Hardscaping your yard is about more than just aesthetics. It serves a purpose and is extremely important to the overall function of your outdoor space. When planning and choosing your hardscaping materials, layout and design, it is important to consider how they will impact the efficiency, flow, and look of your landscaping. Retaining walls and stone stairs or paths can assist in leveling off sloping or uneven land. They can also help improve drainage and minimize runoff in areas that may get flooded with water faster. By absorbing heat from the sun, materials like stone, rock, and concrete can help dry the soil around it. This can prevent standing water, over-watering, algae and mildew, and unwanted pests. Fences and gates provide privacy and protection for your home. They define your property line and section off various areas of your yard that you may want to use for other purposes.

Hardscape requires much less care and maintenance than landscaping. But exposure to weather and changing seasons can take a toll on these surfaces. For this reason, taking preventative measures and doing some regular maintenance is extremely beneficial to the life of your hardscaping materials. Adding a protective seal to your hardscape surfaces such as wood fences, helps prevent cracks, chips, and other related damage. A fresh coat of stain or sealant helps to renew and freshen up the look of your outdoor materials. Filling in cracks between pavers can help block weeds and gap-widening moisture that could cause further damage.