When most people think about landscaping, they picture a lush green lawn, a colorful flowerbed, or perhaps a row of neatly trimmed shrubs. While those are all important visual features, they are part of a larger design concept known as softscape. So, what is softscape, and how does it fit into the bigger picture of home landscaping?
Softscape refers to the living, growing elements of your outdoor space and includes everything from grass and plants to soil, mulch, and flowers. These natural components are what give a yard its vibrant, organic character. They change with the seasons, grow over time, and help create an environment that feels alive and welcoming.
What Is the Role of Softscape in Landscape Design
Every residential landscape consists of two key components: hardscape and softscape. While hardscape includes static structures like patios, walkways, and retaining walls, softscape refers to the dynamic, living side of design—the trees, lawns, hedges, flowers, and ground covers that give the space personality.
Unlike hardscape, which remains relatively unchanged throughout the year, softscape evolves with the seasons. Spring might bring bursts of color from perennials, while fall highlights changing leaf tones and ornamental grasses. A thoughtfully designed yard blends these two elements to balance function and beauty.
When considering soft landscaping, homeowners should think about both aesthetics and practicality. Plants can be selected to provide shade, enhance privacy, reduce erosion, or attract pollinators. At the same time, they offer year-round color and texture that hard surfaces simply can’t match.
How Softscape Enhances Home Life
Softscape isn’t just about appearance. It plays a functional role in how outdoor spaces are used and enjoyed. Lawns create areas for play and relaxation, while trees can shade outdoor seating areas and reduce cooling costs in the summer. Ground covers and mulch help retain moisture and protect soil from erosion, reducing the need for maintenance.
In Colorado, softscaping also supports sustainability. With thoughtful planning, homeowners can use native or drought-resistant plants that thrive with minimal watering. These selections not only conserve resources but also create habitats for birds, bees, and butterflies. A well-designed softscape can turn a simple yard into a vibrant ecosystem.
The movement and seasonal changes of softscape elements bring a sense of life to any property. The rustling of grasses in the wind, the scent of blooming flowers, or the color shift of leaves all contribute to a calming, immersive outdoor experience.
Why Softscape Matters in Residential Landscaping
Many homeowners overlook the long-term value of well-planned softscaping. Living elements of your yard create year-round beauty and make your outdoor space feel inviting.
Thoughtful softscape design can:
- Improve curb appeal with colorful, layered plantings;
- Provide natural shade, privacy, or wind protection;
- Support biodiversity with pollinator-friendly plants;
- Enhance property value through improved aesthetics;
- Reduce soil erosion and improve drainage; and
- Soften the look of stone or concrete structures.
In places like Colorado, softscaping also contributes to drought tolerance and water efficiency. Choosing native or climate-appropriate plants ensures your yard thrives with minimal maintenance, even during hot, dry summers.
Common Types of Softscape Elements
To understand softscaping in practical terms, it helps to look at examples. Most yards already have some form of softscape, but a well-designed space uses these elements purposefully.
Lawns
Grass is one of the most common softscape features. Whether you prefer traditional turf or drought-tolerant alternatives, lawns offer an open, green base for the rest of your landscaping.
Trees and Shrubs
Trees provide height and structure while offering seasonal interest through blossoms, foliage, or bark. Shrubs can act as hedges, privacy screens, or low-maintenance anchors for planting beds.
Flower Beds
Beds filled with annuals or perennials add color and variety throughout the year. These are often paired with mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Ground Cover
Many homeowners use ground covers like creeping thyme or clover to fill in low-traffic areas instead of grass. Depending on your design goals, these can be ornamental or functional.
Garden Accents
Decorative features like planters, container gardens, or trellises can support climbing plants and offer focal points in compact spaces.
Softscape isn’t just decorative—it’s foundational to how a yard looks and feels. Unlike hardscape, it evolves with the seasons, allowing for creativity and flexibility over time.
How Softscape Enhances Functionality
In addition to making your property look more vibrant, soft landscaping also serves functional purposes. A yard full of concrete or gravel may be easy to maintain, but it can feel sterile. Softscape brings warmth and softness that hard elements alone can’t offer.
Strategically placed trees or shrubs can block wind and provide shade, helping to lower cooling costs. Ornamental grasses can help manage rainwater runoff on slopes, while planting beds can divide your space into outdoor rooms for relaxation or entertaining.
Even small additions—like flower borders or mulch rings around trees—can create visual impact without major construction.
How to Choose the Right Plants for Your Yard
A successful softscape design starts with choosing the right plants. That means factoring in Colorado’s semi-arid climate, your home’s sun exposure, soil conditions, and maintenance.
When choosing softscape elements, consider:
- Sunlight needs. Some plants thrive in full sun, while others need shade.
- Water requirements. Opt for drought-tolerant species where possible.
- Growth habits. Know how big plants will get over time to prevent overcrowding.
- Color and texture. Use contrast in foliage and blooms to create visual interest.
- Maintenance level. Choose species that fit your availability for pruning or care.
Native plants like Rocky Mountain penstemon, blue grama grass, or serviceberry are excellent choices for Colorado homeowners because they have adapted to local conditions and support wildlife. NALP has even included them in their 2024 trending features for landscaping.
Ready to Transform Your Landscape?
If you’re looking to refresh your yard with natural beauty, seasonal interest, and increased functionality, softscape is the place to start. Whether your vision includes colorful garden beds, native plantings, or a lush new lawn, Westside Grounds can help.
We proudly offer comprehensive softscape services for homeowners in Lakewood and the surrounding areas. Our landscape design and installation team can help you choose the right plants, build beautiful layouts, and maintain your property all year long.
Let us help you bring your outdoor vision to life with a living design that grows and evolves with your home.