Hardscaping refers to the use of decorative stone, brick, and other hard objects to transform outdoor areas into more useful landscapes. According to HomeLight, three-fourths of real estate agents surveyed said a well-landscaped home is worth up to 10% more than homes that just have lawns with no landscaping. Hardscaping is an important part of landscaping, and here are four of the most popular hardscaping projects.

1. Patios and Walkways

Patios are an ever-popular outdoor space, and walkways help you to get around your home without trampling the grass and leaving unsightly pathways that get muddy in the rain. A skilled and experienced landscaping contractor can create a decorative patio that might be covered or uncovered, depending on your preference. You also can have decorative walkways that connect your driveway, patio, and various parts of your home.

2. Retaining Walls

Retaining walls are highly useful for reshaping your landscape and opening up areas to other uses. A landscaping contractor can create retaining walls that help you to install a patio, a pool, or a garden. A retaining wall also can help to control water erosion by shoring up areas that are prone to water runoff when it rains. Retaining walls also help to increase your privacy while outside by creating low-lying spaces that are hard to see from a distance.

3. Terraces

Terraces turn sloping areas into more useful spaces in which you might plant a garden, shrubs, or small trees to beautify your landscape. Terraces also help to control erosion and create an aesthetically appealing landscape. Your landscaping contractor can use a variety of materials to create one or more terraces that support your outdoor activities and make your yard more accessible.

4. Outdoor Steps

Hardscaping materials, like limestone, slate, and brick, are excellent for creating outdoor steps. They look good, hold up well under all kinds of weather, and are relatively easy for an experienced landscaping contractor to install and maintain. Outdoor steps make it easier to walk safely during inclement weather and blend in well with the design of your landscape.

Enhance your yard with expert hardscaping services. You can learn more by contacting Spicer's Lawn Care & Landscape Design. We can help to create a design and install it to transform your outdoor space and add value to your home.