Hardscaping Services
We’ve all heard of landscaping, but what many people don’t know is that landscaping only refers to the living areas of your lawn that are maintained. Creating and maintaining the areas that aren’t living, but also need upkeep and care, is called hardscaping.
Hardscaping – Areas and Benefits
Hardscape areas include, but are not limited to:
- Walkways
- Driveways
- Outdoor kitchen areas
- Outdoor fireplaces or fire pits
- Retaining walls
- Decks
- Porches
- Patios
- Gazebos
- Pergolas
- Fences
The benefit of installing hardscape areas on your property is not only increased curb appeal, but an increase in your home’s value. If you have ever sold a home, then you know it is highly recommended to increase your curb appeal by adding landscaping elements. Adding hardscape elements can add value as well. These areas add to the visual appeal of the home, can extend your homes living space to the outdoors, and can be translated into virtually any style to compliment your home’s design.
Hardscaping – Design
Like landscaping, you can also incorporate hardscaping into the outdoor design of your home. Your hardscape should coordinate with the current style of your home for a seamless transition from the indoor space to outdoor. Traditional homes outfitted with modern hardscaping and landscaping may not make sense. Professionals can guide you in choosing the correct hardscaping to accent your home’s style and offer you practical solutions. Hardscaping, unlike most landscaping, is not only visually appealing, but can add practical value as well. A retaining wall for instance, might provide visual appeal while also preventing down sloping ground movement, or holding back soil from a building or structure. Be sure to seek guidance from a professional on the best ways to install hardscaping that will benefit the practical needs and aesthetic appeal of your home.
Hardscaping – Maintenance
Since hardscapes are a long-term addition to your outdoor space, it is important to maintain them properly. Walkways, patios, driveways and other concrete services should be power washed annually to remove any buildup such as moss, mold, dirt and debris. This will also rejuvenate the materials given it a clean, refreshed appearance. Decks and fences also should be treated annually especially if they are made from real wood. Overtime, the wood, if not properly maintained, will become warped or even rot. It is less costly to maintain your hardscape areas than it is to replace them. Keep this in mind each season when your maintenance comes due. You will not only benefit from maintaining these areas by making them more visually appealing, but you will also help increase the life of the materials used.
A&N Lawn Service Inc. offers a wide variety of hardscaping services in the Pittsburgh area. If you are interested in enhancing the look of your outdoor space, contact A&N Lawn Service today for a free estimate and expert advice on landscaping and hardscaping services.