Landscape refers to living elements like plants and grass, while hardscape covers built features such as patios and walkways. Knowing the difference helps you plan your outdoor space and communicate your needs to professionals.
Understanding the difference between landscape & hardscape is key when planning your outdoor space. Below, Jake Morris and Malcolm Armstrong from Fine Touch Services in Fishers, Indiana, break down what sets these two categories apart and how each can transform your yard.
Interview: Landscape & Hardscape Explained
00:00:00 – 00:00:19 Jake Morris: Hi, my name is Jake. I’m the owner of Fine Touch Services, a lawn, landscape, and hardscape company based in Fishers, Indiana. We service the entire northeast side of Indianapolis. I’m sitting here with Malcolm, my director for the past couple of years. He’s been with the company for a while, and together we’ve grown a lot.
00:00:19 – 00:00:40 Jake Morris: I want to talk about the difference between landscaping and hardscaping. It may seem simple, but for our clients, understanding the terminology can be helpful. Malcolm, can you explain what distinguishes a landscape project from a hardscape project?
00:00:40 – 00:01:04 Malcolm Armstrong: Sure. Landscape work typically includes plants, mulch, mowing, grass, and similar elements. Some projects combine both landscape and hardscape elements, such as boulders, rock, flagstone, and natural stone. In general, when we distinguish the two, landscape is about plants and greenery, while hardscape refers to patios and other structures.
00:01:04 – 00:01:26 Malcolm Armstrong: Hardscape includes concrete patios, paver patios, outdoor structures, and kitchens—basically any non-living, built feature in an outdoor space. Landscape, on the other hand, focuses on plants, cleanup, and natural elements.
00:01:26 – 00:01:45 Jake Morris: We’ve completed hundreds of projects across both categories this year—from decks, patios, and pergolas to plants and mulch. With all this experience, we’ve built extensive expertise and are excited to help our clients create beautiful, functional outdoor spaces.
What are the main elements of landscape & hardscape?
Landscape projects focus on living things—think grass, shrubs, trees, flowers, and mulch. Hardscape projects are all about the built environment: patios, walkways, retaining walls, fire pits, and outdoor kitchens. Sometimes, a project will blend both, like a patio surrounded by flower beds or a stone path winding through a garden.
What types of projects fall under landscape & hardscape?
Some common landscape projects include planting new trees, laying sod, mulching, and seasonal cleanups. Hardscape projects often involve building patios, installing pavers, constructing retaining walls, or adding pergolas and decks. If you’re not sure which category your project fits into, just ask your contractor—they’ll help you figure out the best approach for your space.
“Knowing the difference between landscape & hardscape helps you make smart choices for your yard. Both play a role in creating a space that’s beautiful and functional.”
— Jake Morris, Fine Touch Services
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between landscape and hardscape?
Landscape refers to living elements like plants, grass, and mulch. Hardscape covers built features such as patios, walkways, and retaining walls.
Can a project include both landscape and hardscape?
Yes, many outdoor projects combine both. For example, a patio (hardscape) surrounded by flower beds (landscape).
What are examples of hardscape features?
Hardscape features include patios, paver walkways, retaining walls, fire pits, and outdoor kitchens.
What are examples of landscape features?
Landscape features include grass, trees, shrubs, flowers, mulch, and garden beds.
Jake Morris
About the Author
Jake Morris is the founder and owner of Fine Touch Services, a top-rated lawn care and landscaping company proudly serving Indianapolis and its northern suburbs since 2018. With a passion for outdoor living and a commitment to customer satisfaction, Jake leads a skilled team that delivers high-quality lawn, landscape, and hardscape services to over 8,000 clients annually. From designing serene garden retreats to building backyard entertainment spaces, Jake brings dedication, expertise, and a personal touch to every project. Learn more about Fine Touch Services. Or connect with Jake on LinkedIn.
