What Is the Difference Between Hardscaping and Softscaping?

When you’re planning a landscape project for your Colorado Springs home, you might hear the terms “hardscaping” and “softscaping” tossed around. While they sound similar, they refer to very different, but equally important, elements of your outdoor space. Understanding the difference between the two can help you make smarter design decisions and create a more balanced, functional, and beautiful yard.

If you’ve ever wondered, “What’s the difference between hardscaping and softscaping?”, you’re not alone—and if you’re a homeowner in Colorado Springs, understanding both can help you make the most of your yard in our unique climate. These terms may sound technical, but they simply refer to the non-living and living features of your landscape, respectively. When thoughtfully combined, they create the balance, texture, and usability that define an exceptional outdoor space.

Join us as we break down the differences between hardscaping and softscaping, give examples of each, and explain how combining both can transform your landscape into a space that suits your lifestyle year-round in Colorado’s environment.

Hardscaping includes the non-living, structural elements of a landscape. These are the permanent or semi-permanent features that provide structure, shape, and utility to your outdoor space. Think of them as the bones of your landscape. That means: anything made of stone, wood, concrete, brick, or metal, features that give your yard form, organization, and practical function.

• Patios and Decks – Whether it’s a cozy paver patio or a sprawling wooden deck, these spaces are the foundation for outdoor living, creating areas for gathering, dining, or relaxing outdoors. Explore custom patio and deck designs that fit both your space and your lifestyle.
• Walkways and Pathways – Elegant walkways made from flagstone, gravel, or pavers define movement, flow, and accessibility through your yard. Explore pathway design options for a tailored look.
• Retaining Walls – These structures help with elevation changes and erosion control while adding texture and interest. Retaining walls are especially useful in Colorado Springs’ sloped terrain. They not only help manage soil erosion on sloped properties but can also add visual interest and usable space.
• Stone Landscaping and Rock Features – Stones, boulders, and gravel can serve decorative or functional purposes. See Fredell’s stone landscaping services for inspiration.
• Outdoor Kitchens and Barbecues – Great for entertaining, these installations add value and functionality. Permanent outdoor cooking features turn your yard into a true extension of your home. The possibilities for custom outdoor kitchens are limitless.
• Water Features – Fountains, ponds, or waterfalls made with stone are classic hardscape elements. Not only that, water features can be both functional and attractive.
• Dry River Beds – These are not only visually appealing but also help with drainage and erosion control, which is perfect for Colorado’s flash floods. Find out more about dry river bed landscaping.
• Seating Walls – Combine structure and function by adding built-in seating to your outdoor areas. Built-in seating made of stone or concrete can maximize entertaining space. Learn more about patio seating walls.
• Garden Art & Sculptures – These add a personalized and artistic touch to your space. Check out some inspiring garden art options.

• Trees and Shrubs – These provide shade, privacy, and long-term structure. In Colorado Springs, native and drought-tolerant varieties like Gambel oak, Ponderosa pine, or junipers thrive. Explore our plant landscaping.
• Flower Beds and Perennials – Seasonal color and year-round interest can be achieved with thoughtful plant selection. Choose native plants that are specifically tailored to the Colorado Springs region.
• Lawn Areas – Whether it’s traditional grass or low-maintenance ground cover, lawns create a soft, inviting look.
• Mulch and Soil Beds – These support plant health and give your garden a neat, finished appearance. Learn more about mulching.
• Xeriscaping – This drought-tolerant approach to planting is ideal for the Colorado Springs climate. While traditional lawns are softscape, xeriscaped grasses (like buffalo or blue grama) are better suited to our dry climate. Learn more about xeriscaping.
• Irrigation Systems – While not living themselves, irrigation systems support your softscape by keeping plants hydrated, which is especially essential in Colorado’s semi-arid conditions. 

While it’s important to understand the differences, hardscaping and softscaping are not competing concepts. In fact, they work best in harmony. The most beautiful and functional landscapes rely on a balance of both hard and soft elements. A well-designed yard blends the durability of hardscape elements with the lush beauty of softscape features. Hardscaping forms the bones of the space, providing structure, organization, and usability. Softscaping brings movement, color, and vitality.

Together, they:

• Create natural transitions between different areas of the yard
• Define outdoor “rooms” for dining, relaxing, or play
• Improve curb appeal and resale value
• Make outdoor spaces more enjoyable throughout the seasons

Here’s how:

• Contrast & Balance: A stone patio surrounded by flowering plants or ornamental grasses creates a striking contrast. The hard materials emphasize the softness of nature and vice versa.
• Functionality: Pathways guide you through gardens. Retaining walls create usable terraces for planting. Outdoor kitchens become more enjoyable with nearby shade trees or fragrant flower beds.
• Low-Maintenance Options: Xeriscaping combined with stone beds or dry riverbeds reduces water use and upkeep while still looking stunning.
• Seasonal Interest: Hardscape structures provide year-round appeal, while softscape plantings evolve with the seasons.

For example, a flagstone patio (hardscape) might be softened with lush ornamental grasses and container plants (softscape). A retaining wall might frame a tiered garden bed filled with native perennials. A gravel path can weave through a xeriscaped garden of flowering shrubs and succulents. And the list goes on…

• Climate and Water Use: In Colorado Springs, choosing drought-tolerant plants and permeable hardscaping materials can help conserve water.
• Maintenance: Hardscape elements are relatively low maintenance, while softscape features may need seasonal pruning, planting, and irrigation.
• Purpose of the Space: Is it for entertaining, relaxing, gardening, or playing? The answer affects how much structure versus greenery you’ll need.
• Budget: Hardscaping is typically a larger upfront investment, while softscaping can be added or adjusted over time.

Colorado Springs has its own challenges and advantages when it comes to landscaping. Elevation, temperature swings, and semi-arid conditions make plant selection and water use crucial. That’s why many homeowners turn to:

• Xeriscaping – A water-wise approach that relies on drought-tolerant plants and minimal lawn. Fredell Enterprises specializes in xeriscaping that looks vibrant year-round.
• Dry River Beds – These provide drainage and erosion control during sudden rain events. They’re also beautiful design features. See our dry river bed landscaping services.
• Outdoor Lighting – Essential for safety and ambiance, lighting can highlight softscape and hardscape features after sunset. Learn about outdoor lighting design.
• Boulders and Natural Rock Gardens – These blend seamlessly with the region’s geology. Our landscaping with rocks and boulders adds a rugged beauty to any yard.

• Will the material hold up to freeze-thaw cycles?
• Does it blend with your home’s architecture?
• Is it slip-resistant and safe for foot traffic?

• Will the plant thrive in full sun or partial shade?
• How much water does it need?
• Is it deer- or rabbit-resistant (important in many parts of Colorado Springs)?

• Expert landscape designers
• Skilled installation teams
• Local plant and material knowledge
• Sustainable practices that fit the region

We don’t just build beautiful landscapes—we build them to last.

Whether you’re starting from scratch or refreshing an existing space, Fredell Enterprises can help you strike the perfect balance between hardscaping and softscaping. Visit our services page to learn more about what we offer. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Let’s build a landscape that works for you—beautiful, functional, and ready for Colorado’s unique environment.

Check out our portfolio to see how we’ve transformed other Colorado Springs yards into functional outdoor living spaces using a perfect balance of hardscaping and softscaping.