What is Landscaping?

Landscaping can mean many things, depending on the type of work being done. The aim of landscaping is to change part of the land to improve its aesthetics, viability, value and livability. There are two main types of landscaping: hard and soft. Hard landscaping is the installation of things like patios, heaters, ponds and pathways. Soft landscaping deals with planting and caring for a garden. Any work using natural materials and not involving construction is known as soft landscaping. In each of these two broad categories, there are many styles of landscaping. This article will aim to go through them, giving you an idea of exactly what a landscaper does, and what they can do for you.
There are four key types of landscaping work which a contractor can carry out:
• Design only – Working on the plans and drawings for your garden
• Design and building – Providing designs as well as implementing them
• Installation – Implementing new landscaping features with or without designs
• Maintenance – Trimming / cutting grass and trees, and keeping plants healthy
Landscaping Design
An often overlooked part of landscaping is the planning and design work that goes into it. There are many things that landscapers must consider. Every project that they undertake will be unique to the space it is designed for. This means that a landscaper has to consider the proportions, style and dimensions of the area they are working with. Symmetry, proportion and repetition are just a few of the design principles that a landscaper may incorporate into a project.
The type of landscaping that will be carried out always depends mainly on the style of the garden:
• English Gardens – Involve lots of shrubs and perennials, as well as decorative features
• Oriental Gardens – Include well-trimmed evergreens, lots of decorative elements and water features
• Woodland landscapes – Need less maintenance, but lots of attention to detail to create a living ecosystem
• Formal landscaping – Involves lots of strait lines and lots of maintenance
• Informal landscaping – Provides lots of creative agency, zigzag patterns and unique elements
• Cottage Gardens – Includes lush, colorful plants and an overgrown look, but uses lots of water and regular maintenance
Softscaping
Hardscaping

Landscaping comes in many forms, and there are many types of features and installations to consider. It’s best to talk to a landscaping contractor before planning a new installation, as they will be able to help you with planning and design. Contact us today to receive a free consultation and quote!