Let’s take a look at the differences between xeriscaping and hardscaping.
What Is Hardscaping?
Hardscaping consists of any hard surfaces surrounding your home that you can walk on, drive on, and set furniture on for a unique outdoor living space.
Many homeowners will prioritize both durability and practicality with these projects. From replacing your driveway to adding a new pathway, there are many ways hardscaping can enhance your property.
Benefits Of Hardscaping
With numerous benefits, more and more homeowners continue to opt for hardscaping services. Let’s take a look at a few of the advantages below.
Enhance Appearance
If you wish to both enhance the appearance and value of your property, hardscaping has some significant advantages over landscaping. To begin, hardscape projects are much more straightforward compared to landscaping services.
To improve a hardscape, it is typically as easy as repairing or replacing existing materials. Hardscape services are often utilized to make your home more accessible for all. Someone with limited mobility will now have a much easier time getting around your yard thanks to investing in hardscaping.
Durability
Hardscapes are also a lot more durable than typical landscapes. Of course, nothing lasts forever, but a sturdy concrete patio or asphalt driveway can hold up for many years without needing repairs.
Even if the initial cost of the hardscape project is quite expensive, your money will certainly go further because of this project’s durability.
Expands Space
Backyard hardscapes can ultimately extend the usable outdoor areas. This can increase the amount of space homeowners have to relax or enjoy activities like cooking or exercising.
Drainage Control
The materials used in this process can help manage water runoff, while also reducing the risks of flooding and erosion.
Accessibility
It’s no secret paths, decks, and patios can help make your property more accessible to all. It will also be easier to get to your outdoor living spaces and gardens.
Improves Drought Tolerance
Hardscaping will not require frequent watering needs. This means these projects allow homeowners to maintain an aesthetically pleasing yard during the dry seasons in Arizona.
Increases Property Value
One of the biggest benefits for homeowners is the boost in property value hardscaping can provide. Potential buyers will undoubtedly be attracted to features like outdoor kitchens and walkways.
Hardscaping Types
Hardscaping can save homeowners money in the long run, especially when the tasks are done properly and professionally. In addition to fences, fire pits, and water features, a list of the most common hardscaping types is detailed below.
Driveways
Driveways are both functional and practical components of any property. They can improve the appearance of your exterior when done professionally.
This can include choosing the most attractive materials for your budget and daily needs. Driveways are typically constructed of asphalt, stone, concrete, gravel, or even rubber.
Walkways
These are also highly functional elements of hardscaping. Walkways are created to design paths for walking throughout the property.
Outdoor Kitchens
Outdoor kitchens provide families with great spaces to gather and enjoy a meal.
Pergolas
A pergola can take your outdoor patio to the next level. They can also provide your yard with more beauty and shade during the hot summer months.
How Much Does Xeriscaping Cost?
As mentioned above, the majority of xeriscaping projects will cost anywhere from $6,000-$24,000. Most likely, though, homeowners should budget in the range of $16,000-$18,000.
Here is a quick breakdown of typical xeriscaping installation costs:
- Lowest Cost: $6,000.
- Average Cost: $17,085.
- Highest Cost: $24,000.
*These are cost estimates according to Fixr. Contact the team at Sonoran Landscape Design to learn more today!
Xeriscaping A Yard Cost Factors
The overall cost of this landscaping project will vary based on a few factors. These factors include yard size, soil type, hardscaping, irrigation, and drought-tolerant plants.
Of course, hiring a profession landscaping service will be helpful, which adds to your total bill. Here are a few common cost factors outlined below.
Design
Professional landscape designers hired to plan the installation will usually charge up to $200 per hour. Careful planning is a necessity for xeriscaping projects.
Turf
Replacing your natural grass with turf is the best way to conserve water. $400 is the average cost of turf installation.
Irrigation System
No xeriscaping project is complete without the installation of an irrigation system. Homeowners can expect to pay around $5,000 for an irrigation system.
Mulch
Mulch is usually used in xeriscaping due to its ability to hold in water while also preventing evaporation. Delivery costs will range from $200-$500 for a 500 sq. ft. yard.
Plants
Drought-tolerant plants are well adapted to the desert, reducing water use without the need for any supplemental irrigation. The type and size of plants will affect the cost, but it will typically come out to about $3,000 total.
Soil, Rock, And Stones
Delivery of these materials costs around $3,000 for a yard.
Concrete Slabs
A concrete slab walkway will give your yard a unique look, with costs starting around $1,200.
Hardscaping Vs Xeriscaping
The numerous differences between these two processes may make it an easier choice for most homeowners. Hardscaping is known for its durability, while many will choose xeriscaping for its ease of process.
If you want to know more about hardscaping in Arizona, contact the experienced team at Sonoran Landscape Design today!
Sonoran Landscape Design In Arizona
We are a Full-Service Design and Build Landscape Contractor. Working within your budget, we will help guide you from the design stage, through construction, all the way to completion. We can even maintain your landscape after completion to ensure your investment stays looking its best.
We offer outdoor fireplace, kitchen, pool, water feature, pergola installations and more! Our highly qualified staff that will ensure you receive a quality landscaping job done, with lasting value! Contact our team today!
