Hardscaping Versus Softscaping Landscape Companies

If you are looking to hire a landscaping company, you also need to decide what type of landscaping you need to have performed. Although almost all landscaping companies may do routine yard work such as mowing, trimming and edging, not all are qualified or licensed to do other types of landscape work. The big difference is usually defined between hardscaping and softscaping, two very different aspects of the landscaping industry.

What Type Of Landscaping Do You Need?

When hiring a landscape service, one of the many factors to consider is what work you will need to be done. There are two main categories of services that can be performed by a landscaper: softscaping and hardscaping. In many states, a landscaper may need different licensing to do both, so it is important to know the difference before you hire a new landscaping contractor.

• Softscaping. In general, softscaping refers to the care of plants, such as grass, flowers and shrubs. This is the basic job of most landscaping companies, with many only caring for your plants, not doing any work that requires the moving of dirt or earth.
• Hardscaping. Any time you are adding features to your yard such as a retaining wall, water fountains, fish ponds or other features, it is considered hardscaping. Gravel, bricks, rocks and other materials are all types of hardscapes.

If you are only looking for lawn care and maintenance, almost any licensed landscaper should be able to take on the project. However, if you are looking for more intricate landscape design and added features, make sure the company you hire is licensed and insured in your state to perform hardscaping projects.

Posted on behalf of Lanier Yardscapes