Your landscaping says a lot about how you keep your home, and the benefits that quality design and craftsmanship impart on your property go beyond aesthetic. Here are some hardscape projects for your Nashville property that can boost curb appeal and market value for your home.
What Are Hardscapes?
Landscaping has two general categories: softscapes and hardscapes. Put simply, softscapes are the living components of your yard: the trees, grass, flowers, and plants that make up the green space of your property. Hardscapes, on the other hand, are the inorganic objects that we use to decorate and accentuate our spaces. A good balance of softscapes and hardscapes is critical to ensuring your landscaping looks great and has the proper “flow.” A landscape should feel natural, even if many of its components aren’t at all natural. If your landscaping is hard to navigate, either on foot or with the eye, it’s probably too busy or segmented, and that’s bad for curb appeal.
Landscape installation is an art form, and making sure that you rely on an experienced hand and eye when planning your lawn is critical. If you’re looking for Nashville hardscapes, you’ve come to the right place. Here are some of The Parke Company’s most popular hardscape designs and products. These are the hardscapes we install the most, which means they’re both popular and high-quality, because we never compromise on that. Let’s dive right into some great choices for your Nashville landscaping.
Paths and Walkways
A landscape or garden that’s walkable makes a huge difference for potential homebuyers. Seeing beautiful flowers and plants from a distance is fine, but many people love the idea of being able to walk among wildflowers or simply easily access all parts of their yard. There are many ways to incorporate paths and walkways into your landscaping, and each option can create a different feel depending on what you’re looking for. Gravel or stone paths are more affordable than concrete or paver walkways, and they foster a rustic vibe for your landscaping. These paths are more susceptible to becoming washed out or overgrown if not properly maintained or planned for, though. It’s important to make sure that your lawn drains properly before exploring gravel or pea stones as a walkway option. Heavy rains can wash stone from its desired location and make a mess of your garden if you’re not careful, but that’s also true for mulch and soil.
Pavers and concrete walkways are much sturdier options, and they can be great for accessibility purposes and aesthetics. While concrete doesn’t always look great, it provides a very level and easily navigated path, which can be helpful for people with disabilities or the elderly. Concrete can be colored and stamped to look more appealing, which can ease the harshness of the flat color it usually has. While these options are more expensive, they can really enhance the look of your landscaping. Concrete also offers unparalleled durability and longevity, making it a great investment for prospective buyers.
How much value does hardscaping add? It really depends on how much you’re willing to do. Walkways are a huge improvement that can vastly improve the value of your landscape, so they’re one of the biggest ways to see a great return on investment for your landscaping installations.
Fire Pits
Everyone loves a s’more, so if you can incorporate a fire pit into your landscaping safely and attractively, you’ve got a great boost for your home’s market value. Fire pits come in many shapes and sizes, but they have one thing in common: they can be dangerous. In Tennessee, fires cannot be constructed within 25 feet of a structure. This means that fire pits need to be installed away from your home, sheds, and other wooden or combustible structures. Fire pits can be free-standing metal or brick enclosures. These are more affordable than larger, more elaborate fire pits that may be designed for other purposes. Some fire pits are premade, and others can be made of paving stones and other inflammable materials, depending on the expertise of your landscaper. Fire pits that use natural gas to produce a flame are becoming more and more popular. These features may require more work, including the installation of underground gas pipes, so they can be more expensive. Other fire pits use propane tanks that can be hidden in the structure of the fire pit, giving you an easily refillable gas source that doesn’t require digging. If you’re on the hunt for landscape installation services near you, The Parke Company can help you get the fire pit that suits your needs and fits your property. We know that a fire pit can be a great addition to a home’s hardscaping, as many home buyers are willing to pay more for social outdoor areas.
Fountains and Water Features
Water features are a great way to make your landscaping more dynamic. These hardscapes are interesting because they can incorporate softscapes like underwater plants and even animals like koi fish into their aesthetics. Fountains and other water features can be quite elaborate or simple, depending on your budget. Some homeowners opt for complex circulating water systems complete with waterfalls and changes in depth. Others simply look for a fun little circulating fountain or a koi pond for natural mosquito prevention. The challenges of water features include budgetary restrictions and the need for electricity or water connections. This can be a dealbreaker for cost-conscious homeowners looking for more affordable hardscapes. But the ROI from a fountain can be substantial when it comes time to list your home on the market, especially in competitive neighborhoods.
Upgrade Your Nashville Property
Ultimately, no matter what hardscape you opt for to improve your landscaping, know that if it’s done well, it can greatly improve the market value of your home or business. If you’re interested in learning more about how hardscapes work and what options give you the best bang for your buck, give The Parke Company a call today for a free consultation and estimate.