Landscaping can transform a home or business from a simple piece of property into an architectural, natural oasis. Landscaping projects can breathe new life into your property, but it is important to make sure that you have the right landscapers on your side and the best project details for your property.
Find out how softscape gardens can be a new highlight for your home or business, including the benefits of softscaping, how it differs from hardscaping projects, and tips on how to perfect your design process for any softscape project. We will also go over some of the services offered by our team at Aspen Landscaping that can help with your softscape projects and beyond.
Softscaping Landscape vs. Hardscaping
Landscaping can take a variety of different forms, but most landscaping projects are broken into two categories: hardscaping and softscaping. If you are not very familiar with landscaping terms or practices, you may not know the difference between these constructions. Luckily, we are here to break it down for you!
Primarily, the types of labor and materials used are going to determine whether you have a hardscape or softscape project on your hands. They also can require different design elements and even specific expertise.
Hardscaping
Hardscaping is how you provide structure to your landscaping design. Typically, this is done with stone and concrete structures such as stone pathways, driveways, retaining walls, and more; it can even include swimming pools! These elements are usually permanent and unchanging. They can also have a variety of impacts on the rest of your landscaping, such as where plants can grow and where water will settle after rainfall.
Softscapes
Where hardscapes are permanent, hard fixtures, softscapes are more natural and can be either permanent or constantly changing. This type of landscaping is centered around living features like trees, shrubs, flowers, and more.
Softscape design is usually what comes to mind when people are thinking about a potential landscaping project, but hardscaping can be an important piece of the puzzle. Hardscapes and softscapes work together to shape your landscaping and create a cohesive design.
Benefits of Softscape Gardens
What are some of the benefits of softscapes for your home or business? There are plenty of reasons why you might consider incorporating softscaping into your yard, from aesthetic choices to environmental benefits. Here are just a few reasons why you might consider adding a softscape:
- Environmental Impact: Installing mulch, soil, and plants into your yard can help replenish your soil, help air and water circulate through your yard, and decrease your carbon footprint.
- Increase Property Value: Softscapes can help your home stand out from your neighbors and act as a way of encouraging people to tour your home! The majority of real estate agents also affirm that green grass can significantly increase your home’s value.
- Invite Nature: The more natural elements you add to your yard, the more natural elements will follow it! You will likely see an increase in wildlife like birds or butterflies.
- Liveable Outdoor Spaces: Your landscaping can help you spend more time in nature. Add walkways or benches to your natural softscapes and enjoy more time under the sun, surrounded by nature.
How to Perfect Your Softscape Design
When it comes to designing the perfect softscaping landscape, our team at Aspen Landscaping knows how to help! Design is one of the pillars of our service, and we can help you bring your dreams to life. Softscaping design is a collaborative process, and our expert designers will meet you where you are, offering additional ideas while adhering to your wishes. Here are a few design tips to consider when you are thinking through your softscape:
Work with the Hardscape
Your hardscaping is your best friend when it comes to designing softscapes. Allow your hardscape areas, like your driveway or patio, to serve as guides for structuring your softscape.
Round Out Your Edges
Hard lines and sharp angles can feel somewhat stiff and cold. Let your landscaping be somewhat looser, and cover any hard angles up with shrubs or trees to help your yard feel more welcoming and cozy.
Leave Room for Growth
All of the plant life you add to your softscapes will continue to grow and thrive under your care! Don’t forget to leave room in your landscaping design to allow all of it to blossom.
Additional Services Through Aspen Landscaping
In addition to softscaping, our team at Aspen Landscaping can help you with a variety of other services. With a team of experts who are passionate about their work and local to the Chicagoland area, we are prepared to help you with any of your landscaping needs, whether it be softscape gardens or hardscaping builds. Here are just a few of the additional services we offer to help transform your home and business with professional landscaping:
- Fall and Spring Cleaning: We can help remove leaves and debris from your yard before or after the winter snow.
- Hardscaping: Our team specializes in designing and constructing hardscapes for your home or business, from stone patios to retaining walls and even outdoor kitchens complete with built-in grills!
- Maintenance: When you are busy with the chores of everyday life, it might be difficult to find the time to care for your new landscaping installs. Our team of experts can help with this maintenance, so you don’t have to.
Contact Us Today
Softscaping is no easy task, so leave it to a crew of expert landscapers like our team at Aspen Landscaping! We specialize in softscape design and can help you create the softscaping landscape of your dreams, all on your budget.
Contact us today at info@aspenlandscapesinc.com or (847)-201-1980 to get started on your path to the best landscaping in the Chicago suburbs!
