With winter behind us and the ground beginning to thaw, spring becomes the perfect time to refresh your outdoor space – and hardscaping is a great place to start. From patios to pathways, spring offers ideal weather and soil conditions for tackling these foundational projects.

Globe Green is here to help you create your dream yard. As your premier landscaping and hardscaping company in Southern New Hampshire, we have put together a list of the five most common types of hardscaping typically done during spring, so you can feel inspired to create your own outdoor haven. 

1. Patios

Patios are one of the most popular spring hardscaping projects because they serve as the foundation for outdoor living spaces – perfect for entertaining, relaxing, or dining outside. Each material that goes into a spring patio project offers a different look, feel, and maintenance level:

• Concrete: It is cost-effective and durable, and it can be poured or stamped to mimic stone or tile. However, it requires sealing every few years.
• Pavers (Concrete or Brick): These are modular and easy to replace if they are damaged. They are available in a variety of colours and patterns, but are slightly more expensive than poured concrete.
• Natural Stone: If you want a high-end, timeless look, this material is for you. It is more expensive and labour-intensive, and you will need a solid base in order to avoid shifting.
• Gravel: This option is budget-friendly and quick to install. It offers a rustic or cottage-style aesthetic, and requires edging to prevent any spreading. 

Keep in mind that availability may vary by contractor, so it’s best to check with your chosen landscaping or hardscaping company to confirm which materials they offer.

Building a patio in the springtime in Southern New Hampshire is a good idea because this season has the ideal soil conditions for digging and laying foundations. There is also a higher availability of contractors before the peak summer demand, and your patio will be ready for use during warmer months so you do not have to wait to have family and friends over for backyard gatherings. 

2. Walkways & Pathways

Walkways and pathways are the unsung heroes of hardscaping. Not only do they guide movement around your property, but they also enhance your landscape’s overall design, safety, and curb appeal. Here are some design ideas to take into consideration:

• Straight Walkways: These are ideal for front entrances, sidewalks, or formal gardens. They are clean and symmetrical, and are aesthetically pleasing for your landscape.
• Curved or Meandering Paths: These are perfect for backyard gardens or wooded landscapes because they create a sense of exploration and flow, which is perfect for a flower garden.
• Stepping Stones with Groundcover: For a whimsical and low-maintenance aesthetic, this option is for you. These stones work well with moss, thyme, or gravel between them.
• Bordered Paths: Adding brick, stone, or metal along the edge of your pathways defines the space and keeps the materials in place, while enhancing its visual appeal and structure. 

In spring, the ground is thawed, which makes it easier for landscapers to dig and level the ground. This way, your walkways and pathways can be completed before the summer heat sets in and your plants begin to overgrow, and it helps set the tone for the rest of your landscaping. With your walkways taken care of, this gives you more time to integrate plants, mulch, or lighting around them.

3. Retaining Walls

Retaining walls are not just functional – they can also be a striking design element in your landscape. They are often essential in yards with slopes, helping to manage water runoff, prevent any erosion, and create usable space. Spring is a great time to install them because of the moderate weather and the post-winter soil shifts that can expose any problem areas.

Retaining walls can:

• Prevent Soil Erosion: They keep the soil in place on slopes and after any heavy rainfalls.
• Level Uneven Terrain: They create terraces or flat areas for planting, patios, or lawns.
• Improve Drainage: They can help redirect water flow away from foundations and other structures.
• Enhance Curb Appeal: For aesthetic reasons, they add structure, dimension, and architectural interest to your yard.

During this time of the year in Southern New Hampshire, the soil is soft enough to dig, but it is not waterlogged. Building retaining walls now can help correct drainage issues from the spring thaw or even rain, and they set the stage for planting in terraces or garden beds. 

4. Outdoor Kitchens & Grilling Stations

Outdoor kitchens and grilling stations are game-changers when it comes to creating a full-on backyard living experience. They transform your patio or deck into a place where you can cook, entertain, and hang out without running back and forth inside to your kitchen. Spring is the perfect season to build one so it is ready for summer BBQs, family dinners, or chill evenings with friends.

Depending on your space, budget, and how you like to cook, you can go simple or more extreme. The essentials for a basic grilling station are listed below:

• Built-in or freestanding grill (gas, charcoal, pellet)
• Counter space for prep and plating
• Storage cabinets or shelving for tools and utensils
• Outdoor-rated lighting for evening cooking

If you want something more, here are some upgrades for a full kitchen setup.

• Sink with running water (great for rinsing vegetables or cleaning up)

• Mini fridge or beverage coolers

• Pizza oven

• Side burners or power burner (for pots, sauces, or boiling seafood)

• Trash / recycling bins

• Warming drawers or food storage

• Bar seating or built-in dining area

In New Hampshire, the spring season brings mild weather, which is the perfect time for hardscaping contractors to get to work. It is easier to install gas and water lines when it is warmer and the ground isn’t frozen. Get everything ready before your summer grilling season!

5. Water Features

Lastly, water features are one of the most transformative elements you can add to your landscape. Whether you want a peaceful trickle or a bold waterfall centerpiece, they add movement, sound, and serenity to outdoor spaces. 

Here are some popular types of water features:

• Fountains: Typical styles include tiered, wall-mounted, bubbling urns, or modern minimalist bowls. Fountains are compact and easy to install, and are ideal for patios, entryways, or garden corners. They can be plug-in or solar-powered, and some recirculate water using a built-in pump. 
• Ponds: Natural ponds, koi ponds, or decorative shallow ponds are some examples of this type of water feature. Potential add-ons could include water lilies, goldfish/koi, or even aquatic plants. Remember to take into consideration that ponds will need filtration and oxygenation to stay clean and balanced.
• Waterfalls: These can be standalone or integrated into ponds or walls. They look great in sloped yards or retaining walls, and the sound of moving water can drown out traffic or neighbourhood noises. 

Spring is an ideal time to install one, since it allows your plants to grow around the feature and creates a calming environment before that brutal summer heat hits. The ground is workable after the winter freeze, making it easier to dig or set up plumbing, and the cooler weather helps prevent algae blooms during the initial setup.

Laying the Groundwork For a Spring Refresh With Globe Green

Spring is a season of growth and transformation, and that applies to your landscape, too. By investing in hardscaping projects like patios, walkways, and retaining walls, you are laying the groundwork for memorable summer moments.

If you’re looking to transform your property with top-tier hardscaping, Globe Green is the company you can trust. With a proven track record of excellence and countless satisfied clients across Southern New Hampshire, we’re ready to bring your outdoor vision to life. Contact us today to get started!