HARDSCAPING

Landscaping can be divided into two general categories: hardscapes and softscapes. Hardscapes are permanent, non-living fixtures in the overall landscape, such as walkways, outdoor lighting, retaining walls, borders and edging, and patios. They are the bones that create texture and give your landscape an overall sense of design and purpose “Softscapes,” on the other hand, are the living elements — trees, shrubs, flowers, etc. — that put flesh on the bones of your design. The right hardscape features turn an undefined backyard into an extraordinary outdoor living space that reflects your personal lifestyle and your needs.

Creating a successful design that is both beautiful and functional calls for a landscape professional who can interpret your style preferences into a one-of-a-kind outdoor living space you’ll love for years to come. Whether you long for a traditional look, a desert-scape, a native Texas design, or an exotic paradise, Marshall Grain’s expert designers can create the style you want.

Because hardscape elements are permanent fixtures, it’s best to give some serious thought to designing your overall landscape before you make any major changes to your outdoor living areas. Having a general plan in mind for achieving your ultimate landscape goals will save you headaches later. For example, knowing that two years from now you will want to build an outdoor kitchen will save you the headache of later discovering that your irrigation system is in the way, or that the concrete patio you put in last year is now in the wrong place.

Equally important is having someone who can guide you through the often-difficult process of developing your ideas into a dazzling finished project. Marshall Grain’s designers know the right questions to ask in order to provide you with the answers you need to make the right choices for your project. Questions like: “How many feet of edging material will I need?” “What color stone will look best against my home’s exterior?” “Where does the water flow to when it rains?” These may seem like simple questions, but many homeowners struggle with exactly such issues, and our team is here to help you solve them.

Once your project is designed, our highly professional installation crews can build it for you. Whether we’re installing a patio, a walkway, or other defining landscape feature, you can be sure, we’ll do the job right. Marshall Grain’s expert crews have already built a wide range of hardscaping elements for many area homeowners. Our areas of expertise include:

Stone Work can range from laying a simple gravel pathway or building sturdy retaining walls to putting in a flagstone patio, fitting pavers for a walkway, or defining a flowerbed with stone edging. Pathways help visitors navigate through your garden by guiding them around beds and across lawn areas, showing off special specimen plants, or leading them to a secluded seating spot. Pathways can be built with stepping stones, pavers or flagstones, or they can be curvaceous edging filled with rocks or gravel. Edging also sets off flowerbeds from your lawn and defines boundaries. Retaining walls prevent erosion by holding soil in place and helping to channel water. They can also provide an interesting visual element that gives your landscape structure and texture. Patios are the perfect place for lounging or entertaining guests. They can also provide a foundation for a barbecue spot or full outdoor kitchen/dining area.

Weather-proof 12v landscape lighting can create a more welcoming entrance, enhance your home’s security, and add brilliance to your outdoor living spaces. Landscape lighting helps to create a seamless transition between your home’s interior and it’s exterior. Our crews can install any type of 12V lighting your home may require, including pathway lighting to enhance safety and spot lights to highlight a statue, tree, or other feature. We’re also experts in erosion control and can recommend solutions such as retaining walls, French drains, and rain gardens. Let us build your next landscape project.