Is Hardscaping Worth It? These 3 Experts Weigh In

Your interior design is perfected, your neighborhood is in a prime location, and your yard is…lackluster.

Sound familiar?

Some may be inclined to think that hiring a professional hardscape company is a lot of money upfront but with non-guaranteed benefits and return on investment.

But did you know the average return on investment in a hardscaping project (or projects!) is 20-30%? Of course, this depends on the type of projects you’re after. Hardscaping return on investment (or ROI) also depends on your plans and your end goal.

Photo from TV Trend Now

Photo from TV Trend Now

Bob Vila, popular for his variety of hosted shows including This Old House, Bob Vila’s Home Again, and Restore America with Bob Vila, focuses on restoration as well as home repairs, landscaping, and hardscaping projects. His career has spanned throughout the years, and his voice is highly recognized as knowledgeable in home and yard care.

In his blog, Bob mentions:

“Homeowners begin projects, start to clear areas, put in a mix of plants, and proceed without a plan.” He goes on to add, “The result is a hodgepodge of plantings and gardens hat give the property a disorganized feel. An implemented professional design provides a polished look. Following a professional prepared plan will lead the homeowner to a beautiful property while remaining within the pre-established budget.”

If you’re on the fence (pun intended) with your overall design, Bob has a great point - be able to think through a plan clearly if you’re after a yard that will turn heads and be a good investment down the road.

Photo from Randall Reilly

Photo from Randall Reilly

An overall well-manicured yard includes hardscaping, landscaping, and don’t forget about plants! Jill Odom, an editor for Total Landscape Care, is responsible for providing content and staying up to date with current trends in hardscaping and landscaping.

In her blog on landscaping ROI, she said:

“Trees bring many different benefits to the table…First impressions are important, and keeping trees pruned and lawns tidy suggests that equal care has been given to the rest of the house as well.”

Hiring a hardscaping professional will ensure your yard will have the necessary manmade and natural elements to make a cohesive layout. By combining natural and manmade essentials, your yard will be provided depth and variety.

Photo from Duval Landscape

Photo from Duval Landscape

Saving money is important, but hiring a professional is a heavy investment! What if we told you a well-done hardscaped property can actually SAVE you money in the long run? Duval Landscape, a professional landscaping and hardscaping company located in Florida, explains the benefits and future ROI on hardscaping projects:

“…organic elements of your commercial landscape (plants, trees, and shrubs) are subject to stress. This causes much of the material to wilt and even die. By contrast, hardscape features are virtually impervious to the elements. This means your landscaping budget won’t be constantly depleted due to repairs or replacement.” They went on to add, “Hardscaping naturally blends into its surroundings, preventing an artificial or out-of-place appearance.”

Hardscaping projects, no matter the size, are a big commitment! We’d be more than happy to talk through a specific plan for your property and helping you realize your vision for the outdoor living space of your dreams. Feel free to reach out to us so we can start designing together!

Stephen Osteen