What is the difference between softscape and hardscape and what it means for you
- Barrow Landscapes
- Jun 29
- 3 min read
When planning a landscape design, one of the first steps is understanding the two main elements that make up your outdoor space: softscape and hardscape. Both play essential roles in creating a beautiful, functional yard—but they’re very different in form and function. So, what exactly is the difference between softscape and hardscape? Let’s break it down.
Hardscape: The Foundation of Your Landscape
Hardscape refers to all the non-living, man-made features in your yard. These are the “hard” elements that give structure, organization, and usability to your landscape. Common hardscape features include:
Hardscaping materials typically include stone, concrete, brick, wood, metal, or gravel. These elements help define space, guide movement, and provide a stable base for outdoor activities. A well-designed hardscape improves both aesthetics and functionality, while also increasing property value. Hardscapes have low maintenance and have high sustainability. Over time usually there’s minor yearly maintenance to keep your hardscapes looking like they were just installed.
Softscape: The Living Beauty of Your Yard
Softscape, on the other hand, includes all the living elements of your landscape. This is the “soft” side—what grows, blooms, and brings life to your outdoor space. Softscape features include:
These natural elements can be changed and rearranged more easily than hardscape features. Softscaping helps soften the appearance of the landscape, provides seasonal color, and supports local pollinators and wildlife. Softscapes will require maintenance year-round in order to sustain a softscape that will last. It also depends on the perennials and annuals you choose for your landscape. Some require mor maintenance than others that may be self-sustainable.
Why the Balance Matters
A beautiful landscape design finds the right balance between softscape and hardscape. Too much hardscape can make a yard feel cold and uninviting, while too much softscape without structure can lead to maintenance headaches and overgrowth. Together, they create a harmonious space that is visually appealing, easy to maintain, and enjoyable to use year-round.
Let the Pros Help
Whether you're starting from scratch or refreshing your current landscape, ask the experts for help with design and installing the perfect balance of hardscape and softscape for your property. From sturdy retaining walls to vibrant garden beds, we bring beauty and structure together to transform your outdoor space.
Are you ready to start your landscaping project or have questions about hardscapes or softscapes?
Barrow Landscapes’ team specializes in creating low-maintenance, high-impact landscapes with native and ornamental grasses. Whether you’re dreaming of a soft privacy wall or a modern container arrangement, we can help bring your vision to life.
Barrow Landscapes services Metamora, Germantown Hills, Peoria, East Peoria, Washington, Morton and surrounding areas. Contact Barrow Landscapes for all your landscaping needs.
Barrow Landscapes offers Hardscapes including Paver Walkways, Retaining Walls, Paver Patios to Softscapes including landscape plantings, lawn install and repair, and privacy plantings. Barrow Landscapes also offers landscape lighting and 2D and 3D landscape designs so their clients’ can visualize their dream landscapes with unparalleled clarity and confidence, making informed decisions bringing outdoor visions to life.
Call Barrow Landscapes at 309-370.6299 or visit BarrowLandscapes.com. Give us a call today or contact us to get your landscape visions started.
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