Many people think they know what a landscaping service does, but this image is often wrong — or at least incomplete. People often visualize workers mowing lawns or trimming hedges, and those are part of the duties. However, they have a lot more to offer. Below are some of the services you can expect when hiring a landscaping company.

What Does Landscaping Involve?

1. Design

Landscape design involves a lot more than lawn care. It is an art form that uses plants, structures, and concrete pavers to decorate the exterior of a house.

The designer considers aesthetics, functionality, horticultural needs, and environmental concerns when laying out design elements to create a beautiful, useful, and sustainable outdoor space. Other considerations include plant or flower color palettes, symmetry, balance, spatial development, and the use of interesting focal points.

2. Irrigation

Another critical function of a landscaping company is irrigation. Many install sprinkler systems to make sure the vegetation components of their landscape designs flourish.

Look for a licensed irrigator when selecting a landscaper, and they'll make sure that watering your lawn and garden is easy, efficient, and cost-effective. Some irrigation systems require only the flip of a switch, while others operate on an automated timer. Some can even sense the environment and automatically switch on when conditions are dry.

3. Hardscapes

Many people do not realize that hardscaping is an integral part of landscape design. A landscaping company utilizes hard surfaces like patios, walkways, and outdoor staircases to make a yard more useful, attractive, and efficient.

Hardscape materials include gravel, crushed stone, poured concrete, pavers, and natural stone, depending on the environment, the intended use, and the preferences of the homeowner. For example, landscapers can install concrete benches around an area for a potential fire pit or use layers of retaining walls to create a backdrop for foliage.

To discuss creative landscaping solutions for your property, contact Eliot's Landscape in Bulverde, TX. They have been making outdoor spaces beautiful since 1990. They specialize in hardscape and landscape design and sprinkler system installation, as well as lawn care and lot clearing services. Learn more about the company at their website or call (800) 379-6079 to arrange a consultation.