Hardscaping refers to materials like rocks or mulch to create design features and decorate the yard. In simple terms, hardscaping refers to anything that is not vegetation making hardscaping an economical option to landscaping because you know that
your design elements will not wither or die. Grass, flowers, shrubs, and other vegetation require maintenance, including watering, trimming, and need to suit the area where the homeowner lives, hardscaping; on the other hand, requires little to no maintenance and can be utilized anywhere at any time. Hardscaping is an excellent investment because not only will it increase the value of your home, but it does not require watering, so it is an excellent choice for those who must either pay for water or have water restrictions.
Hardscaping is also environmentally friendly, and features like walls, stone walkways, gravel, and mulch help reduce erosion by helping to retain water and by guiding it to where it needs to go. Listed below are some of the more common hardscaping materials and what they are used for.
River Rock - River rocks are very commonly used for hardscaping because they come in various colors and styles and can be easily adapted for any purpose, from creating a decorative design in a patio or walkway to providing proper drainage to prevent erosion. These rocks most often range in size from smaller than 1 inch to 5 inches. Because river rocks will not break down, they are commonly used in water features like fountains, waterfalls, or drainage. For areas where there are water shortages and drought, river rock makes a good-looking ground cover alternative to grass. It can be arranged in varying colors and patterns for maximum visual appeal. Most sold by the pound, river rocks can be a budget-friendly choice because they do not need to be replaced like other materials.
Crushed Granite - When the term granite is mentioned, most people envision large slabs of ornate stone used in kitchens and bathrooms. Still, crushed granite is a durable, colorful, and versatile material used in hardscaping. Crushed granite or
decomposed granite, as its most often referred to, is comparable to gravel but is more stable due to the natural weathering of granite. Crushed granite is generally no bigger than a grain of sand in size and comes in various colors that include green, red, black, and gray. This material is most used for driveways, footpaths, and varying groundcovers. Crushed granite provides excellent drainage, is a great alternative to wood mulch, and is budget friendly.
Paver Stones - Pavers are one of the most common and popular materials used in hardscaping. They are extremely versatile and come in various sizes, shapes, colors, and materials, allowing them to be adapted to many landscapes. Pavers can be used for many projects, including patios, driveways, walkways, or landscaping borders. Some pavers come with different designs and textures, adding to their aesthetic appeal. Pavers are easy to install, budget-friendly, and can be arranged in many patterns to add decorative elements to any part of the landscape.
Rubber Mulch - Rubber mulch is a nice alternative to regular mulch because it is safer, requires less maintenance, and is environmentally friendly. Regular mulch comes from organic materials, including wood and bark, making it susceptible to pests like ants and termites. This makes it a better alternative to regular mulch, especially when used near the home and around kids and pets. Rubber mulch is also safer to use around areas where children play; it will keep down the weed content, look good, and it's naturally softer and safer if children fall on it. This material is also environmentally friendly and great for areas prone to drought as it does not retain moisture; instead, the moisture can seep into the soil where it is needed. Rubber mulch comes in various colors, making it aesthetically appealing and the ability to look good with any design aesthetic.
Artificial Grass - Many people enjoy the look of a nice green lawn, but the expense and time it takes to maintain a lawn is often daunting task. An excellent and environmentally friendly option is artificial grass. This hardscaping material provides many benefits to a grass lawn because it is impervious to insects and other pests, does not require watering or trimming, can be easily cleaned, and will stay looking nice without much care. Anyone can install artificial grass regardless of the climate they live in, making it an excellent alternative to real grass.
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