Why You Should Install Hardscape in Your Backyard

Why You Should Install Hardscape in Your Backyard
Jan 13, 2020

When you think of a beautiful backyard, you probably imagine a space filled with lush greenery, from expanses of verdant grass, to shady trees, eye-catching blooms, and full shrubbery that adds privacy to your space.  However, something important is missing from this picture: hardscaping.

Sure, a gorgeous landscape design is a great place to start, but in order to complete your Rock Valley, Iowa backyard and make it a functioning space, you’ll need to add hardscaping elements like patios and walkways, planter boxes, and perhaps retaining walls, depending on your property or your preferred design.

You might not spare much thought for these essential elements when planning your yard, but if they’re missing, you’re sure to notice as soon as you try to utilize your outdoor spaces.  Here are just a few important reasons why you should spend just as much time planning your hardscaping as your landscaping.

Added Function and Convenience

Okay, so you don’t want to bother with installing walkways.  The question then becomes, how do you get from the back door to your inground pool, or to gates that lead in and out of the yard?  If you don’t want to install a patio, get ready for your outdoor furniture to sink unevenly into the grass.

Without retaining walls, steep grades in your yard will remain virtually unusable, not to mention potentially hazardous during heavy rains or spring runoff.  Hardscaping serves a variety of functional purposes that add convenience for your family and visitors, and they shouldn’t be overlooked in favor of landscaping that you can only enjoy from indoors.

Added Beauty

You might think a concrete pathway mars the beauty of a grassy expanse, and it may, in fact, stand out like a sore thumb, but when you install the right hardscaping elements, you can add a lot of beauty to your yard.  Consider a gorgeous walkway made out of natural stone pavers nestled in river rocks and dotted with tall grasses and flowers along the borders.  These natural elements will not only blend seamlessly with your landscaping, but provide an attractive and functional addition to your yard.

Added Value

Imagine house hunters visiting your property, stepping into the backyard, and immediately sinking into the grass because there’s no patio or walkways to act as transitions.  They’re not likely to see your yard as a very useful space, even if it’s stunning to look at.  Adding basic hardscaping provides functional solutions that add value to your property, and the right elements can elevate the beauty of your yard simultaneously.

Landscape Preservation

If you truly love your landscaping, you’ll certainly want to preserve it, and allowing visitors to trek across the lawn or through the bushes on their way to a central fire pit or pavilion isn’t the best way to accomplish your goal.  Patios and walkways are essential.  With proper retaining walls in place, you can avoid seasonal soil erosion that damages your yard year after year.  If you want to make the most of your Sioux Center, Iowa backyard, you simply can’t do without hardscaping.

If your yard is in desperate need of hardscaping, contact the talented team at Outdoor Elements today at 712-476-5299 or online to learn more and get started.