Many homeowners in Rochester and surrounding areas have some level of hardscape material on their properties. And some of the ones that do not could be measurably improved by installing some. Walkways, patios and retaining walls all have the potential to add value and functionality to a property.

     Lets briefly outline the three most common hardscape projects and their respective values.

     -Sidewalks and front entryways.
      This one is easy to see and is among the first things people will notice about a property as they approach the front door. Paver walkways are pillars of the front of the home that often define the travel pattern to the front entrances of the home and serve as solid barriers between lawn and landscape areas, keeping mulch in the beds and grass in the lawns. They can be shaped and designed in a myriad of different colors textures and scales. Although not as cost effective as simple concrete they last longer and look better when properly designed and installed.

      -Patios.
      Although similar in materials and construction to walkways, patios obviously serve a much different purpose. As entertaining and gathering spaces patios are second to nothing in terms of being customizable and unique to fit any space and size requirements that a property may have. Again, with an almost infinite number of material and design choices the problem is sometimes narrowing down the choices to find what your aesthetic and functional needs are.


       -Retaining walls.
      Walls are more specialized in that not all properties need or are made better by having one. Still, in many properties they can improve a property and make it appealing. They can solve certain drainage issues, add more level "usable" space and add structure and visual appeal to otherwise plain spaces. Columns, lighting and planters are all connected to the retaining wall space and have a tremendous number of functional applications.

Lastly, for those folks who already have some or all of these elements on their properties, there is the question of care and maintenance. Like any other part of a home there are things that can be done to improve the lifespan and attractiveness of hardscape surfaces. Cleaning, sealing, re-sanding and repair are all services that can be applied to existing hardscapes that will increase their appeal and longevity. And if something had settled or broken on an existing hardscape a qualified professional can often repair them before they become more severe in nature.

Evergreen Landscape Management offers a full array of design, install and maintenance services to accommodate small or large projects alike.

Colin Clement
President
Evergreen Landscape Management