- Hardscapes and softscapes are essential elements of a well-designed landscape.
- You don’t have to choose between one or the other.
- The right combination can create a beautiful and functional, cohesive design.
Hardscapes are beautiful! You might not realize how beautiful a properly installed retaining wall can be until you see one in person—or even better if someone else installs one for you!
Hardscape elements can be used in just about any area of your yard. Here are some examples:
- To add interest to a long walkway, you could add a compelling focal point with a water feature or other natural art piece.
- You may not want to plant flower beds in certain areas because of poor soil or shade (e.g., along fences), but that doesn’t mean those areas need to be boring! Hardscaping can help keep things interesting by adding curb appeal and functionality, such as stepping stones or benches.
- Another common use for hardscape is as an alternative to lawns and gardens by creating garden patios that give you more options for seating areas where you don’t want grass growing (e.g., on top of pavers).
Rios Lardscaping, LLC offers hardscape and softscape services that add value and sophistication to your home. Adding a low-maintenance, aesthetically-pleasing hardscape will increase the value of your property.
Whether you’re looking to design a new landscape or need to improve the one you have, our team is here to help. We’re experienced in all aspects of landscaping and hardscaping, from the design process through installation and maintenance. Our goal is always to ensure that your outdoor living space easily reflects your personality and lifestyle. If you have any questions about what you want for your outdoor living space, please give us a call.
Rios Landscaping LLC is your #1 Snohomish expert for hardscapes and softscapes.