Benefits of soft-scaped landscaping

Nov 13

As you’ve probably noticed, there are plenty of landscape contractors and general contractors out there who promote hardscaped landscaping, but not many have the know-how to do softscaped landscaping. A big part of the reason for this may be the misconception that soft-caped landscaping doesn’t provide any benefits over hardscaped landscaping, but in reality, there are plenty of benefits to choosing softer landscaping options.

Top 10 Benefits

Landscape maintenance can be a time-consuming and expensive task. If you’re tired of all the upkeep your outdoor spaces require, you may want to consider soft-scaping landscaping solutions. Softscaping design uses materials that are more forgiving and easy to maintain, such as turf, shrubs, and vines to create appealing outdoor spaces that require little time and money to care for. Here are 10 benefits of soft-scaped landscaping to help you determine if it’s right for your property.

1) Provide habitat for wildlife

Habitat for wildlife is one of the most important benefits of using a soft scape. Softscapes can provide shelter and food for animals, along with providing a natural barrier between human development and natural areas. The type of plants used in a design will depend on what types of wildlife are desired to inhabit the area. Plants can also be strategically planted to promote pollination to produce fruit or nuts that help feed birds and other small creatures.

2) Improve air quality

One way that you can lessen your impact on the environment is by planting trees and shrubs to improve air quality. Trees absorb carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, and release oxygen, which aids in the process of photosynthesis. This reduces levels of carbon monoxide and ground-level ozone in our atmosphere. By planting trees around your home or office, you can help clean our air to make it healthier for everyone!

3) Sustain year-round interest

There is no better way to have year-round interest in your property than with a beautiful garden. From the evergreen foliage that covers the ground in winter to the colorful flowering plants during the spring and summer months, soft-scape landscaping will keep your property feeling alive all year long. You can even add some whimsy by adding water features, like ponds or streams, or adding playful sculptures or fountains for children and adults alike to enjoy.

4) Cope with water runoff

It's important to include a good amount of plants in your design that can help absorb water and reduce runoff. Trees and shrubs, especially those with dense branching or thick leaves, are great options for this. They also provide shade which is beneficial during the hot summer months. Additionally, they offer protection from harsh winter winds and cold temperatures by acting as windbreakers. Planting a variety of evergreen trees will not only offer you year-round benefits but will also add value to your home! The desert landscaping Phoenix area offers many low-maintenance and drought-tolerant solutions that require very little upkeep, making it easy to maintain a lush green space while still saving time and money.

5) Save you time and energy

When you invest in a backyard oasis that's designed to be low maintenance and sustainable, you'll save plenty of time and energy. That's because there are no lawns to mow or flowers to deadhead. Plus, you can expect the following benefits

Save money on water bills: Plants with deep roots take up water from deep underground, meaning less demand for your irrigation system.

Increase your property value: Homes with lush gardens typically sell for more than those without them.

Enjoy easy access: Soil under shrubs is much easier to walk on than grass and makes it easier for people with mobility issues to visit your garden area.

Experience fewer weeds: Natural ground covers deter weeds from taking over the yard.

Protect against erosion: If the soil gets wet and then dries out too quickly, it will erode. Ground cover plants provide insulation for soils so they don't lose moisture at a fast rate.

Create a habitat for pollinators: Flowers bring all sorts of pollinators to the backyard including bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, beetles, and wasps.

6) Reduce noise pollution

One of the benefits of using plants in your landscape is that they can help reduce noise pollution. This is because plants are great at absorbing sound waves and releasing them back into the atmosphere as a less-intense sound waves. The result is a natural sound barrier that can help reduce unwanted noises such as traffic and construction. Plants also absorb excess heat, which reduces air conditioning costs and can contribute to higher-quality air due to reduced greenhouse gas emissions. You'll also save on water usage: According to the EPA, nearly two-thirds of all residential water use goes toward outdoor uses including irrigation. That's a lot! Using plants in your landscape will lower those water usage rates since you're not having to rely on sprinklers or overhead sprayers for watering needs. By incorporating plants into your landscape design, you're able to create a drought-tolerant garden with minimal upkeep. Landscape services near me are becoming more popular than ever before, so if this sounds like something you need assistance with, don't hesitate to reach out today.

7) Control erosion

One benefit is that the plants and trees help to hold the soil in place. The roots, branches, and leaves work together to prevent erosion by slowing down water flow and trapping sediment. This makes it a great choice for sloped areas where water tends to rush downhill quickly. It’s more environmentally friendly: Softscapes are more sustainable than hardscapes because they use less material and provide more benefits.

It’s cheaper: Planting large shrubs requires minimal maintenance, which saves money. They also require little or no fertilizer or pesticides, which means you save on those as well. And once established, these landscapes require very little watering during the hot months.

It’s healthy: If done correctly with native species, this type of landscape can serve as a habitat for wildlife like birds, butterflies, and other small animals that can be harmed if there were only hardscaped surfaces around them. Using softer materials will not harm the environment as much because it doesn't need to be manufactured from scratch, unlike concrete. These types of surfaces also reduce noise pollution due to sound bouncing off hard walls onto others nearby and affecting people's quality of life.

8) Keep away pests (like mosquitoes!)

Mosquitoes are one of the most dangerous pests. They can carry viruses like Zika and West Nile Virus which can make you very sick or even kill you. Mosquito bites also cause painful, itchy bumps that may take weeks to go away. Installing a water feature in your yard will not only provide you with beautiful scenery but also reduce the population of mosquitoes by attracting them to a water source where they will drown and die. All-natural mosquito repellents are ineffective when compared to the effects of water features. So don't get bitten this summer!

9) Are naturally beautiful and easy on the eye

Softscaped landscaping is the natural way to go. Not only are they beautiful and easy on the eyes, but they also tend to be more environmentally friendly than traditional, hardscape-style gardens. Plants are well-suited for removing excess carbon dioxide from the air and producing oxygen in return. The lower maintenance required by plants means that you don't have to spend a ton of money on pruning, watering, or fertilizing like you would with a regular garden. Also, if something happens to your plants (drought, hail storm), it's much easier to replace them without feeling guilty about destroying your fancy flower bed. If you're not handy around the house and would rather hire someone else to take care of your yard work (which can get costly!), this option might just be for you!

10) Boost your property value by 15%!

Your property will have a more natural and inviting feel to it.
You'll save on maintenance costs because you won't need to spend money on lawn care.
It can be more affordable than hardscaped landscaping because it doesn't require as much upkeep and the materials are often cheaper.
There are more varieties and colors of plants available for softscaped landscapes, which gives your yard a lot more character and interest than other types of gardens. -Softscape landscaping allows wildlife such as birds, insects, frogs, and butterflies to thrive in your garden.
Some people say that when they walk into a home with a well-designed soft-scape garden they feel like they're coming home.