When considering your next landscaping project, it’s important to consider hard vs soft landscaping and understanding what’s involved to create your ideal space. Plus, of course, your budget. As award-winning landscapers, we have vast amounts of experience in balancing the two critical components of landscaping. We effortlessly weave hard and soft landscaping to suit our clients’ individual requirements, striking the perfect balance between natural and man-made features.
If you are wondering what’s involved in hard and soft landscaping, then this is the blog for you. In this article, we will guide you through ‘hard vs soft landscaping’, exploring what’s involved & how to budget for your project. Together, we can help you to create budget friendly outdoor spaces that you will want to spend time in. If you’re looking to transform your outdoor space with hard & soft landscaping, please contact us for a FREE no-obligation quote.
Hard vs Soft Landscaping: What’s Involved & How To Budget
By understanding what’s involved in hard and soft landscaping & how to budget, you will be able to create outdoor spaces that are both striking and innovative. In this article we will detail how achieving the perfect balance with hard and soft landscaping will typically be unique to your project. From high-quality patios to luxurious outdoor dining areas, our experienced team of award-winning landscapers is here to help you understand what’s involved & how to budget when it comes to hard and soft landscaping. We’re here to help you transform your outdoor space into a beautiful environment for the whole family to enjoy.
Hard Landscaping
Hard landscaping refers to the non-living elements of a landscape project, such as man-made structural elements within an outdoor space. These features are often used to provide boundaries, definition, functionality and longevity to your outdoor space. Hard landscaping is typically made using durable materials and is designed to withstand exposure to the elements. By utilising hard landscaping, you are creating outdoor spaces that last.
Types of Hard Landscaping
• Patios and paving
• Driveways
• Retaining walls
• Garden walls
• Decking
• Fencing
• Steps and pathways
• Drainage systems
• Foundations and groundworks
• Pergolas and other fixed structures
Budget for hard landscaping
Hard landscaping typically equates to 60–80% of the total project cost because of the materials used, labour, and groundwork needed.
Soft Landscaping
Soft landscaping refers to the organic elements in a landscape project, such as trees, plants, grasses and more. By utilising soft landscaping, you can include movement, texture, seasonal changes and more, providing ambience and depth to your outdoor space. Including soft landscaping allows the space to grow and evolve over the years, alongside you and your loved ones.
Types of soft landscaping
• Turfing grass (or seeding)
• Planting trees and shrubs
• Designing and creating flower beds
• Laying hedging
• Integrating soil improvement techniques and compost
• Mulching
• Creating irrigation systems
Budget for soft landscaping
Soft landscaping typically equates to 20–40% of a project cost, depending on plant maturity and design ambition.
Balancing Hard & Soft Landscaping
The trick to a unique outdoor space is to strike the perfect balance between hard vs soft landscaping, structure and nature, form and movement, functionality and vibrancy. Outdoor spaces that find the right balance of hard and soft landscaping have a unique feel to them. They feel warm and inviting and are often spaces that you are keen to revisit. Whereas using hard landscaping without soft landscaping, or vice versa, can feel imbalanced.
Both hard and soft landscaping offer different benefits to your space, yet both can complement one another. When using hard and soft landscaping, they co-exist and provide protection to create bespoke outdoor spaces. Here are our top tips for achieving balance with hard & soft landscaping…
• Layering: Pairing tall structures with low ground cover adds depth and blurs harsh boundary lines.
• Colour: Use natural tones for hard landscaping, then add bolder colours with soft landscaping.
• Soften: By combining hard landscaping with soft landscaping, you can soften harsh lines, which can result in your space feeling harsh and uninviting. For instance, a top tip from us would be to soften patios with artfully placed potted plants, and to feature trailing plants on fences or walls.
• Soil Health: By integrating hard landscaping features such as retaining walls and edging, you can prevent soil erosion and maintain the health of your soil. You can also integrate drainage solutions or raised beds, which will prevent the occurrence of waterlogging, which will protect the condition of the soil.
• Longevity: By placing soft landscaping elements near patios or paths, you will help to preserve the hard landscaping features by utilising the plants’ absorption of water, shielding from direct sun exposure, prevent soil movement and reduce the build up of heat.
What’s Involved?
Outstanding landscaping projects are built on thoughtful planning and design, considered material selection, and a balanced mix of hard and soft landscaping. Whether you’re designing a residential garden, a commercial courtyard, or a multifunctional outdoor space, sticking to your plan and budget should always be a key consideration. Here’s what’s involved in creating an outdoor space that brings great joy.
Planning
The planning stage is crucial when designing outdoor spaces that feature hard and soft landscaping. We recommend that whilst planning your project, that you consider what your aesthetic and functional goals are. We highly recommend that you start by planning the hard landscaping first, and then add the soft landscaping, using techniques such as layering and softening to add depth. Planning the hard landscaping before the soft landscaping, this allows you to create a successful foundation for your space, ensuring you can effectively bring your vision for your space to life.
