There is nothing more relaxing than spending time outdoors in your beautifully landscaped yard. Flowers, plants, shrubs, and trees help to create a pleasing environment. The use of stone in your yard, sometimes referred to as hardscaping, can greatly enhance the other aspects of your landscape. In fact, the aesthetic and functional benefits from stone may even increase your property value.
We spend a lot of time tending to the living plants and flowers on our property. However, it is often the inanimate objects that influence the appearance of our yard the most. The particular placement of decorative stones around your natural areas and throughout the property can transform the entire look of your yard. From a stone pathway to a patio, hardscapes are a vital component to your landscape.
Landscape stones come in a large variety of sizes, textures, and colors. This array of choices can be a bit overwhelming at times, but it allows landscapers to find the ideal stone for the job. From large boulders to small pebbles, stone is available for any project that you can design. Here are some common ways that homeowners incorporate stone into their landscape:
Patios: Large pavers can be used to create a gathering space on your lawn. Add a few chairs and a table and you have a relaxing spot to eat and entertain outdoors.
Pathways and Stepping Stones: You want to enjoy your outside space but you would like to keep people off of your grass and out of your flowerbeds. A beautiful walkway can be easily created using gravel or decorative pavers.
Stone Walls: These visually appealing fixtures can be used for a variety a purposes. Walls may separate areas in your lawn for safety or appeal. A wall along the driveway keeps cars from damaging grass as drivers pull in or out of your property. A wall may enclose a patio or simply be installed to enhance the appearance of the area.
Retaining Walls: These structures are functional as well as attractive. Retaining walls are ideal for curtailing erosion on your property.
Fire Pit or Outdoor Fireplace: Create an entertainment-friendly gathering space in your yard with a fire pit or outdoor fireplace. Roast marshmallows or spend the evening with friends gathered around the fire.
Rock Gardens and Accents: Look carefully at a stone and you will notice the swirling patterns and specks of color that make it such a beautiful and unique material. These characteristics make it an ideal accent or decorative piece for yards. Before placing stones, study the natural layout of your yard and find areas where the stone will look natural and aesthetically pleasing.
These are just a few ways that stones can be incorporated into your landscape. A professional landscaper will not only offer you ideas for ways to use stone and hardscapes, he will take care of transporting and placing the stone as well. This is especially helpful when you are working with big, heavy boulders or a large quantity of stones. Your landscaper will place the stones firmly and properly so that they stay put for many years to come.
Creating a beautiful and pleasing outdoor environment can be a lot of work. Find a landscaper in your area who has the design and installation expertise necessary to transform your yard into a pleasing outdoor living space to be enjoyed by family and friends.
