Hardscaping vs Landscaping: What's the Difference?

When you think about landscaping, your mind probably goes straight to trimming bushes, mowing the lawn, or pulling weeds on a sunny weekend. And while those are all part of it, landscaping is much more than just yard maintenance, and there’s another equally important concept you might not be familiar with: hardscaping.

Whether you're upgrading your outdoor space for entertaining, curb appeal, or pure relaxation, understanding the difference between hardscaping vs landscaping is the first step in planning a functional and beautiful yard.

What Is Landscaping?

Everyone has either cut their lawn, planted some flowers, or maybe even trimmed the bushes outside. If you have, congrats! You've done a bit a landscaping yourself.

Landscaping is using natural elements to enhance beauty, health, and environmental function. Whether it's cutting the grass, arranging flowers, getting rid of pesky weeds, or shaping shrubs, landscaping is an important part of having a beautiful lawn.

Even though it may seem like a small thing to have a lush lawn and flowers planted perfectly, hiring a landscaper has more benefits than you see on the surface.

What Are Common Landscaping Services?

• Lawn mowing and edging

• Mulching and soil care

• Planting flower beds or trees

• Fertilizing and weed control

• Seasonal clean-ups

• Landscape design and layout

What Are the Benefits of Landscaping?

• Curb appeal - Landscaping can give your house and lawn a much better curb appeal.

• Supporting the Environment - Having an unkempt lawn isn't the best for the environment. Sometimes planting a couple of flowers can help prevent flooding, improve air quality, and support wildlife.

• Property value - According to the American Society of Landscape Architects, professional landscaping can raise property value by 15-20%. Who doesn't want a property with great appeal?

What Is Hardscaping?

Even though everyone has probably done some landscaping, not everyone has done hardscaping or even has hardscaping in their yard. But hardscaping can be just as important as landscaping.

Hardscaping is the non-living, structural components of your yard. For example, the patios, walkways, fences, driveways, etc.

Hardscaping may not seem necessary, but it has many benefits.

What Are Common Hardscape Features?

• Patios and decks

• Walkways and driveways

• Retaining walls

• Fire pits and outdoor kitchens

• Water features (fountains, ponds)

• Fences and garden edging

What are the Benefits of Hardscaping?

• Creates usable space - Hardscaping helps to turn empty areas into

• Reduces maintenance needs - Hardscaping does not require much upkeep compared to landscaping.

• Helps with water drainage - Hardscaping can help manage drainage with rainwater and erosion.

Key Differences

Feature	Landscaping	Hardscaping
Materials	Living (plants, soil)	Non-living (stone, wood, metal)
Function	Aesthetic & ecological	Structural & practical
Maintenance	Seasonal, growth-based	Less frequent, more durable
Flexibility	Easily changed or replanted	More permanent

Do You Need Hardscaping and Landscaping?

The truth is that hardscaping and landscaping complement each other. Having one with the other helps to bring out the best in your yard.

For example, imagine

• A gorgeous fountain (hardscape) with overgrown grass and weeds around it.

• A lush, manicured lawn (landscape) but no seating area or walkway.

Having both helps to create a balanced look for your property. Adding both creates beauty and function outdoors.

How To Plan Your Outdoor Space

There's a lot that goes into planning your outdoor space for a hardscape or landscape project or both! That's why it can be easier to hire a professional to take the pressure off of planning and executing the work. After all, it can be a hassle!

Some important factors to consider, though, are:

• Budget - Your budget plays a big factor in what you can get for landscaping and hardscaping. Make sure to know your budget before thinking of a hardscape design. If you have a tight budget, you may not be able to get every hardscape idea you want. But if you're working with a landscaping company, you can usually ask for a quote for how much the project will cost.

  
  

• Property layout - Someone with a large and small property will not be able to do the same amount of landscaping and hardscaping work. It's important to evaluate your property and get a sense of what you want.

• Lifestyle needs - A good place to start when thinking of how you want to hardscape your property is what your needs and hobbies are. If you're a fan of having a together, maybe an outdoor kitchen would be great! If you like to relax outside, maybe a patio or a bench would be best for your interests. Be sure to think about what would be best for you before thinking of hardscape element ideas.

FAQ: Landscaping vs Hardscaping

When Is the Best Time to Landscape or Hardscape?

Hardscaping can be done year-round. As long as the weather allows the job to get done, hardscaping can be done in any season.

Landscaping, however, is best done in the spring and fall. Even though landscaping can be done year-round, many landscaping techniques work best during these seasons.

Can I Do Hardscaping Myself?

Anything is possible. But please don't think that because you watched a few YouTube videos and saw some Pinterest posts, you can build a deck or install a fountain by yourself.

For big projects, it's best to call a professional landscaping company. It's better to get it right the first time than have to get it fixed in the future. Not to mention, it can be dangerous. But that doesn't mean you can't do small DIY hardscape projects for fun!

Is Hardscaping More Expensive Than Landscaping?

Usually yes. Hardscaping involves different components like materials and construction, so the cost is typically higher. But hardscaping lasts for decades, increases property value, and requires less maintenance than landscaping.

The important thing to remember is that hardscaping is an investment. It has multiple benefits, which is why it is ideal to get it right the first time and find out what hardscaping is right for you.

Final Thoughts

Landscaping and Hardscaping may be different, but they both play a large part in having the best property possible. Landscaping helps to bring out the best of the organic elements of your property. You want your yard to look lush, flowers to look bright, and shrubs to be perfect.

Hardscaping is the non-living structures on your property that give your yard a unique look. A beautiful water fountain, wooden deck, maybe even an outdoor kitchen!

It can be hard to figure out where to start on your landscaping and hardscaping journey. That's why it can be helpful to get a professional's help in planning out how to get your yard looking its best!

Ready to transform your yard? Contact Carolina Green Guys for expert landscaping and hardscaping based in Fuquay-Varina. Get a free quote by filling out this form or calling 919-228-0223.