Budget
If you’re wondering how to budget for your landscaping project, we have compiled a few tips…
• Understand the function of your desired space and keep coming back to that when making choices of what’s to be included.
• As hard landscaping is typically more costly than soft landscaping, we highly recommend that you start with hard landscaping features.
• Ensure that your landscaping quote is undertaken by experts who can provide you with an accurate quote before the project so you can prepare effectively.
Common Budget Mistakes
• Underestimating groundwork costs
• Ignoring drainage
• Forgetting skip hire and waste removal
• Over-investing in plants before finishing hard landscaping
Expert Installation
Creating a bespoke outdoor space with hard and soft landscaping involves far more than most expect, which is why we highly recommend using a trusted and professional landscaping company. At Applefields Ltd, we specialise in high-quality, bespoke landscaping incorporating both hard and soft landscaping. We are committed to delivering premium and reputable services, transforming your vision into a reality. Whether you’re looking for a brand new outdoor space, an updated driveway, or a stylish patio area, we’re here to help. We provide award-winning landscaping services and are confident that, whatever your vision for your outdoor space, we can make it a reality. Please contact Applefields Ltd today for our award-winning landscaping services and receive a FREE no-obligation quote!
How Can Applefields Ltd Help?
At Applefields Ltd, we specialise in high-quality hard and soft landscaping and are renowned for our award-winning services. Whether you’re planning a complete overhaul of your outdoor space or simply need a new driveway or patio, our trusted team is committed to creating a space that matches your hopes and wishes. We offer a comprehensive range of services, including…
Driveways – Our expert hard landscaping services include high-quality driveways to enhance the appeal of your property. We offer a range of materials for driveways, tailored to your individual preferences.
Patios & Paving – Our award-winning landscapers can design and install beautiful patio and paving areas that are ideal for entertaining, relaxing or dining al fresco.
Planting Schemes – We take pride in our award-winning soft landscaping that brings innovative planting schemes to your garden. From designing colour schemes to low-maintenance planting options, Applefields Ltd can do it all.
Walkways & Pathways– Our professional team creates beautifully designed and bespoke walkways and pathways. With a comprehensive list of trusted suppliers, we have a wide range of high-quality materials to choose from.
Garden Features – From garden walls, fencing, raised flower beds and more, our hard and soft landscaping services create bespoke outdoor spaces.
How To Get Started…
1. Expert Consultation
Contact our award-winning team to discuss your requirements for your bespoke outdoor space. We’ll explore your goals, explain what’s involved and discuss your budget. Then provide you with a FREE no-obligation quote!
2. Detailed Planning
We will create a tailored plan for your hard and soft landscaping, including design, materials and project timeline.
3. Innovative Outdoor Spaces
Once you’re happy, our trusted team will get started on your hard and soft landscaping. Your project will be delivered professionally, with results that exceed expectations.
FAQs
What is hard landscaping?
Hard landscaping is the hard, non-living elements of a landscaping project, such as driveways, pathways, retaining walls and more.
What is soft landscaping?
Soft landscaping refers to the living and organic elements in a landscaping project, such as trees, plants, grasses, shrubs and more.
How can I make an outdoor space more sustainable?
You can increase sustainability by using native plants, installing rainwater collection systems, using recycled materials for hard landscaping, choosing low-water plants and eco-friendly garden tools.
Can I incorporate technology into my outdoor space?
Yes. You can incorporate smart systems such as automated irrigation, lighting, weather-tracking apps and motion sensors to make your outdoor space more functional and decrease maintenance.
What are bold soft landscaping choices?
Bold plant choices could include species such as tropical palms, large-leafed plants and exotic flowers. However, it will depend on the style you are looking for. Please contact us for more information on how to create a bold outdoor space.
What are the benefits of adding a water feature?
Water features are often used to enhance the aesthetic appeal by softening outdoor spaces. The addition of a well-placed water feature will create a calming atmosphere, attract wildlife and can even help to mask surrounding noise.
How can I create an outdoor dining area?
We recommend incorporating comfortable seating, a patio or deck, an outdoor kitchen or fire pit and ambient lighting to create a welcoming outdoor living area.
How long will hard and soft landscaping take?
The length of time required for hard and soft landscaping will vary depending on each project. We’ll provide you with a more accurate timeline upon contact.
How much will hard and soft landscaping cost?
The cost of hard and soft landscaping will vary depending on each project. We’ll provide you with a FREE no-obligation quote upon contact.
Why Choose Us?
Years of Experience
Our multi-award-winning team has many years of experience in creating stunning landscapes that blend hard and soft landscaping effortlessly.
FREE No-Obligation Quotes
Applefields Ltd believe in transparency and honesty, so we provide a FREE no-obligation quote for hard and soft landscaping.
Finance Options Available
We are partners of Ideal4Finance, who can help you find the best personal loan deal to make your project happen!