Hardscapes

Hardscaping is essentially managing water. Professional installers must calculate slopes and install drainage systems (like French drains or permeable sub-bases) to ensure that rain doesn't pool against the home’s foundation or wash away the landscaping. 

This is the "craft" side of the business. It involves selecting the right materials—natural flagstone, travertine, or manufactured pavers—and cutting them with precision. This also includes vertical elements like outdoor kitchens, fire pits, and retaining walls. 

This is the most labor-intensive phase. It involves removing soil to a specific depth and replacing it with layers of compacted gravel and sand. The longevity of a hardscape is entirely dependent on how well the "base" is compacted. 

A hardscape can look cold or "heavy" without the balance of greenery. Landscaping companies must understand horticulture to choose plants that complement the stone, provide privacy, and thrive in the specific micro-climate created by the heat-absorbing hard surfaces.