While it’s not a word listed with Merriam-Webster, hardscaping is as critical to outdoor  aesthetics and function as its softer and more oft-mentioned cousin,  landscaping. Whereas the latter deals with appropriate weaving and placement of  grasses, plants, trees and shrubs, hardscaping is the brick-and-mortar approach  to design with pavers, tiles, sitting walls and uniquely designed concrete  walkways, among other common applications.  

 In short, hardscaping is based on the use of nonliving elements with the  exception of wood, which in its original composition is considered a soft  material. From office parks, to condominium complexes and just about every type  of domicile in between, hardscaping is essential to outdoor entertainment and  direction.  

 “When it comes to hardscaping, you can install paver patios, stone patios and  staircases,” says Michael Yeager, co-owner of the Tuxedo, New York-based Hickory Hollow  Landscapers Ltd., which does work throughout the tri-state area. “It includes paver retaining walls, rock walls, natural pathways, rock gardens,  and water features.” Yeager has been in landscaping and nursery industry for over 30 years and with  his brother Ken owns two nurseries.  

 Tabula Rasa?

 “Hardscaping is the construction-side of landscaping,” says Brannon Seaman, owner of the Oxford, Pennsylvania-based Seaman Hardscaping  LLC. “When approaching these projects, you have to consider many factors and have  foresight for future expansion,” he says, adding that he began his career over 20 years ago working for a  stonemason.  

 When HOAs begin the process of rethinking their respective outdoor environment,  they have to consider whether hardscaping can be incorporated into existing  landscaping—or the tabula rasa (Latin for “blank slate”) approach might be the better option. This all-important question contains  critical variables such as cost, timeframe, aesthetics and ease-of-use.  

 For most industry professionals, starting with hardscaping and ending with  landscaping is the preferred method of operation as it is easy to damage softer  elements during construction using the heavy equipment and materials often  involved in hardscaping. For example, heavy power equipment and saplings are  not evenly matched.  

 “There are so many variables that come in to play when approaching design,” says Seaman. “You have to consider the scale of the project first and then look at landscaping  if it already exists,” he continues. “You have to look at the beds and current plantings and how a new curved walkway  might work together, for example. Additionally, you want the design to soften  the overall appearance of the property — including existing structures.”  

 The process is varied, explains Mike Morgen, co-owner of the Pilesgrove, New  Jersey-based firm Landscape Design Solutions, Inc. “There is often a lot of red tape involved in getting a project approved when  approaching HOAs and facility management boards,” he says. “Often HOAs will have landscaping committees that determine the direction,” adds Morgen, who along with partner Jared Fogg has over 22 years experience in  the industry.  

 While committees and boards determine the overall direction of an HOA’s landscaping format, it is often the hardscaping professional who pitches what  will be come the winning idea. This approach is often supported by  subcontracting elements of the project to designers, architects and engineers.  

 While hiring an outside designer to collaborate is an option, when it comes to a  complex project, an engineer is often required to ensure the project meets  local and state regulations. “The make-up of the soil is very important as it is critical to the drainage,” Seaman continues. “Then you must consider other issues like the geo-grid, retaining walls,  hydro-static pressure and electric and plumbing.”  

 “A project must be surveyed to make these decisions. Each project is different,” says Yeager. “We are required to do zero runoff. We install seepage pits as per an engineer’s specifications to keep the water on the property so we don’t overload the storm drainage system.”  

 For smaller jobs, Morgen says he works closely with the client and handles all  design work independently. “I handle the majority of the design work myself,” he says, adding that 85 percent of his total workload is hardscaping. This  generally is the case for Seaman and Yeager too; however all agree that it is  often necessary to call in outside help when the projects calls for it.  

 “Overall it comes down to experience and knowing what will look appropriate and  what will look and work right,” Seaman continues. “Often the client has ideas and there is always a lot of back and forth.”  

 When asked how a HOA could incorporate a rock garden into an existing  landscaping footprint, Yeager said it an executable premise, and a popular one.  “Rock gardening is an art form. Rock gardens are very enjoyable in sitting areas.  You can design it so natural (or existing) pathways meander through them.”  

 For Yeager and his team, building a rock garden is a deliberate, introspective  process geared toward fluidity. “The rocks need to be planted like you plant a tree. You need to pick the nicest  face and place it on just the right angle. They must be balanced so your eye  isn’t weighted to one side. The use of shadows creates another unique element. They need to be placed to create dimension in a space,” he continues. “While you are doing this you introduce shadows. We also build rock outcroppings  like you would walk up on in the woods. When you are done your eye should see  the whole area and not be looking only to the left and right. We are very picky about our rock selection. We prefer to work with boulders that  have been taken off a mountainside and not blasted or dug out of the ground.”  

 Along with rock gardens, he adds that “water features are a big hit. If done properly they add a lot of value to a  property.”  

 License and Regulation

 As is the case with all states, the laws regulating landscaping and stonework  vary. “It depends where you work,” says Yeager. “In New York, you need home improvement licenses when working in Westchester and  Rockland counties. In New Jersey, you need a state home improvement license.”  

 While not required by law, accomplished and experienced hardscapers should be  certified installers of the ICPI, (the Interlocking Concrete Pavement  Institute) for all brick and stone pavers and interlocking block retaining  walls.  

 “There are different levels of certification, including residential and  commercial level,” says Seaman. “The manufacturer offers courses and brings up to speed on latest technologies.”  

 E.P. Henry, a concrete and paving product company founded in New Jersey in 1903  by Edward P. Henry, hosts a series of annual trade events in New Jersey to  present latest industry news and products.  

 Among industry topics discussed at various trade conferences are the benefits of  certain applications over others. For example, the debate over using concrete  over pavers is often a consideration when a project is being discussed. While  the former is cheaper, pavers are advertised not to crack or crumble. Grass is  purported not to grow through pavers if they are cleaned and sealed, which  brings to the light the question of maintenance.  

 “Obviously it depends on your region. If the pavers are subject to salt (for  deicing) then you will want to have them sealed six months after they are  installed,” explains Seaman. The sealing process may be required every three years,  depending. “Another benefits to pavers is that they are smooth not unlike natural stone,  which has undulations. With pavers you can use a snow blower,” he continues. “In the spring you may also want to power wash to remove debris; however, always  power wash at a shallow angle.”  

 Lessons Learned

 While the concept of using hardscaping elements to expand upon an existing  landscape footprint can be daunting, it is a process that simply requires  research, insight and perhaps most importantly, setting a budget.  

 “Our average projects range between $15,000 and $25,000 dollars, says Morgen. “We have had projects as low as few thousands dollars and one as high as  $150,000, so there is a big range,” he continues. “The most important element I stress to a prospective client is the overall  potential usage of the area because customers often fail to understand that you  really only have one chance to do it right. If in the future they think they  will add fire pits, columns or an outdoor kitchen, we need to know that to plan  accordingly.”  

 Seaman agrees adding that “foresight” is perhaps the most critical aspect to a hardscaping design. “You never know what you might want in the future so it’s often a good idea to provide additional outlets and wiring for lighting, for  example,” he continues. “Clients should also consider creating barriers between neighbors with a sitting  wall, instead of installing a patio without one. You want to create a sense of  enclosure and comfort in the design.” 

 W.B. King is a freelance writer and a frequent contributor tothe New Jersey Cooperator.