VI. Softscape Design Elements
By Lee's Product Team July 27, 2024

Homeowner’s Guide: Landscape, Hardscape, and Softscape Design Principles

Landscape Design

Lee’s Beginner’s Guide: Landscape, Hardscape, and Softscape Design

This guide is designed to simplify your landscape design journey, covering essential topics from planning and design to implementation and maintenance of your outdoor space.

Over the years, we’ve explored a wide range of landscaping principles, terminology, tools, materials, and techniques. Whether you’re just starting out or have experience, we hope these resources make your renovation research easier and more enjoyable!

I. Introduction to Landscape Design

  • Overview of landscape design principles
  • Importance of residential landscaping
  • How landscaping enhances property value and personal enjoyment

II. Planning and Assessing Your Space

  • Site assessment and measuring property
  • Identifying soil types, climate, and microclimates
  • Mapping existing features (trees, slopes, sun/shade areas)

III. Defining Your Landscape Goals

  • Determining functional zones (entertainment, play, relaxation)
  • Creating a wish list (garden beds, patios, water features, etc.)
  • Setting priorities based on lifestyle and budget

IV. Principles of Landscape Design

  • Unity, balance, proportion, and harmony
  • Scale, focal points, rhythm, and repetition
  • Integrating hardscape and softscape elements

V. Hardscape Design Elements

  • Pathways, patios, and driveways
  • Retaining walls, fencing, and seating walls
  • Choosing materials (concrete, pavers, natural stone, wood)

VI. Softscape Design Elements

  • Plant selection (trees, shrubs, flowers, and ground covers)
  • Seasonal color and texture choices
  • Creating biodiversity and sustainable plantings

VII. Water Features and Ponds

  • Types of water features (fountains, ponds, waterfalls)
  • Benefits and challenges of water features
  • Installation and maintenance tips

VIII. Outdoor Lighting

  • Importance of landscape lighting for safety and ambiance
  • Different types of lighting (pathway, spotlighting, accent lighting)
  • Energy-efficient lighting options, including solar and LED
See also  IV. Principles of Landscape Design

IX. Designing for Outdoor Living

  • Creating functional outdoor rooms
  • Furniture selection and arrangement for patios and decks
  • Cooking, dining, and entertainment spaces

X. Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Landscaping

  • Native plants and xeriscaping for water conservation
  • Rain gardens, bioswales, and other drainage solutions
  • Reducing lawn areas and sustainable alternatives

XI. Garden Structures and Accessories

  • Pergolas, arbors, and gazebos
  • Trellises, garden art, and seating options
  • Adding personal touches and style elements

XII. Climate-Responsive Landscaping

  • Designing for different climates and weather extremes
  • Protecting landscapes from wind, frost, and drought
  • Seasonal garden care and plant protection

XIII. Irrigation and Drainage Solutions

  • Types of irrigation systems (drip, sprinkler, soaker hoses)
  • Planning for efficient water use
  • Solving drainage issues with grading and water management techniques

XIV. Landscape Maintenance and Care

  • Routine maintenance tasks (pruning, fertilizing, weeding)
  • Seasonal preparation (fall clean-up, winter protection)
  • Tools and best practices for long-term landscape health

XV. DIY vs. Hiring a Professional

  • Pros and cons of DIY landscape projects
  • How to work with landscape designers and contractors
  • Budgeting and financing a landscape project

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Our Service Packages

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1. General Yard Service

We also offer service for one time clean up, over grown yard, low maintenance design, home sale prep, insurance claims, commercial properties, etc.

Our services include: tree/shrub care, planting, pruning, trimming, raking, weeding, mowing, edging, pressure washing, mulching, bark, gravel, top soil, soil amendment, and junk removal.

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2. Landscape Design / Construction

From small projects to full landscape designs, we offer a range of landscape services. Our landscaping team has extensive experience working with many different types of landscape styles and designs, which range include: natural, modern, low maintenance, Japanese, English, and others.

Services include: custom cad design, pavers, patios, retaining walls, fencing, garden beds, fire pits, edging, irrigation, fencing, concrete, lighting, hardscape repair, and more.

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Fresh JB sod ready to install

3. Yard Maintenance and Lawn Service

Maintenance: We offer different packages for yard services: one time clean up, biweekly maintenance , quarterly, or annual.

Services include: mowing lawn, edging, weeding, raking, trimming, pruning, leaf blowing. Lawn Care Services: New sod install, thatching, aerating, hydro-seeding, seeding, fertilization, artificial turf, irrigation system, and weed and feed.

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