Hardscape Options for San Diego Yards

Hardscape refers to the part of your yard that is not growing–things like walkways, patios, walls, and fire and water features.  While your lush greenery is the centerpiece of your beautiful landscape, hardscape is the hardworking background player that keeps it all in shape.  Neglecting to consider hardscape maintenance leads to major, expensive problems in your yard.  Furthermore, hardscape can be beautiful if chosen and designed correctly, adding an element to your landscape that makes it stand out from the traditional yard.

How to Choose Hardscape Appropriately

Choosing the right hardscape begins with a functional and workable design.  Not every hardscape option is appropriate for every application.  While you might want a water feature, for example, it is possible that some placements simply are not practical while other sites in your yard would be perfect for such an addition.  It is very important that you have the support of a professional landscape designer when choosing your hardscape options.  Here are a few ideas that can help you understand where hardscape works well, and how to avoid problems.

• Keep walkways simple and graded properly. Walkways should be as simple as possible, consisting in many cases of straight or slightly curving lines, and should be graded to shed water.  Walkways are designed to get you from Point A to Point B.  While they can be beautiful as well as functional, it is important to place them properly so that they flow naturally from one space to the next.  This not only makes them look better but also helps to ensure safety.  Convoluted walkways, with many steps and levels, are often inappropriate due to the safety concerns they pose.
• Think about long-term maintenance and cost. Putting a tile wall near your patio may seem like a good idea, but if the ground in that spot is too steep, you may spend far more in maintenance and repair than you would ever gain from your addition.  It is very important to think about how long the hardscape will last and choose appropriate spots for your hardscape accordingly.  Furthermore, some materials, while expensive to install, will pay for themselves quickly in their low-maintenance qualities.  Other, cheaper materials are not a good bargain due to high replacement costs.
• Choose a hardscape your family will use. There is nothing worse than doing a complete makeover of your hardscape only to find you do not use the spaces.  Choose options that your family will enjoy, such as a fire pit or water feature, instead of a feature no one ever sees or uses. 

At Juniper Landscape Company, we have worked for years with San Diego home and business owners to choose beautiful, functional hardscape that gives them years of service and ensures that their landscapes are not only eye-catching but safe and well-supported.  If you are interested in learning more about hardscape design and how you can find the perfect hardscape options for your yard, give us a call.  Our professionals are always ready to work with San Diego homeowners and businesses to create the most beautiful outdoor spaces possible.