Outfitting your yard with both hardscape and softscape elements will enhance the visual appeal of the garden design and the comfort of everyone who spends time outside. In the simplest terms, the material used is what differentiates hardscaping and softscaping. To ensure you pick up the right supplies for your needs, here’s a closer look at how the two types of projects differ.

Hardscapes Include Mad-Made Structures 

Hardscaping refers to adding structures to the existing landscape. Retaining walls, walkways, and patios are all examples of hardscapes. The materials used to create these features are hard, non-living, unchanging, and often sourced from man-made efforts. For example, rock is quarried to create pea gravel for driveway covering, and bricks and stone are cut and treated to make pavers. Sand and concrete are other common materials used for hardscaping. Adding a hardscape can boost the functionality of your yard by leveling uneven tripping hazards in the ground and eliminating problems with soil erosion. 

Softscapes Feature Vegetation

Softscaping refers to the living elements in the yard used for landscape and garden design, such as flowers, shrubs, trees, and other plants. Any aspect of tending to the vegetation could be considered a softscape project—think of it as what comes before gardening. The materials used for softscaping are often found in the garden design section of a store. The plants—as well as the mulch and topsoil used to fertilize the ground and protect the vegetation—are considered softscaping materials. 

Whether you’re hardscaping or softscaping, Construction Supply in Matthews, NC, is a one-stop shop for a wide range of useful materials for your projects. For 30 years, Mecklenburg County residents have sought out the company for high-quality aggregates, fill dirt, landscaping rocks, and other materials for construction, general landscaping, and garden design projects. They’ll also share tips on how to incorporate the materials in your space and have a fleet of state-of-the-art vehicles to deliver the order to you. Visit the aggregate supplier online for merchandise details or call (704) 821-9199 to talk about your project.