Landscape Restoration vs. Landscaping: Understanding the Key Differences

Landscape restoration and traditional landscaping may seem similar at first glance, both involving the modification of outdoor spaces. However, they serve distinct purposes and entail different processes. Understanding the key differences between landscape restoration and landscaping can help you choose the right approach for your outdoor project.

Purpose and Goals:

Landscaping: The primary purpose of landscaping is to create an aesthetically pleasing outdoor space. It often involves designing and arranging plants, hardscape features, and amenities to enhance the appearance and functionality of a property. Landscaping focuses on creating a visually appealing and well-organized garden or yard.

Landscape Restoration: Landscape restoration, on the other hand, is about returning a site to its natural or historical state. It aims to revive ecosystems, promote biodiversity, and address environmental issues. Restoration projects often involve native plantings, soil improvement, and ecological rejuvenation to repair damaged landscapes or preserve historical sites.

Design Approach:

Landscaping: Landscape design for traditional landscaping is often more flexible and creative, allowing for a wide range of plant selections and hardscape elements. The design is driven by aesthetics, personal preferences, and the desired functions of the space.

Landscape Restoration: Landscape restoration projects follow specific ecological and environmental guidelines. The design is informed by the site's history and the need to support native flora and fauna. It may involve removing invasive species and reestablishing native vegetation.

Plant Selection:

Landscaping: Landscapers have the freedom to choose a wide variety of plants, including non-native species, to achieve the desired look and feel. These choices may prioritize aesthetics over ecological factors. Contact us for more details.

Landscape Restoration: Native plants are the stars of the show in restoration projects. They are carefully selected to restore the natural balance and provide habitat for local wildlife. Non-native, invasive species are often removed to promote biodiversity.

Maintenance:

Landscaping: Traditional landscaping requires ongoing maintenance to keep the space looking its best. This includes mowing, pruning, fertilizing, and regular care to preserve the intended design.

Landscape Restoration: Restoration projects often aim for a self-sustaining ecosystem that requires minimal human intervention once established. The emphasis is on natural processes and biodiversity.

Environmental Impact:

Landscaping: Landscaping projects can vary widely in their impact on the environment, depending on the plant choices and maintenance practices. Some may prioritize water-hungry or non-native plants, which can be detrimental to local ecosystems.

Landscape Restoration: Restoration has a positive impact on the environment. It helps repair ecosystems, improve soil health, and increase biodiversity. Native plants often require less water and maintenance, making it a more sustainable choice.

Conclusion

Now that you know the key differences between landscaping and landscape restoration, understanding what your yard is in need of is easier. Whether your yard needs beautification or a restoration service that breathes life into it and brings it back in good shape, bring your landscaping vision to life with us. We have the expertise and the experience to turn all your landscaping vision into reality as well as restore a barren, infertile, or wasteland. We have a wealth of experience, love eco-friendly designs, and always make sure our clients are happy. Call us to hire our services.