What is hard landscaping?

Hard landscaping refers to when grounds care professionals work on or renovate an outdoor space, focussing on all hard – generally man-made – materials.

Hard landscape materials

Some examples of common hard landscaping materials are:

• Brick walls
• Patios
• Stone features
• Fences
• Gravel
• Concrete

Benefits of hard landscaping

Hard landscaping is an essential part of landscaping overall because it provides practical solutions to meet the needs of a space. Not only does hard landscaping create boundaries and a platform but it also assists in the drainage, water diversion, erosion prevention and overall foundations for other features. Other features could be anything from soft landscaping elements to further hard landscaping additions such as statues and fountains.

What is soft landscaping?

The term ‘soft landscaping’ relates to the renovation or upkeep of all the soft materials in an outdoor space, that is, plants.

Soft landscape materials

Frequently seen soft landscaping examples include:

• Trees
• Hedges
• Bushes/shrubs
• Grass
• Flower beds
• Climbers

While not flora, ponds are also considered to be a soft landscaping element, although any stone or brick work that’s in place to surround the pond is hard landscaping.

Benefits of soft landscaping

Most would argue that it’s the soft landscaping that truly makes a space. Unless there’s a particularly attractive fountain, or an eye-catching statue, visitors will tend to notice the flowers, trees, or other plants that exist in an outdoor space.

As well as the aesthetic aspect, another benefit of incorporating plenty of soft landscaping elements into an outside space is that it helps to take care of ecological mitigation. The presence of a wide array of trees and other plants is likely to attract a wealth of birds, bees, insects, and other wildlife. By providing such species with a habitat, you help to protect the environment.

There is also plenty of evidence to suggest that being among plants is beneficial for human health. Mental health charity MIND advocates spending time in nature to reduce stress and anger, and enhance feelings of relaxation.

Creating a hard and soft landscaping plan

In general, most environments benefit from a blended hard and soft landscaping plan.

Durable, man-made elements like patios and gravel should be thought of as the bones of the space because it is these that will give a structure that will stand the test of time. Hard landscaping is usually needed to support the presence of soft landscaping, whether that’s through rockeries and flower beds or with brick walls that end up supporting climbers and other plants.

A mixture of well thought-out hard and soft landscaping helps to create an inviting, practical space which can be enjoyed by all those using it. Whether this is a residential garden, hotel grounds, or outside space surrounding offices, it’s important to consider how the area will be used and how it can be beneficial.

Questions to Consider with a Landscape Plan

When putting together a landscaping plan, it’s important to focus on how a space will be used. This will largely depend on the setting – is it residential or commercial? How many people live, work, or visit the space?

Other questions to ask include:

• Should there be an area for outdoor seating, and if so, how many people need to be accommodated? Does it need to be covered?
• Are there likely to be any domesticated animals visiting the space? If so, consider areas for them to relieve themselves and for them to eat. Dogs may also need a leash point.
• Will children be using it? There should be different areas to consider here, such as stimuli development and places for them to play.
• Does there need to be wide access to certain areas for those with mobility issues? If people are visiting with wheelchairs, can they safely navigate?
• Will the area be used for activities, such as sports, games, or meditation? Here, think about creating flat surfaces or separate areas for those doing sport.
• Do you want a low or high-maintenance outdoor space? How much time do you have to invest in it after creation?

When aspects like these have been duly considered, then it will be possible to determine what soft and hard landscaping elements should be included.

Popular hard and soft landscaping plans

Depending on the environment, popular landscaping plans will include:

• Bordering. This could be in the form of a wooden fence, brick wall, or even tree barriers
• A path or two
• A patio area for outdoor furniture
• Grass works well for most spaces because it is easy to maintain and soft underfoot, making it suitable for a range of activities

Other popular features include colourful flowers, attractive trees, shrubs and bushes.

How Grounds Care Group Can Help Your Landscaping

At the Grounds Care Group, our talented staff have experience in a wide range of landscaping. This includes specialist soft landscaping in both residential and commercial environments. We know what it means to create the best of both worlds, and how important it is to have both hardscaping and soft-scaping elements that work together harmoniously.

From turfing and tree planting, to erecting bespoke fencing, our teams are equipped with the experience and know-how to create the ideal outside space in a wide range of private and commercial sectors.

The post What Is the Difference Between Hard and Soft Landscaping? appeared first on Grounds Care Group.

Planting native trees is one of the most effective ways to support biodiversity, combat climate change and protect the UK’s natural heritage. Native trees are uniquely adapted to local conditions, require less maintenance and support more wildlife than non-native species.

In this guide, we explore the benefits of native trees, the environmental role they play and why planting them is more urgent than ever.

What Are Native Trees?

Native trees are species that have evolved naturally in a region over thousands of years. In the UK, this means trees that have been growing here since the last Ice Age, without human introduction.

Examples include oak, silver birch, rowan, hawthorn and Scots pine. These species form the backbone of Britain’s woodland ecosystems, supporting everything from insects and birds to fungi and mammals.

