Did you know the average person spends 14 hours a week outside—and most of that time is spent in the backyard? If you want an outdoor space that’s beautiful, functional, and sustainable, softscaping is key. But many homeowners aren’t familiar with what softscaping is or how it can dramatically enhance their property.
What is Softscaping?
Softscaping refers to the living elements of your landscape—trees, plants, flowers, shrubs, and grass. Unlike hardscaping (which involves non-living elements like patios and walkways), softscaping brings nature into your yard in a way that’s dynamic, customizable, and eco-friendly.
For all of your Softscaping needs contact Miller Greenscapes located in Minnetonka, MN serving Eden Prairie, Edina, Excelsior as well as all of the SW Twin Cities metro, they are your softscape experts.
Here are six great reasons to incorporate softscaping into your outdoor design:
1. Boosts Property Value
Softscaping adds curb appeal and helps your home stand out. A tree provides shade, beauty, and a natural gathering point.
Lawns with lush green grass are also a major draw—they improve drainage, reduce mud, and make your space feel complete. Just be mindful of high-maintenance or invasive plants like ivy or knotweed, which can deter buyers and damage your home’s structure.
2. Supports a Healthier Environment
Concrete and other hard surfaces can disrupt the natural water cycle and compact the soil. In contrast, softscaping restores soil health, promotes water and air circulation, and supports biodiversity.
Trees absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, helping reduce your carbon footprint. Opt for drought-tolerant plants like succulents or Mediterranean varieties (like rosemary) to create a beautiful and sustainable garden with minimal watering.
3. Enhances Aesthetic Variety
Softscaping offers endless design flexibility. Trees, shrubs, and flowers evolve with the seasons, giving your yard color, texture, and character year-round.
Whether you prefer the natural elegance of a Japanese garden or the lush charm of an English-style retreat, softscapes can be tailored to match your vision. You can even integrate native plants or create a peaceful water feature surrounded by greenery.
4. Makes Your Yard More Livable
Softscapes aren’t just for looks—they’re for living. Add pathways, benches, hammocks, or dining spaces beneath shade trees to turn your garden into a functional, inviting outdoor room.
Strategically placed hedges offer privacy, while rows of shrubs can create windbreaks. With a little planning, your yard can become a quiet escape or a hub for outdoor entertaining.
5. Attracts Wildlife
Want more birds, bees, and butterflies in your yard? Planting trees like crabapples or mulberries and flowers such as phlox, coneflowers, and lantana can turn your yard into a mini-wildlife sanctuary.
Adding birdhouses, birdbaths, or butterfly-friendly flowers enhances your landscape’s natural charm while supporting local ecosystems.
6. Low Maintenance, Big Impact
Contrary to popular belief, softscapes can be very easy to care for—especially with the right plants. Trees draw water from deep underground and rarely need extra watering once established.
Drought-tolerant plants like succulents thrive with minimal attention. As long as your area gets occasional rain, your softscape can practically take care of itself.
Bring Softscaping Home
Softscapes turn plain yards into personal retreats. Whether you want to reduce your environmental impact, improve resale value, or simply create a space where you can unwind, softscaping is the answer.
At Miller Greenscapes, we specialize in designing and installing custom softscapes for Minnetonka residents. Our experienced team will bring your vision to life with thoughtful planning and expert execution.
Call us today or schedule your free consultation—and start enjoying the beauty and benefits of nature right in your own backyard.