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Softscapes

Exactaly What is a Softscape?

Softscapes refer to the living, organic elements in a landscaping design, such as plants, flowers, trees, shrubs, and other vegetation. In both residential and commercial settings, softscapes play an important role in creating a welcoming and attractive outdoor environment.

For homes, softscapes can be used to enhance the curb appeal, provide privacy, and create a comfortable outdoor living space. A well-designed softscape can include a variety of trees, shrubs, flowers, and ground cover to create a lush, attractive yard.

In commercial settings, softscapes can be used to add greenery to outdoor spaces, provide shade, and improve air quality. They can also be used to create a visually appealing and welcoming entrance or outdoor seating area.

In both cases, the design and placement of softscapes must take into consideration the climate, soil conditions, and exposure to sunlight. Proper maintenance, including watering, pruning, and fertilizing, is also important to ensure that the softscapes remain healthy and attractive.

Softscape Styles

There are several styles of softscapes to choose from, each with its own unique look and feel. Some popular styles include:
English Garden

This style features a mix of perennials and annuals in a natural, relaxed style with winding paths and a variety of garden structures such as pergolas, arbors, and trellises.

Mediterranean

This style features drought-tolerant plants such as lavender, rosemary, and olive trees, and emphasizes stone and gravel surfaces.

Japanese Garden

This style emphasizes simplicity, natural beauty, and balance, and features elements such as water features, bridges, rocks, and lanterns.

Tropical

This style features lush, tropical plants such as palm trees, hibiscus, and bromeliads, and emphasizes vibrant colors and large foliage.

Desert

This style features cacti, succulents, and other drought-tolerant plants that are well adapted to arid climates.

Cottage Garden

This style features a mix of old-fashioned flowers and shrubs arranged in a relaxed, informal style, often with a picket fence or stone wall as a backdrop.

Formal Garden

This style features straight lines, symmetry, and a focus on structure, with a variety of perennials, annuals, shrubs, and trees arranged in a precise pattern.

How Much Does a Softscape Cost

The cost of a softscape can vary greatly depending on a number of factors, including the size of the property, the type and variety of plants and materials used, and the complexity of the design.


For a small residential property, a simple softscape design using native plants and basic materials could cost between $2,000 and $5,000. More complex designs or those featuring rare or exotic plants could cost upwards of $10,000 or more.


For commercial properties, the cost can be much higher, depending on the size of the property and the scope of the project. A commercial softscape project could range from $10,000 to $100,000 or more, again depending on the complexity of the design and the materials used.


It's important to note that the cost of a softscape also includes ongoing maintenance costs, such as watering, pruning, and fertilizing, so it's important to factor these costs into the overall budget when planning a softscape project.


In general, it's best to consult with a professional landscape designer or contractor to get a more accurate estimate of the cost of a softscape project, based on the specific needs and goals of the property.

How Long Does it Take to Complete

The length of time it takes to complete a softscape project can vary depending on the size and complexity of the project, as well as local weather conditions and other factors.

For a small residential property, a basic softscape project could be completed in a matter of days or a couple of weeks. A more complex design, with a larger variety of plants and materials, could take several weeks or even a few months to complete.

For commercial properties, the length of time required to complete a softscape project can be much longer, taking several months or even a year or more, depending on the size and complexity of the project.
It's important to note that the length of time required to complete a softscape project can also be influenced by factors such as the availability of materials, the scheduling of labor and equipment, and unexpected events such as inclement weather.

Overall, it's best to work with a professional landscape designer or contractor to develop a detailed timeline for a softscape project, taking into account all of the necessary steps and potential challenges.

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