Blog

Homeowners in Reno, Sparks and the greater northern Nevada region who are fortunate to have extra yard space have options beyond the native sagebrush, more lawn, or additional plants and shrubs that will require some love of care and maintenance. The trend over the last few years is to create functional and beautiful outdoor living spaces, something that’s done with strategic hardscape additions. Here, the pros at Harris Landscape Construction share six popular hardscape features for residential Reno landscapes.

Popular Hardscape Additions

Thinking through your goals, budget, space, and circumstances can help you decide which hardscape features will work best in your outdoor space.

• Patio covers and pergolas. What a difference a shade structure makes! Whether your outdoor space benefits from an attached or freestanding structure, patio covers and pergolas create functional areas for socializing, dining, entertaining, or just relaxing.
• Outdoor kitchens. Love to entertain or just to grill? Outdoor kitchens are wonderful spaces to entertain, socialize and chef it up. Plus, this upgrade tends to have an excellent return on investment and can increase your home’s value.
• Fire features. Fireplaces, fire pits, and fire tables are a great way to encourage together time. The beautiful flames are hard to resist, and there’s something special about roasting marshmallows or just relaxing by the fire with friends and family.
• Water features. Moving water can be incredibly soothing to see and hear, adding to the relaxation value of your outdoor space. There are multiple ways to incorporate water into your landscaping, and our team is happy to share ideas.
• Patios and walkways. There is a lot of versatility with a great patio. They can be designed to fit any theme or style, and they’ll coordinate nicely with other hardscaping additions to boost function. Pair a patio with another feature, like a shade structure or fire feature, for a space you’ll enjoy year round. Pathways are similar. They’re not a destination, but they make it possible to enjoy the journey through your outdoor space. Plus, they’re a simple way to break things up and add intention.
• Retaining and seating walls. Sloped yards benefit from retaining or seating walls to add function, but they work in all kinds of landscapes. A seating wall near a fire feature can be designed to capture heat for extra coziness, and they work well to create raised planter beds too.

Four Factors to Consider for Landscape Design

As you consider your options, make sure to keep the following in mind:

• Functionality. Consider your outdoor space with a critical eye. How functional is it currently, and what is your intended purpose with the space? Being clear about what you want to do in your outdoor space can help you zero in on the hardscape features that will best suit your needs.
• Space. Landscaping options are always limited to the available space, but creativity goes a long way. While you may not have a lot of room to work with, there are always options for creating intentional spaces. Drawing the eye upward with a shade structure, for example, can really open things up.
• Circumstance. Think about your current life stage, and whether it really makes sense to invest in great landscaping at the moment. If you’ve just settled into your forever home and you’re deep into family life, creating an outdoor landscape that will serve your needs now and into the future is important.
• Budget. Well-designed landscaping isn’t inexpensive, but many projects can be completed in phases to make costs manageable. Be realistic about what you can spend on landscaping, and make sure any professional you work with understands both your short and long-term goals. That way, your project will work in appropriate stages that lays the groundwork for work still to come.

Ready to Get Started?

Well-planned landscaping not only adds value to your home, it creates outdoor space you’ll truly enjoy. If you’re ready to get started, contact the team here at Harris Landscape Construction in Reno, and let’s talk about your dream landscape.