In landscaping, hardscape is a very common word but, what is softscape? softscape used very less in routine. Normally people think that softscape means opposite of hardscape, it’s everything in the landscape that is soft. But this is not so right.

Softscape definition

A softscape is defined as the living parts of a landscape, in contrast with a hardscape, which composes the living portions of landscaping. In Landscaping most landscapers prefers to say ‘Plants or Tree’ instead of softscaping. The composition of the softscape is a critical part of landscaping. Softscape elements are complemented by hardscape elements, such as stone walls, tiles, patios, and brick walkways.

Why should we not tell all the soft things that come under the softscape?

Let us take an example of tree, tree is considered as a part of softscape, since it is living thing in the landscape. If you touch the trunk of the tree, it feels hard. so all soft things are not softscape and all hard things are not hardscape.

Example of Softscape

As stated above, all living things in landscapes known as a softscape. Either it is lawn or lawn weed. Softscape includes flowers, plants, shrubs, trees, flower beds, and duties like weed/nuisance management, grading, planting, mowing, trimming, aerating, spraying, and digging for everything from plants and shrubs to flower beds.

How to Use Softscaping effectively?

There are a lot of plants there to design landscapes. We can divide plants in annuals, perennials and biennials. Annual plants are displayed at garden centers in late spring. This type of flower adds colors, because these flower plants often produce colorful and beautiful flowers. Few examples of annual plants are petunias, zinnias and marigolds. They complete their life cycle in one growing season. The simple meaning of annual plants die after the season and not return the following year. That’s why we don’t prefer to plant the annual plants in your landscape. Where perennials and biennials come in.

Perennials have a longer life cycle than annuals. But, few plants which can not handle cold in Alberta, will die early. Normally perennials plants have a life cycle of 3 years or longer. Perennials come back years after years with proper care. Biennials are unique in that they complete their cycle in two years.

When we make a plan of your landscape design, we make a plan where the softscape and hardscape elements take a natural balance between them. This can be done effectively with even the smallest of yards. Shrubs can be used to dress up fencing or rock walls. Raised planters and pedestals can draw the eye to the vertical as well as horizontal space. 

There are even ways to make a small yard look larger using hardscape and softscape features that add height and curvature. There are also things to consider, such as drainage and drought tolerance, that can depend on each individual climate and area.

While it may be simple to understand, each yard is completely different and there’s also your region to consider. Figuring out how to put it all together can become complex quickly.
If you would like help to enhance your yard we can help you with landscaping services like lawn care, water features, land grading, patio, walkway, retaining wall, fertilizations, irrigation, pruning etc. We provide services in Edmonton, Sherwood Park, St. Albert, Leduc, Beaumont, Fort Saskatchewan, Spruce Grove and all areas in-between. Visit our home page to find more detail about Edmonton Landscaping services by My Landscape.

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