Landscaping vs hardscaping: plants, paving, or both?

Is hardscaping and landscaping the same thing?

Landscaping is the overall design; hardscaping is its built portion. NC State includes “walls, patios, outdoor lighting, walks, and decks” within landscaping. Compare planting and construction as connected work packages, then decide which functions your yard needs.

Planting can shade a summer patio or screen a view with a hedge. Paving provides a surface for movement and gathering. A combined plan can place these functions together rather than treating a patio and its surrounding plants as competing projects.

What is hardscaping in landscaping?

Hardscaping supplies the constructed surfaces and structures within a landscape. NC State lists “lawns, patios, terraces, decks, and walkways” as examples of the ground plane, helping explain how planted and built surfaces organize movement through a yard.

A paved surface also changes the water plan. DOE notes that impervious driveways and sidewalks contribute to runoff, while healthy planting soil stores and infiltrates water. Specify surface permeability and soil conditions together when comparing proposals.

Does landscaping include concrete?

Concrete can be part of landscaping when used for built features. NC State says, “Aggregate concrete also makes excellent terraces and patios.” Classify the terrace as hardscape and keep adjacent planting beds distinct in the same overall design.

Concrete does not describe every drainage outcome. DOE identifies open pavers and engineered porous materials as replacements for impermeable concrete where hardscape is necessary. NC State also cautions that impermeable surfaces collect heat and increase runoff. The surface and supporting system matter alongside appearance.

Does landscaping include paving?

Paving belongs within the landscape plan, and permeable pavers need ongoing care. Snohomish County recommends annual sweeping with a wet/dry vacuum or hard bristle broom; joints may also need weeding and replenishment. Specify maintenance alongside the paving material.

Permeable paving can be lifted and reset for repair. Its suitability still depends on the site: DOE flags shallow water tables as a potential constraint and recommends considering site conditions and maintenance together. For porous asphalt and pervious concrete, Snohomish County’s design guidance uses 2 to 5 feet above the seasonally high groundwater table. Treat that as a source-specific design example, not a national rule for every paved surface.

Does landscaping include trees?

Trees are living landscape elements, and their establishment needs should appear in the plan. CSU (2017) gives 12-18 months for a one-inch-caliper tree to establish roots and recommends daily watering during the first 1-2 weeks after planting.

Match the planted portion to climate: DOE favors warm-season turf in warm-weather climates and identifies drought-tolerant fine fescues as more appropriate in cold-weather climates. CSU (2017) advises against organic mulch near homes or structures in fire-prone areas. These choices refine the planting plan rather than dictate a fixed paving-to-planting ratio.

CSU (2017) advises watching for canopy dieback and bark splits when new trees are under-irrigated. Preserve the growing soil as well: DOE explains that compaction makes it difficult for water to reach roots. Those are specific care and construction concerns to discuss before planting beside a new walk or patio.

What should a combined landscape scope specify?

A combined scope should identify built surfaces, growing soil and establishment care separately. DOE distinguishes impermeable hardscape from porous alternatives and explains that compacted soil impedes water reaching roots. Ask each bidder to address those interfaces in the same plan.

List the patio, walk, deck or wall locations and their intended functions alongside the planted areas.

State whether each paved surface is impermeable or designed for infiltration; describe the complete proposed system.

Specify how growing soil will be preserved or restored after construction traffic.

Record the mulch material and depth for the selected plants; EPA’s general guidance uses three to four inches.

For new trees, name the nursery caliper and establishment-watering responsibility; CSU’s 2017 one-inch-caliper example needs 12-18 months to establish.

For permeable pavers, include annual sweeping, joint weeding and replenishment in the care instructions.

For fire-prone sites, state the mulch placement near structures; CSU (2017) advises against organic mulch there.