What is Structural Landscaping?

Landscaping, whether commercial or residential, contains many diverse niches and aspects that have to come together to make a successful and practical landscape design. Structural landscaping is landscape elements that consist of the construction of external landscape features, structures, and items. These can be made of any material that does not form part of the home or office and that are considered non-living elements of the landscape. 

Common ways to answer the question of what is structural landscaping is to consider the following:

  • retaining walls and structures that do not form a habitable building
  • fencing and border protection elements on the property
  • driveways and walkways on the property, commercial and residential alike
  • cabanas, pergolas, decks, patios, stepping stones, and other elements
  • ornamental elements and decorative structural ornamentations
  • noise walls, privacy fences, and similar structures
  • estate and commercial property entrances and gate features
  • excavations and clearing areas and prep work for upcoming work
  • drainage and irrigation systems and components in the landscape
  • and much, much more


What are the more popular options for structural landscape elements?

With this in mind, it is time to look a little closer at some of the most common examples people point to when they try to answer the question of what is structural landscaping?

 Stonework

Stone and rock features are common parts of structural landscaping that can be integrated into your plant-based landscaping. These are very common and are often called hardscapes by landscaping professionals. Hardscapes include a wide range of permanent structures that are specifically built for landscape aspects and improvements. These hardscape elements often also help to add function, usefulness, accessible space, and beauty to your home and yard as well as any commercial property.

 

Synthetic Turf

Artificial Turf, also commonly referred to as Synthetic Grass is a modern and practical upgrade to green turf that is labor and resource intensive. The benefits of switching to a synthetic turf option rather than real grass includes a range of benefits. These include no water and fertilizing needs, better weed and pest control, green year-round grass, no mowing concerns, and overall easier maintenance and a more uniform look for residential and especially commercial properties.

 

Lighting Features

All sorts of lighting fixtures and set-ups are used as the addition of accent lighting to modern landscape designs today. These are the lighting additions of structural landscaping which allows you to enjoy your landscape both during the day and at night. A well-placed light can accentuate parts of the home or business architecture or a fascinating accent plant. It also makes your property safer and more secure at night when low light can post a safety risk.

 

Water Features

Sometimes, structural landscaping is best exemplified by the addition of a pond, fountain, waterfall, or combination of multiple water elements. The addition of water features is limited only by the space available and the creativity of your design. It is also important to point out that the addition of water features can go a long way to upgrade the overall value of your home. And best of all, even a small and maintainable water feature can make a huge difference in the look and feel of a landscape.

 

Irrigation

Plants of course need water in order to grow and the regular schedule and adequate levels of water can be a challenge for many homeowners to maintain. This is why many homes have irrigation systems installed to make water and irrigation less stressful and less time-consuming. The installation of the water systems is generally handled by landscape design experts who specialize in structural landscaping services. This demonstrates clearly the connection between plant and structural elements.

 

Both commercial and residential properties alike need a range of landscaping elements to come together in order to make a functional and practical landscape. Living and nonliving elements come together in amazing and surprising ways to create many of the modern elements we come to expect in landscape designs. Many of these elements are direct answers to the question of what structural landscaping is and why it matters. Structural landscaping is landscape elements that consist of the construction of external landscape features, structures, and items. Contact your local landscaping professionals today to see what structural elements they can provide for your new landscape design!

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