Hardscaping

What Is the Difference Between Landscaping and Hardscaping?

Published 2026-08-14The Landscaper Crew

Landscaping generally refers to plants, beds, mulch, rock, and other living or ground-cover elements, while hardscaping refers to built, non-living features like patios, walkways, and retaining walls. Most outdoor spaces use a combination of both.

Flagstone walkway meeting a wood boardwalk with a stacked stone border in Arlington, TX

What falls under landscaping

Flower beds, plant installation, mulch, rock, and general ground cover are typically considered landscaping — the living and organic elements of a yard.

What falls under hardscaping

Paver patios, walkways, retaining walls, and other built structures make up hardscaping — features that add permanent structure and function to the space.

Why most projects use both

A patio without surrounding plants can feel unfinished, and a planted bed without any hardscape can lack structure. Combining the two typically creates a more complete outdoor space.

QUICK QUESTIONS

Do you handle both landscaping and hardscaping?

Yes, The Landscaper Crew provides both landscape and hardscape services, and can plan a project that combines the two.

Which should I start with, landscaping or hardscaping?

It depends on the project — sometimes hardscape features are built first to establish structure, and planting follows. We can help sequence a multi-phase project.

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