Landscape design uses two main elements to create a cohesive appearance. These are soft landscaping and hard landscaping. Both are necessary to make an area not only aesthetically pleasing but functional too. A well-designed landscape blends these two elements seamlessly.
The term hard landscaping refers to the foundations on which outdoor spaces are built and the aesthetic they create. They are the elements of design that lend form and structure to an area.
Hard landscaping most commonly refers to elements such as paths, driveways, drainage systems, electrics, fencing, decking, patios, steps and walls. These elements then provide the base for soft landscaping elements such as grass, plants, and vegetation.
What are hard landscaping materials?
There is a huge variety of hard landscaping available when it comes to designing an outdoor space. Commonly used materials include brick, gravel, rock, concrete, asphalt, timber, metals, and even glass.
Often, these types of materials are available in different colours and variations to allow for creativity in design. They are typically hard-wearing and picked for their resilience in all types of weather.
Hard landscaping with NatraTex
Hard landscaping is an essential part of outdoor design and architecture. NatraTex, our expansive range of surfacing products, is the perfect choice for hard landscaping. We supply attractive, fully bound asphalt products for use in public spaces such as car parks, driveways, public areas, parks and school playgrounds.
Our pioneering product, NatraTex Cotswold can be used to create a long-lasting surface course that is virtually maintenance-free and fits in seamlessly with its surroundings. Whether for commercial, domestic, or educational settings, NatraTex can be used creatively as a hard landscaping element to create a safe, attractive, and durable surface that makes a lasting first impression.
To see how our products have been applied as a hard landscaping feature in a range of projects, take a look at our portfolio. Alternatively, view our full range of NatraTex and NatraTex Colour aggregates or get in touch. Our team of dedicated staff are on hand to discuss your needs and advise on the best surface course for your requirements.
FAQs
Hard landscaping most commonly refers to elements such as paths, driveways, drainage systems, electrics, fencing, decking, patios, steps and walls. These elements then provide the base for soft landscaping elements such as grass, plants, and vegetation.
What are the disadvantages of hard landscaping? ›
Con: Higher Cost
And when it comes to hardscape design, that risk is even greater. The cost, for one. Not only will you need to pay for materials and labor, but you may also need to hire a professional to help with the installation.
What is soft gardening? ›
Soft landscaping, or softscaping, is the renovation or upkeep of soft materials in an outdoor space. The soft materials include turf, trees, grass, shrubs and flowers. Soft landscapers manage these soft materials using various techniques, such as planting, grading, weeding, trimming, digging and spraying.
What do you mean by landscaping? ›
Landscaping refers to any activity that modifies the visible features of an area of land, including the following: Living elements, such as flora or fauna; or what is commonly called gardening, the art and craft of growing plants with a goal of creating a beauty within the landscape.
What is meant by hard landscaping? ›
Hard landscaping most commonly refers to elements such as paths, driveways, drainage systems, electrics, fencing, decking, patios, steps and walls. These elements then provide the base for soft landscaping elements such as grass, plants, and vegetation.
What are the problems with landscape design? ›
Sloping terrain, narrow lots, limited space and poor drainage are just a few of the landscape challenges that can have an impact on the design, layout and plant selections for your yard.
What are the benefits of soft landscaping? ›
Finally, shrubs and trees provide shade from harsh sunlight which helps lower energy costs on hot days while also reducing glare in your windows. Other soft landscaping benefits include attracting different species of birds, bees, butterflies and insects.
How do you harden a soft yard? ›
One effective method is the installation of a French drain, a trench filled with gravel or stone that collects and diverts water. This helps prevent water from pooling on the surface and contributes to the overall firmness of the ground.
How do nurseries harden off plants? ›
Begin hardening transplants 1-2 weeks prior to setting out plants in your garden. The easiest way to harden transplants is to place them outside in a shaded, protected spot on warm days, bringing them in at night. Each day, increase the amount of sunlight the transplants receive.
What are the 15 types of landscapes? ›
List of different types of landscape. Desert, Plain, Taiga, Tundra, Wetland, Mountain, Mountain range, Cliff, Coast, Littoral zone, Glacier, Polar regions of Earth, Shrubland, Forest, Rainforest, Woodland, Jungle, Moors, Steppe, Valley.
Landscapes refer to the visible features of an area, while terrains refer to the physical features of the land. There are several types of landscapes and terrains based on their physical characteristics, and they influence the climate, vegetation, and wildlife of an area.
What services do most landscaping companies offer? ›
Full list of professional landscaping services:
- Design consultation.
- Landscape design.
- Planting.
- Grading.
- Tree removal.
- Sod installation.
- Lawn returfing.
- Artificial turf installation.
Primary hazards include:
- Lifting-related injuries.
- Heat stress.
- Cuts and hand injuries.
- Slips, trips and falls.
- Vehicle accidents.
Landscaping is a labor-intensive business. As you grow, you'll have to employ more workers which means more training costs. You may also have to face high turnover rates since work is seasonal.
What is a dysfunctional landscape? ›
A dysfunctional landscape is one where these resources tend to increased rates of leakage or “run-out”. Such landscapes deliver greatly increased rates of flow and volumes of water and sediment (Cramer and Hobbs, 2002; Prosser, 2002).
What are the injuries of landscaping? ›
Here are a few injuries that could result from landscaping work: Cuts and hand injuries – everyday use of tools and a momentary lapse of concentration can result in injury. Back injuries – often from poor posture and heavy lifting without using the correct technique.
