The right landscaping can greatly increase the value of your property. Hardscapes are a key component of this, as they create unique textures and boundaries that add to the beauty of your landscape. Unlike plants, hardscapes require very little maintenance. They do not need to be watered, mowed, or trimmed.
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Increased Property Value
Regarding increasing property value, landscaping is one of the best investments. A well-designed landscape can add up to 15% to the value of your home, according to Virginia Tech research. Aside from aesthetics, hardscapes also increase property value by providing functionality. For example, a custom-designed patio can be used for entertaining or relaxing in your backyard, while retaining walls help prevent erosion on sloped areas.
Additionally, hardscapes require less maintenance than softscapes. This makes them more appealing to prospective buyers who don’t want the hassle of maintaining a large garden.
Increased Curb Appeal
Studies have shown that attractive landscaping can increase your property value by up to 10%. Landscaping curb appeal enhances the overall look of your home and adds beauty to the surrounding community. Plants and trees provide color and beauty year-round, while hardscapes like patios, walkways, and eye-catching retaining walls add structure and style.
A well-designed custom hardscape can also create a relaxing, entertaining, and unwinding space. This increases the usability of your yard and gives potential buyers a reason to want to own your home. While hardscaping can boost your home’s curb appeal, it is essential to consider how the weather will affect it. Heavy rains and frost can ruin less durable materials. This is why having your landscape and hardscaping designed and built during milder times of the year is important.
Reduced Maintenance
A hardscape project should be able to stand on its own and not require constant maintenance. This may include regular cleaning and sweeping to remove dust and dirt and periodic sealing of the materials to help protect them from outdoor weather elements.
In addition, the design of a hardscape feature should incorporate curves and rounded edges to reduce the amount of work needed for upkeep. This can be especially important if your hardscape feature is located in an area that experiences frequent rainfall or excessive moisture, as it will minimize the potential for erosion. Moreover, hardscape features like patios and walkways are also a great way to improve the drainage in your yard, keeping the soil dry and preventing flooding or degrading.
Reduced Water Usage
In addition to reducing maintenance, hardscaping helps reduce water usage on your property. Gallons of water are used to maintain lawns, gardens, and hedges, but much of this can be reduced with proper landscaping and hardscaping.
Hardscapes like walkways and patios create visually appealing outdoor spaces for entertaining or relaxing. They are also great for directing the flow of foot traffic in your yard so people don’t trample your grass. Water features are another great hardscaping option. They can be added to your landscape for aesthetics or to help control erosion and stabilize slopes. They can also be beneficial for reducing weed growth.
Increased Property Value
If you have plans to sell your property in the future, a well-maintained yard will help to increase your home’s value. Appraisers consider the condition of your yards, gardens, trees, shrubs, and flowers when calculating a home’s worth.
Hardscape features like stone retaining walls, walkways, patios, and flagstone pavers can make any outdoor area beautiful and greatly complement your plantings. They also require less maintenance than grass, hedges, and flowers. In addition, hardscapes can be a safer alternative to a lawn for children and pets. The paving materials are sturdy and prevent injuries caused by tripping or falling on uneven ground.