Landscaping is more than planting flowers and maintaining your lawn. Creating a balanced and beautiful outdoor space that is both functional and aesthetically appealing is what it’s all about.

While softscapes—such as plants, flowers, and grass—often take center stage in most gardens, hardscapes are just as important for providing structure, definition, and beauty all year-round. If you’re considering a landscaping upgrade to enjoy next spring and summer, winter is the perfect time to start planning your project.

Why Are Hardscapes Important?

Hardscapes are all the non-green elements of landscaping, providing the “bones” of the space. Think patios, walkways, retaining walls, fire pits, and other solid features. They’re typically made from durable materials like stone, brick, concrete, wood, or metal, and they serve various purposes.

Definition and Structure 

Hardscapes define spaces within your yard, such as a designated patio area, a secluded garden, or a functional outdoor kitchen. They create boundaries and give your landscape a sense of order and purpose, especially when softscapes may still grow or change with the seasons. 

Functionality 

Hardscaping can transform the usability of your home’s landscaping. A well-placed walkway can guide guests through your garden. A retaining wall can prevent soil erosion on a slope. A fire pit can provide a cozy, year-round gathering space where you can make memories. With hardscapes, you can make your spaces more accessible, comfortable, and versatile. 

Visual Appeal 

Hardscapes add a distinct visual contrast to greenery, which helps highlight the beauty of both. For example, a stone patio complements the lush green of a garden, while a retaining wall can serve as a focal point in the landscape. Textures and materials used in hardscaping can elevate the aesthetics of your outdoor space. 

Low Maintenance 

While softscapes like grass, flowers, and shrubs require constant care and attention, hardscapes require minimal maintenance once they’re installed. A patio, driveway, or path is built to withstand the elements, offering lasting beauty with little upkeep.

A backyard of a Nashville home that has a stone fire pit and 4 white chairs surrounding it

Why Start Planning in the Winter? 

Many homeowners may not think about tackling new landscaping projects in the winter, but it’s actually the perfect time to start your project. Here’s why: 

Time to Plan 

Winter gives you the time you need to consider how you want your outdoor space to function. You can think about how best to incorporate hardscaping features that suit your style, needs, and budget. 

Cost-Effectiveness 

In many cases, the offseason can be a great time to secure better pricing or availability from landscaping companies. Certain materials may also be more affordable in winter, as the demand for landscaping supplies tends to dip during the cooler season. 

Fewer Project Delays 

Once the warmer months arrive, schedules can become packed, and landscapers may be booked up. Jumpstarting your hardscape installation project in the winter means your project can be completed right before the warm weather rolls back in, meaning you can enjoy your new outdoor space sooner rather than later. Additionally, installing materials like stone, brick, or pavers in cooler weather helps avoid the challenges of working in the Middle Tennessee heat. 

Design and Build with Greathouse 

Hardscaping is an investment that adds both beauty and value to your home. They’re the key to making your yard a more enjoyable and usable place. Winter is the ideal time to start planning for your hardscape project so your space will be ready for the first warm days of spring. Greathouse’s Design/Build division would be more than happy to help you transform your outdoor space into the area you’ve always dreamed of. Request a consultation with our team today to get your project rolling!