Top Four Softscape Landscape Elements to Consider in Boise, ID

At Bella Vista Landscaping, we understand that there are many pieces and parts that go into building your ideal residential yard. We hope to share informative and helpful tips and facts for our homeowners here in the Treasure Valley in addition to our many services offered to clients in the Boise, Idaho area. Today, we will be discussing softscaping; softscape landscaping works in conjunction with hardscaping elements to create an oasis where dreams meet reality. 

What is softscape landscaping? 

Landscaping can be broken down into two broad categories: hardscaping, which includes the man-made elements like patios, overhead structures and shades, water features, and more, and softscaping, which includes the more natural, living elements like trees, the lawn, shrubs, etc. While the construction of hardscape elements can and do make an enormous impact on the presentation and usability of your yard, the vegetation and natural elements are the detail that can make or break the yard of your dreams. Here are four of the most impactful choices you can make for the softscaping of your yard: 

1) Your lawn 

A traditional green lawn is a classic token of the American dream; do you expect your kids or fur babies to play on your lawn? If so, minimizing your hardscaping surfaces to maximize your lawn may be a priority for your unique needs. Depending on the ages of your kids, you may consider whether you want space for a swing set or trampoline. 

Alternatively, a landscaping choice that is growing in popularity are bee lawns. Bee lawns utilize indigenous plants and low-water need vegetation, including flowering plants like clover that creates an environmentally friendly horticultural carpet that provides nectar for bees and other pollinators. 

2) Trees

Trees are often the star of the show when it comes to landscaping: trees leave a legacy, as they provide shade, can provide fruit, a place to hang a swing or climb for adventurous kids, can reduce temperatures, and is overall good for the environment. Between leaves that change color in autumn and flowering trees in the spring, choosing the perfect species of trees for your family can enhance your yard in numerous ways. 

3) Shrubs and Flowerbeds

Bordering your yard with a variety of shrubs and flowerbeds can add interest and texture to your space; you could also utilize low-water plants such as succulents to create a trendy xeriscape, an increasingly popular landscaping technique that limits water usage. With a traditional lawn, decorative concrete curbing or edging can be a stylish touch that decreases your maintenance needs while delineating the border between flower bed and lawn.  

4) Compost, Mulch, Topsoil

There is no better time to consider adding compost, mulch, and topsoil than during the landscaping process. Although these nutrient-rich and water-saving options can be added at any point, it's a good idea to get your plants started on the right foot by giving them every advantage. Thinking about this ahead of time may save you a lot of work in the long run! 

Softscaping is often the most flexible part of landscaping, and can create a beautiful scenery with every seasonal if planned accordingly. At Bella Vista Landscaping we are excited to offer landscape design services to help you explore the many options you have while planning out your yard! Contact us or give us a call at (208) 995-3532 for more information today!