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About The Observer. (La Grande, Or.) 1968-current | View Entire Issue (April 4, 2020)
al nt Saturday, April 4, 2020 Spring Home and Garden, PAGE 5 Defining hardscape and how to use it Curb appeal is beneficial in various ways. Curb appeal can make a home more attractive to prospective buyers and give existing homeowners a place they want to come home to. In its study of the worth of outdoor remodeling projects, the Nation- al Association of Realtors found standard lawn care and overall landscape upgrades were most appealing to buyers, as well as the most likely to add value to a home. Although plants, grass and other items can improve curb appeal, homeowners should not overlook hardscaping. Hardscaping is an industry term that refers to the non-liv- ing features of a landscape. These features can include everything from decks to walk- ways to ornamental boulders. Introducing paths or paver walls to a property helps devel- op that home’s hardscape. Hard- scape and soft elements often work in concert to create inspir- ing landscape designs. DIY landscape designers can heed certain tips to make the most of hardscape features on their properties. Choose materials. As with many landscaping projects, homeowners must first determine what types of addi- tions they would like on their properties. Common hardscape features include patios, decks, walkways of pavers or bricks, and retaining walls. Hardscape elements can be functional or simply decorative features that add whimsy to the yard. Choose a theme. The right style allows hard- scaping and softscaping materi- als to work together. For exam- ple, homeowners may want to Hardscaping refers to the elements in a landscape that aren’t living, such as paths, walls and fences. give their yards an eastern feel, complete with a koi pond and decorative bridge or trellis. A formal English garden, however, may include manicured paths with stepping stones and or- nate topiaries. Mixing too many styles together can take away from the overall appeal. The pros suggest looking at the overall plan of the design, even if all of the work can’t be completed at once. This way the eventual finished project wil be cohesive. Think about the purpose. Hardscaping can look good but also serve key purposes. Pebbles or gravel can miti- gate trouble areas that don’t grow grass or plant life well. Retaining walls hold back soil in yards with sharply inclined hills. Mulch can set perimeters around trees and shrubs, as well as planting beds. Fencing, another form of hardscaping, is essential for establishing property boundaries and adding privacy. Consult a professional. While many hardscaping additions can be handled by novices, large-scale projects, such as patios and decking, can change the grading of the yard. Professionals can map out how to handle drainage issues and meet building codes. In addi- tion, professional installation can ensure hardscaping fea- tures last for years to come. Hardscaping should blend with the nature around it and take its cues from the surround- ing environment. This can help softscaping and hardscaping work as one. continued from page 3 • Plant in levels. Raised beds and sunken gardens can dis- courage deer from coming into the yard because they aren’t avid climbers, offers the home and garden resource This Old House. • Employ harmless scare tac- tics. Deer are skittish, and any unfamiliar movement or sound may scare them away. Cans hung from strings, sundials and lights can keep them at bay. Deer will seek out an easy meal, but homeowners can take steps to safeguard their trees, flowers and shrubs.