Hard Landscaping vs Soft Landscaping: What's the Difference?
Hard landscaping is the built, non-living part of a garden — patios, paving, paths, steps, decking and structures. Soft landscaping is the living part — trees, hedging, shrubs, planting and lawns.
The best gardens bring both together. Hard landscaping gives the garden structure and creates the areas you use, while soft landscaping brings privacy, depth, softness and seasonal interest.
At LandArt, we consider both from the beginning so that the finished garden feels like one complete space.
If you've started planning a garden project, you'll probably have come across the terms hard landscaping and soft landscaping.
Understanding the difference is useful, but it is really how the two work together that makes a successful garden.
What Is Hard Landscaping?
Hard landscaping, sometimes called hardscaping, refers to the built and non-living elements of a garden.
This can include:
- Patios, paving and terraces
- Paths and steps
- Decking
- Raised beds
- Pergolas and garden structures
- Outdoor kitchens and barbecue areas
- Built-in seating
- Water features
- Groundworks and drainage
- Garden lighting and irrigation
Hard landscaping creates the structure of the garden and helps define how the space is used.
A patio may create an area for dining or entertaining, paths connect different parts of the garden, while steps and changes in level can help shape the overall layout.
For our full garden renovations, the hard landscaping is designed as part of the complete garden rather than considered separately.
What Is Soft Landscaping?
Soft landscaping refers to the living and growing elements of the garden.
This includes:
- Trees
- Hedging and privacy screening
- Shrubs
- Perennial planting
- Ornamental grasses
- Lawns
- Climbers and ground-cover planting
- Soil preparation and improvement
Soft landscaping is what brings the garden to life.
Trees add height and structure, hedging creates privacy, while shrubs, grasses and perennial planting add layers, movement, colour and seasonal change.
As the planting matures, it softens the harder elements of the garden and helps the whole space feel more established.
Planting is a particularly important part of our work at LandArt and is considered from the beginning of the design rather than being added at the end.
Hard vs Soft Landscaping: Side by Side
| Aspect | Hard Landscaping | Soft Landscaping |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Built, non-living elements | Living, growing elements |
| Examples | Patios, paving, paths, decking, pergolas | Trees, hedging, shrubs, grasses, lawns |
| Main role | Structure and usable space | Privacy, softness, depth and seasonal interest |
| Changes over time | Generally remains consistent | Grows and develops as the garden matures |
| Care | Periodic cleaning and maintenance | Ongoing seasonal care and establishment |
The two have very different roles, but one isn't more important than the other.
How Hard and Soft Landscaping Work Together
The best gardens are designed with the hard and soft landscaping working together from the beginning.
The size and position of a patio affects the amount of space available for lawn and planting beds.
Trees can be positioned to create privacy, frame a view or help the garden feel more enclosed.
The width and depth of planting beds is important. A narrow strip around the boundary often doesn't give plants enough space to establish, grow and thrive properly. More generous beds allow planting to develop naturally and create the depth and structure that make a garden feel established.
Lighting also needs to be considered in relation to the trees and planting it will eventually illuminate.
Thinking about all of these elements together results in a garden that feels much more natural and cohesive.
Getting the Balance Right
There is no fixed percentage of hard landscaping and soft landscaping that works for every garden.
The right balance depends on the size of the space, the house, how the garden will be used and what is already there.
A family garden may need enough patio for dining and entertaining while still leaving plenty of lawn and planting.
A smaller city garden might have less lawn but use generous planting and trees to soften the boundaries and create privacy.
A larger garden may use hedging, trees and planting to divide the space into different areas.
For us, it isn't about following a formula. It is about making sure the hard landscaping gives you the practical space you need while leaving enough room for planting to give the garden character and maturity.
Does Every Garden Need New Hard Landscaping?
No.
Sometimes the existing patio, paths and levels are already working perfectly well.
In that case, there may be no reason to replace them.
A planting led garden renovation can completely transform the garden through better soil preparation, mature trees, hedging, screening, planting beds and lawn, while keeping the existing hard landscaping.
This is particularly common with new build gardens where a patio has already been installed but the rest of the garden can feel bare and unfinished.
Hard and Soft Landscaping in an Irish Garden
The Irish climate has an important influence on both hard and soft landscaping.
Good ground preparation and drainage are particularly important where there is paving, lawn and planting.
At the same time, our relatively mild climate gives us a huge range of planting options and allows gardens to become very green and established.
Evergreen structure, hedging and trees can provide year round interest and privacy, while perennial planting and ornamental grasses bring seasonal change.
The aim is to create a garden that works throughout the year rather than only looking good for a short period in summer.
Design, Build & Planting Under One Roof
For a complete garden renovation, there is a real advantage in having the design, build and planting all handled by one team.
At LandArt, all three are managed in house.
This means the garden is designed with the construction, materials, levels and planting already in mind.
The hard landscaping and soft landscaping are developed together from the beginning, giving continuity from the initial consultation right through to the finished garden.
For our clients that means one team responsible for the overall result and a garden that has been designed to work as a whole.
Can You Have Soft Landscaping Without Hard Landscaping?
Yes.
LandArt carries out planting renovations without any new hard landscaping where the existing patio, paths and structures are already working well.
These projects can include mature trees, hedging, screening, new planting beds, lawn and soil improvement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between hard landscaping and soft landscaping?
Hard landscaping refers to the built elements of the garden, such as patios, paving, paths, steps, decking and structures.
Soft landscaping refers to the living elements, including trees, hedging, shrubs, planting and lawns.
What are examples of hard landscaping?
Examples of hard landscaping include patios, paving, paths, steps, decking, pergolas, raised beds, outdoor kitchens, built in seating and water features.
What are examples of soft landscaping?
Soft landscaping includes trees, hedging, privacy screening, shrubs, perennial planting, flowerbeds, ornamental grasses and lawns.
Is a lawn hard or soft landscaping?
A lawn is part of the soft landscaping.
Is a patio hard landscaping?
Yes. A patio, paving, paths and decking are all forms of hard landscaping.
Do I need both hard and soft landscaping?
Not always.
If your existing hard landscaping is working well, a planting renovation may be all that is needed.
For a complete garden redesign, however, considering the hard and soft landscaping together from the beginning generally creates a much more cohesive result.
Planning a Garden Project?
You don't need to decide yourself whether your garden needs new hard landscaping, soft landscaping or a combination of both.
At the initial consultation, we can look at what is already working, what is worth keeping and what changes would make the biggest difference to your garden.
Tell us a little about the space and what you'd like to achieve and we'll be in touch to discuss the next step.
