Do it Yourself Hardscape

Successful planning of hardscape and softscape features creates beautiful home landscapes.

Planning a hardscape is an important part of the overall landscaping plan. Features such as walks, driveways, patios, pools and other similar elements create the hardscape. Plant elements form the softscape. Together, they add elegance and dramatic affects to the feeling of the landscape in general. Design or landscape consultants provide professional recommendations and suggestions that prevent problems in the future. Following several simple steps will help create a landscape that will provide many years of enjoyment.

Instructions

1. Plan the design for the entire area even if completing only one area at the current time. Adding a piece of the hardscape at a time without an overall plan can result in a confusing connection between the landscape areas. Bricks, stone, concrete, wood and river rock can be used to create walkways and stairs that are durable, long-lasting and require little maintenance. Wood fences can be painted or left to weather in the elements to look like part of the natural setting.

2. Give thought to balance and the natural lines of the area. Develop a focal point. A trellis or arch at the end of a long pathway draws the viewer toward it. A reflective pool or fountain with a bench lures a viewer to stop and rest. Patios, outdoor grills, fireplaces, driveways, retaining walls, fountains, statuary and even an accent piece such as an antique weather vane give a dramatic look to the landscape. Elements that make you pause for a moment, either visually or literally, are pleasing to the eye. Include curves and shapes that create a graceful flow in the overall landscape. Using too many straight and L-shaped walkways or rectangular patios can give the area an unnatural feel and look. Unless you live in an area that calls for very little greenery due to water conservation and strong sun exposure, include plentiful vegetation in relationship to hard surfaces. Frame the hardscape with shrubs and flowerbeds. Try to include a section of lawn to help cool down the landscape on hot days and provide a place to play.

3. Properly prepare. Failure to properly prepare the site for the hardscape feature can result in problems in the future. Settling and shifting can result if a proper base is not used or correctly compacted. Compacting prevents soil settlement, runoff and frost damage and provides stability to the soil. Water seepage, swelling and contracting are also avoided, reducing soil settlement. Compacting is a technique where downward force is applied to the soil surface, compressing the soil particles. Use a mechanical compactor, following the manufacturer's instructions. A hand tamp can be used in smaller areas or on steps. Lift the hand tamp 3 to 4 feet off the ground and thump down on the soil, making sure each thump overlaps the previous one.

   Depth of frost freeze in your area should be considered to prevent the hardscape feature from breaking apart a few years down the road. Check with the local building authority if you have questions about what to be aware of in your area. Consider draining issues. Bypassing this step can cause significant problems in the future. Plan runoff so it can be contained for site use instead of flowing onto concrete or other hard surfaces. Terracing the landscape slows or prevents water runoff and erosion. Swales are a low-cost, easy way to reduce runoff. These are simply shallow ditches, dug by hand, that run along the outline of the area. Their purpose is to hold excess water were it can be absorbed into the soil and used by grass, shrubs and trees.

4. Choose appropriate materials. There are things to think about in addition to price. Durability and longevity of the materials is crucial. Stone, brick and rock require little maintenance. Wood also provides a natural look, but requires more attention. House style is another consideration. The choice of materials should complement the home's exterior. Vary the colors and textures; however, using too many tends to look disorganized. Buy more materials than you need. Extra materials can be used to add steppingstones and other small features that will match and add charm to overall hardscape.

Tips & Warnings

• Mechanical tamps can be rented and hand tamps can be purchased at local home improvement centers.

References

• Landscape Design Advice: Hardscape Design
• Dream Home Source: Selecting Your Hardscape
• Gardening Know How: Hardscaping Ideas -- Starting Hardscape Gardening In Your Yard

Resources

• Garden PA: Guide to Horticultural