The best landscape design features a nice collaboration between plants and trees and hardscape features. Hardscape features are the elements of a landscape design like patios, walkways, built-in pergolas, retaining walls, and stone. Hardscape installation is more than simply planting trees and laying mulch—these structural elements can require a bit of careful planning. Take a look at a few important steps when it comes to home hardscape installations.  

1. Carefully evaluate the layout of the land

The layout of the plan surrounding your home can influence which hardscape features make sense. For example, if the property does not have a lot of natural dimensions, retaining walls can enhance the dimensional appeal. Likewise, if the land has a lot of hills and ridges, things like paver stone walkways or a built-in fire pit may take careful planning to place in a way that makes sense. 

2. Look at property drainage carefully 

When you are building a landscape design out of plants, water is important to consider. However, water and how it drains from the property can directly damage or cause problems with certain hardscape features. For example, if you decide to install gravel on the ground, water flowing through the area will simply wash the stone out of place. It can be helpful to draft a basic map of your landscape and make notes of where water drainage could be an issue. 

3. Decide on a primary focal point on the property 

Whether you are working in the backyard or front yard, creating a focal point in your landscape is a good move. A well-planned focal point will ensure every other element of hardscape installation falls in line with the overall design. For instance, if you install a water fountain as your primary focal point, this hardscape installation should coincide with other elements like a walkway or retaining wall in terms of stone type or other visible features. 

4. Consider curb appeal 

The focal point is the main point of interest in your landscape, but curb appeal is all about making the house and property look good as a whole. Hardscape installations can play a major role here, so their form and color should complement the home's exterior. For instance, stone curbs around flower beds at the front of the house can complement the trim color around the windows. Or, the primary walkway should naturally coincide with the shades and textures of the primary entry point to the house.