Why Are Native Trees Important?

1. They support wildlife

Native trees provide food, shelter and breeding habitats for hundreds of species. From nesting birds to pollinators like bees and butterflies, native woodland creates a complete ecological network.

2. They improve air quality

Trees absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen through photosynthesis. This helps reduce air pollution and slow the effects of climate change.

3. They prevent flooding and erosion

Tree roots help anchor soil and absorb rainwater, reducing surface runoff. This is vital for flood-prone areas and protecting waterways.

4. They require less maintenance

Because they are suited to local soil, climate and pests, native trees need fewer pesticides, less watering and less intervention overall.

How Trees Help Fight Climate Change

Trees act as carbon sinks, absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere and locking it into their roots, trunks and leaves. A single mature tree can absorb up to 22kg of CO2 per year.

Globally, scientists have identified 1.7 billion hectares of land suitable for reforestation. This space could support up to 1.2 trillion new native trees, with the potential to remove over 200 billion tonnes of carbon.

Planting trees isn’t just symbolic: it’s a practical, scalable solution to climate breakdown. But only if we plant the right species in the right places.

The Risks of Non-Native Species

Non-native or exotic trees may look appealing, but they can disrupt local ecosystems. These trees:

• May not support local insects, birds or fungi
• Can outcompete native species for light, space or nutrient
• May introduce pests or diseases from abroad

Planting non-native trees can unintentionally harm biodiversity. That’s why choosing native species is essential for long-term environmental resilience.

Benefits of Choosing Native Trees and Plants

Common UK Native Trees

There are native tree species for every soil type and setting, from woodlands and wetlands to parks and gardens. Some of the most common include:

• Oak – A keystone species that supports over 2,000 organisms
• Rowan – Popular in urban planting for its colour and berries
• Silver birch – Fast-growing and loved by insects
• Hazel – Produces nuts and is ideal for coppicing
• Hawthorn – Great for hedgerows and nesting birds
• Scots pine – The UK’s only native conifer
• Crab apple – Supports pollinators and birds
• Elder – Fast-growing and perfect for small gardens

These trees form the foundation of woodland ecosystems and are key to nature recovery across the UK.

Why Tree Planting Must Be Local and Monitored

Tree planting needs to be done with care. Recent years have seen a rise in pests and diseases entering the UK through imported saplings and untreated timber. These threats include:

• Ash dieback
• Oak processionary moth
• Sudden oak death
• Elm disease

To protect UK tree populations, always source trees grown and certified in the UK. Work with professional landscapers or tree specialists who understand planting conditions, local ecology and tree health.

When Is the Best Time to Plant Trees?

The best time to plant trees in the UK is between November and March, when trees are dormant. This allows roots to settle before the growing season starts in spring.

Bare root and root-ball trees are also cheaper during this period, making it ideal for large-scale planting projects.

How to Choose and Plant Trees

Consider:

• Soil type (clay, loam, sandy, acidic or alkaline)
• Available space (small garden, field margin, public green space)
• Local wildlife
• Visual impact throughout the year

Tips:

• Don’t plant too deep – tree roots need access to air and moisture
• Water newly planted trees for the first two summers
• Mulch around the base to suppress weeds and retain moisture
• Use tree guards if needed to protect from deer or rabbits

Grounds Care Group can assess your site and recommend the best tree mix for long-term success.

Threats to Native Trees in the UK

The UK has lost over 90% of its wildflower meadows and ancient woodlands in the past century. Native trees now face multiple pressures:

• Deforestation for agriculture and development
• Climate change and extreme weather
• Invasive species and imported diseases
• Habitat fragmentation

Estimates suggest that over the next 10 years, the UK could lose 150 million mature trees and 2 billion saplings to disease alone.

Planting and protecting native trees has never been more urgent.

Government and Charity Tree Planting Schemes

Several national projects are helping to increase tree cover in the UK:

• The England Tree Strategy – targets 11 million new trees
• Plant Britain (BBC Countryfile) – encouraging community planting
• Woodland Trust – offers free trees for schools and communities
• The Tree Council – funds tree planting and care initiatives
• Trees for Cities – focuses on urban tree planting projects

Grounds Care Group supports these initiatives and works with clients to turn outdoor space into climate-positive, wildlife-friendly landscapes.

How Grounds Care Group Supports Tree Planting

We help businesses, schools, local authorities and property managers to:

• Choose native trees that suit their space and soil
• Plant trees safely and professionally
• Maintain healthy trees through pruning, protection and monitoring
• Improve biodiversity on site
• Meet sustainability goals and support the environment

From soft landscaping to full-scale rewilding, our team is ready to make your grounds greener and more resilient.

Ready to Plant?

Native trees offer one of the simplest, most effective ways to fight climate change and support local wildlife. Whether you’re working on a large project or just want to add shade to a small space, we can help.

Contact us today to discuss your planting plans and bring more native trees into your landscape.

The post The Importance of Planting Native Trees in the UK appeared first on Grounds Care Group.