Hardscape

In the practice of landscaping, refers to the built environment including paved areas
like streets & sidewalks, structures, walls street amenities, pools and fountains. Also, large
business complexes, housing developments, highways, and other industrial areas where the
upper soil profile is no longer exposed to the air but is covered with durable materials. The term is
especially used in heavily urbanized or suburban areas with little bare soil.

Hardscape features
Typical small-scale hardscaping examples include patios and sidewalks. Retaining walls are often
used to create boundaries between hardscapes and earth landscaping features, or softscapes.
From an urban planning perspective, hardscapes can include very large features, such as
paved roads and traffic circles or traffic islands. Most artificial water features are technically
hardscapes because they require a barrier to retain the water, instead of letting it drain into the
surrounding soil.
From an aesthetic perspective, hardscaping allows workers to erect landscaping features that
would otherwise be impossible due to soil erosion, or that compensate for large amounts of
human traffic that would cause wear on bare earth or grass. For example, sheer vertical features
are possible.
Hardscape means any hard surface landscape such as a patio, driveway, retaining wall, or any
other hard surface landscaping made up of hard wearing materials such as stone, concrete etc. as
opposed to soft landscaping which is grass, bark and other such items.

Drainage concerns
The water table in and around large areas of hardscape is usually very depleted because the
amount of rainwater absorbed into the soil is insufficient to recharge the water table in that
(usually urban) area. Such areas must then rely largely on "imported" freshwater from local or
non-local lakes, reservoirs, dams, rivers, and streams. On the other hand, most homes in rural
areas often use wells and springs as their primary source of freshwater because the local water
table is being constantly recharged by the hydrologic cycle.
Without nearby bare soil, a hardscape requires artificial methods of drainage or surface runoff in order to carry off the sometimes massive
volumes of water that would normally be mostly absorbed into the ground as groundwater. Lack of capacity can cause major problems after
severe thunderstorms, hurricanes, or typhoons.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hardscape


Using Sustainable Hardscape Materials
Sustainable hardscape materials
Those materials that are produced in a way that is least damaging to the environment and allow water to penetrate into the ground.
Some hardscapes are more sustainable than others. Some materials may be less sustainable to produce but can be used in a sustainable
fashion in the landscape. These include permeable asphalt, permeable concrete, and recycled concrete. Recycled rubber mulches are not
recommended.
Permeable Hardscape
Permeability, or the ability for water to penetrate into the soil, is an important consideration in designing hardscapes. Contamination from
storm water runoff and erosion problems can be reduced by using permeable materials.
Using locally produced materials promotes local businesses and contributes to a sense of place. Many sustainable hardscape materials are
available for use in the home landscape.

Hardscape Materials
1. Organic mulch - bark
Organic mulches are made from plant materials. The most common material
is bark mulch. Bark mulches are widely available and can be found at local
landfills for a reasonable price. They are available in different size grades.
2. Inorganic mulch - gravel
Inorganic mulches are made from non-plant materials. Gravel is common inorganic mulch. Local gravel materials
are available in many communities. Gravels range in color and size.



3. Wood
Wood is used to build fences, decks, and raised beds. It can be painted or stained using
nontoxic products.






4. Flagstone, pavers, and brick
These materials can be artfully arranged in either formal or informal patterns to create a water permeable
area. These materials are widely available in many sizes, shapes, and colors.





Urbanite
"Urbanite" is reused/recycled concrete; and is becoming a popular material for patios and retaining walls and keeps construction waste out of
landfills.

Softscape
It refers to the elements of a landscape that comprise live, horticultural elements. Softscaping can
include, flowers, plants, shrubs, trees, flower beds, etc. This is a term that has been popularized in
recent pop culture (2006 onwards) on television shows such as Home & Garden Television. The purpose
of softscape is to lend character to the landscaping, create an aura, ambience, and reflect the
sensibilities of the inhabitants.

The term softscape stands in contrast to hardscape which represents inanimate objects of a landscape
such as pavers, stones, rocks, etc.
Softscapes are designed to enhance and soften the hardscapes we have created. The balance between
the two is how we can take your look to the next level.

Trees, shrubs, perennials and annuals all work together to give you year round tranquility. We provide
all of your softscape needs including:

Plant stock installation - perennials, annuals, shrubs, trees, bulbs and groundcovers make up the
diversity of our designs. For a library of these plants follow this link and you can enter any plant
for viewing

Mulch installation - Protect your plantings from the harsh winters. Maintain good moisture levels
and keep the plants cool in the summer heat by applying 2-3 inches of our triple shredded mulch
to your beds.

Grading/sod/seeding - whether it is renovating your existing lawn or installing for the first time,
we provide sod or seeding installations as well as preparing the grade for installation. We use
locally grown multi-blend bluegrass for sod and a superior blend of seed for that perfect lawn you
are looking for

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Softscape
http://www.cutaboveland.com/Landscape/Softscapes/
Classification of Softscapes

1. Trees













2. Shrubs
3.Perennials





LANDSCAPE DESIGN
HARDSCAPES







SUBMITTED BY:
CARLO E. TAGUDIN
ARC42


SUBMITTED TO:
AR. RENATO HERAY, UAP
INSTRUCTOR


DATE:
JULY 15, 2014



LANDSCAPE DESIGN
SOFTSCAPES








SUBMITTED BY:
CARLO E. TAGUDIN
ARC42


SUBMITTED TO:
AR. RENATO HERAY, UAP
INSTRUCTOR


DATE:
JULY 15, 2014