What Are Softscape and Hardscape?

Jennifer Foster • July 13, 2023

To create a stunning landscape, you must balance two critical elements: hardscape and softscape. Despite being different, they work together to create a beautiful harmony. Therefore, before designing your dream yard, it is essential to understand the difference between these two landscape features.

What is Hardscaping?

Hardscaping is the non-living part of a landscape design. It includes walkways, patios, retaining walls, fire pits, and driveways. Some hardscaping elements are practical. They create well-defined planting areas. Hardscape landscaping forms vary based on a homeowner’s preference. Landscape design companies offer many hardscaping materials. These let your project include elements to fit your landscape's look.

Main hardscaping materials include:

Wood: A classic choice, wood offers warmth and natural beauty. It is perfect for decks, patios, and walkways. It comes with many stains and finishes to match your style. However, wood requires regular maintenance to combat weathering.

Concrete: You can use it for patios, walkways, driveways, and retaining walls. Traditional concrete offers a classic look. Stamped and stained concrete allows for more creative designs.

Brick: Brick pavers add timeless elegance to any outdoor space. For those seeking low-maintenance materials, brick is an excellent option. It works well for tight and intricate patterns. These include basketweave, herringbone, and running bond.

Pavers: Available in various materials like concrete, clay, and natural stone, pavers offer incredible versatility and design flexibility. They're perfect for patios, walkways, driveways, and pool surrounds, allowing you to create unique patterns and accents.

Hardscape maintenance and management include:

You must maintain hardscapes. It keeps your outdoor living space looking great and safe. Here are some tips to help you maintain your hardscape landscaping:

Some hardscape materials, like pavers and concrete, need sealing. This protects them from water, stains, and UV damage. This will help keep them looking new for a longer period.

Deal with stains as soon as you notice them to prevent them from setting and becoming harder to remove.

Keep an eye out for weed growth between pavers or cracks. remove weeds to prevent them from spreading and causing damage to the hardscape.

Use non-abrasive methods to remove snow and ice in winter. Harsh chemicals or sharp tools can damage the hardscape.

What is Softscape Landscaping?

Softscaping includes the living parts of a landscape design. It has plants, trees, and soil. It should balance well with hardscape structures and consider seasonal factors. Landscape designs often feature plants for seasonal colors and year-round visual interest. It helps create a balanced and functional landscape. Here are some key things to consider:

Climate and Sunlight: Choose plants that thrive in your climate. They need the right amount of sunlight.

Soil Conditions: Different plants require different soil types. Knowing your soil type will help you select plants that will flourish.

Maintenance Needs: Consider your time commitment to watering, weeding, and pruning.

Softscape maintenance and management include:.

Keep the grass short and healthy by mowing carefully. This helps roots grow and resist disease.
Proper grading is essential to prevent water pooling and potential root rot.
Choose the right plants for your climate and sun exposure to ensure a thriving landscape.
Loosen compacted soil through aeration to allow air and water to reach plant roots.
Regular pruning and trimming are important to maintain plant health and enhance aesthetics.

Hardscape and Softscape Integration

Create an outdoor space that is useful and pretty. Do this by balancing hardscape and softscape. Too much hardscape can make the space feel cold and unwelcoming. Too much softscape can make it hard to maintain. A harmonious balance provides structure and organization while adding color, texture, and life. Achieving this balance will help you create a beautiful and practical outdoor oasis.

Conclusion

Softscaping adds color and beauty to your landscape. Hardscaping adds focal points, access, and practicality to your outdoor living design.

At Landtech Scenery, we create customized outdoor surroundings that match our clients' preferences and our unique style. As the top landscape design company in San Diego, we deliver exceptional service. Our professional experts bring your outdoor vision to life and exceed your expectations!

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Summer Lawn Care Tips to Keep Your Grass Green in Southern California

By Jennifer Foster • July 25, 2025

Maintaining a healthy lawn during the peak of summer in Southern California can be a challenge, especially with high temperatures, dry winds, and strict water regulations. But with the right lawn care strategy, you can protect your grass from heat stress and keep it looking green and vibrant through July and August. Whether you’re a homeowner or managing a commercial landscape, understanding how to water, mow, and care for your lawn in extreme summer conditions is key. Here are essential summer lawn care tips to help your yard thrive in Southern California’s dry season. Adjust Your Watering Schedule for Hot Weather How Often to Water Lawn in Summer During summer, lawns need more frequent hydration due to increased evaporation. In Southern California, most warm-season grasses—like Bermuda, St. Augustine, or Zoysia—do best with 2 to 3 deep waterings per week . The goal is to water deeply and infrequently to encourage strong root growth. Avoid daily light watering, which leads to shallow roots and makes your lawn more vulnerable to heat and drought. How Long to Water the Lawn in Summer A good rule of thumb is to apply about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week , either through irrigation or rainfall. To determine how long that takes with your sprinkler system, place a shallow can or rain gauge in the grass and time how long it takes to reach one inch. In most cases, this translates to watering for 20–30 minutes per zone , depending on your sprinkler type and soil. Clay-heavy soils may need shorter cycles with breaks to allow water to soak in without runoff. Watering should be done early in the morning (between 4 a.m. and 9 a.m.) to minimize evaporation and fungal risk. Mow Smart to Protect Your Lawn Mowing correctly during summer can help your lawn tolerate heat better. Here are a few mowing tips: Raise your mower blade : Keeping grass slightly taller (around 3 inches) provides more shade for the soil and helps reduce water loss. Don’t cut more than one-third of the grass blade height in a single mowing session. Leave grass clippings on the lawn (mulching), as they return nutrients and help retain moisture. Avoid mowing during the hottest part of the day, as this can stress the grass. Mulch and Fertilize Carefully Mulching your lawn with clippings or composted organic matter improves soil structure and retains moisture, critical during long dry periods. When it comes to fertilizing, avoid heavy applications during summer, as it can burn your lawn. If needed, choose a slow-release, low-nitrogen fertilizer, and always water thoroughly after application. Watch for Signs of Stress or Disease Even with proper care, lawns can show signs of stress in extreme summer heat. Look for: Wilting or folded grass blades Footprint marks that remain visible Discoloration or patchy browning These are signs that your lawn may need deeper watering or a slight adjustment to its watering schedule. Also, monitor for pests like grubs, which are more active in warm soil. Use Drought-Tolerant Lawn Alternatives If you’re struggling to keep a traditional lawn alive in summer or dealing with water restrictions, consider switching to drought-tolerant grass varieties or lawn alternatives. Great options for Southern California include: Buffalo grass UC Verde Mow-Free grass Kurapia ground cover Artificial turf (low maintenance and water-free) These options reduce water usage while still maintaining the look of a well-kept yard. Install Smart Irrigation Systems Smart irrigation controllers adjust watering schedules based on local weather data, helping you comply with regulations and conserve water. They also help prevent overwatering, which is a common issue in summer. Pair smart controllers with drip irrigation or efficient rotor sprinklers for even better results. Final Thoughts Lawn care in Southern California’s hot summer months doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With smart watering practices, proper mowing, and attention to seasonal stress, your lawn can stay green and healthy well into fall. Looking for help keeping your landscape lush this summer? Contact Landtech Scenery for customized summer lawn care solutions tailored to Southern California’s unique conditions. Learn more about our full range of landscaping services at Landtech Scenery .