The Role of Hardscapes in Landscape Design in Key Biscayne and Miami Beach, FL

Posted by todanderson on October 18th, 2022

When it comes to landscape design in Key Biscayne and Miami Beach, FL, property owners do not give much thought to the same. They are more concerned about the plants, trees, flowers, and lawn. This is because, according to them, these elements are what is going to make the garden. Professional landscape designers differ in this thought. Knowledgeable about the job, they are aware that a landscape design is incomplete without placing the right hardscapes. A good design, according to them, emerges from a perfect balance of hardscapes and softscapes.

What are hardscape elements?

Before one goes for landscape design, it is essential to know what hardscapes are. Hardscaping consists of concrete or artificial features such as paver roads, driveways, patios, fountains, and decks. The hardscape elements are often made of concrete, wood, stone, brick, metal, and more.

Benefits of installing hardscapes

Apart from being a major element in landscape design, hardscapes have other benefits. Following are the reasons why they are beneficial:

Helps conserve water- A landscape garden surely looks nice with a lot of green, but homeowners facing water issues need to be careful while making a choice. Incorporating hardscape elements to fill a larger part of the garden might be a wise choice. Hardscapes do not require water at all and can save gallons of water required for maintaining the lawn, plants, and flower beds.

Low on maintenance- One plus point of backyard hardscapes is that they require very low maintenance. Once the perfect design is chosen and they are put in place, the hardscapes will rarely ask for a lookout. They need not be watered, mowed, or pruned. There is no need for trimming or pruning as well.

Add dimension to the backyard- backyards do not need to appear barren anymore, all thanks to hardscapes. The right hardscapes in Palmetto Bay and Kendall, FL, can add dimension to the backyard. The space can be made visually appealing by adding different levels and weaving walkways. One can also opt for courtyard walls, pergolas, fences, and boundary lines to ensure privacy.

Cut down on erosion: Hardscapes can help reduce erosion when planned effectively. One can place stone barriers or concrete ones to stop erosion in likely places. The stone or concrete surface can hold the soil together, reducing erosion significantly.

Extension of indoor space- When the interiors become too dull, then the addition of hardscapes like pergolas or a deck can extend the indoor space. With shaded areas now outdoors, the garden can be the ideal place to host parties. One can also enjoy the cool breeze and the beautiful night sky.

Adding to the property value: Though a landscape garden is a crowd puller, it cannot be denied that hardscapes can also do their bit in adding to the property value. The home's outdoor extension makes the prospective buyer pay the extra amount.

There is no reason to think, therefore, that hardscapes are not necessary. Instead, they have their role to play and need to be explored better.