Designing an outdoor landscape can be a strenuous task, especially when you start with an empty yard. A home without a landscape can feel unfinished and lifeless. The right mix of trees, shrubs, perennials, and ground cover brings both curb appeal and warmth to any home or commercial property. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about landscape installations and how they can transform your yard!
Landscape, Softscape, Hardscape: What’s the Difference?
Let’s break it down
- Landscape is the big picture – it includes everything that shapes your outdoor environment.
- Softscape is the life – flowers, grass, trees, shrubs, all things that are alive.
- Hardscape refers to the non-living structures, such as patios, walkways, and retaining walls.
A well-designed softscape is the soul and beauty of any landscaping project. All the living, growing elements that make your space feel alive and full! It also helps with erosion control, natural cooling, improved drainage, and betters the air quality.
Both softscape and hardscape work together to create a complete and balanced outdoor space! While we specialize in both here at J & J Landscaping, this guide focuses mostly on the green and leafy landscaping called softscape.
The Benefits of Softscape Installation
Softscape installations can help address a variety of common outdoor problems:
- Unkept gardens can be revitalized with professional planting and pruning.
- Strategic planting helps control erosion and improve drainage.
- Trees and shrubs can create natural privacy screens and wind barriers.
- Properly designed landscapes enhance curb appeal and increase home value.
What Goes Into Designing a Landscape?
Every property is unique, so landscape designs are never one-size-fits-all. It’s important to design a landscape that not only looks great, but can thrive long-term. These are some factors to consider.
Soil Quality
Soil composition plays a major role in a plant’s success. The quality and composition of the soil on your property often plays an important role in plant selection.
Sun Exposure
Sun and shade patterns vary from yard to yard and must be taken into consideration before designing a landscape. For example, depending on the type of plant, it may need to be in the sun all day. Therefore, it wouldn’t do well if it were planted under a tree or an awning.
Functionality
Some plants are chosen purely for their beauty, while others serve practical purposes like privacy, wind protection, erosion control, or defining outdoor spaces. It’s important to incorporate a variety of plants to provide both beauty and function to your yard.
Topography
The lay of the land, in other words. Slopes, soil stability, and drainage areas all influence plant selection and project design! Certain plants thrive in dry, elevated areas, while others prefer lower, moisture-rich spots.
Does Landscaping Increase Property Value?
Landscape installation is one of the most cost-effective home improvements a person can make. Investing in a landscape upgrade can increase a home’s value by 10% to 12%, according to a Virginia Tech study. The National Association of Realtors Research Group states that 75% of homebuyers consider curb appeal when buying a home.
The following results are from a study on the effect landscape plantings has on a home’s value.
The study shows that design sophistication, plant size, and diversity are all important factors to consider and that plants can add substantial value to your home. Plants soften the hard edges of patios, walkways, and retaining walls. The integration between man-made structures and nature makes your entire landscape feel more cohesive and welcoming. These factors affect a prospective buyer’s perception of your home.
Landscape Maintenance
Are all landscapes hard to maintain? The short answer is no.
The level of maintenance for your landscape depends on the quantity, types of plants, and other materials used in the installation. Our designs are tailored to your space, schedule, and desired maintenance level. If you want a garden you don’t have to pay attention to, there are many low-maintenance options. On the other hand, if you prefer a larger landscape that you can spend time maintaining, we can design that for you. Finally, A third option would be to forget about maintenance altogether and just hire us to take care of your landscape! We are happy to help.
Softscape Elements to Consider
Plants brings life, color, and beauty to your landscape. Each aspect of your softscape design should serve a purpose and bring character to your outdoor space.
Trees
Trees are the backbone of any landscape. They provide shade, structure, and privacy. Planning for a tree’s full-grown size and shape is important when designing.
Shrubs
Shrubs are versatile and can be very important to a landscape. They add structure, define spaces, create privacy, and offer seasonal flowers.
Perennials
Perennials are long-lasting plants that return year after year. They are great for consistent color and minimal upkeep. For example: hostas, coneflowers, and daylilies.
Annuals
These are seasonal plants and flowers that will help add a pop of color in the warm season, but will die in the winter. They are ideal for borders and flower beds where you want a vibrant impact.
Ground cover
These are low-growing plants that control erosion, help suppress weeds, and thrive in areas where grass struggles. Areas of bare soil look much better if covered in Creeping Phlox or Pachysandra. Ground cover can create a beautiful living pillow under trees where grass struggles to grow.
Living Turf
Grass and lawn areas provide open space for activities and gatherings. Also, they act as a clean backdrop to balance any detailed plantings or design.
Artificial Turf Installation
If you’re tired of lawn maintenance or patchy grass, turf may be the answer. Turf is vibrant year-round and has minimal upkeep. Turf is great for high-traffic backyards, pet areas, or shaded areas where real grass struggles to grow.
Flower Beds & Garden Space
Flower beds and gardens are a great place to show off your green thumb. These are dedicated areas for color, texture, and layers.
Vegetable Gardens
Vegetable gardens are useful and beautiful! They offer fresh produce, save you money at the grocery store, and provide stress relief. All while enhancing your softscape design.
Decorative Stones & Mulch
Decorative stone and mulch help retain moisture from your soil, reduce weeds, and give planting beds a polished finish. There is a large variety of colors and textures for both stones and mulch.
Interested in a Landscape Design for your Yard?
At J & J Landscaping, every project is designed with purpose and personality. We carefully select plants that will thrive in your yard and create landscapes that feel natural to your space.
Come to us with a detailed plan or a blank canvas, we will work with every step of the way to create the perfect plan for your yard!
Ready to transform your outdoor space? Contact J & J Landscaping today and request a softscape design proposal for your property!
