The 70/30 rule in gardening and landscaping suggests that approximately 70% of your landscape should be planted areas (lawn, beds, trees, shrubs), while 30% should be hardscape (patios, walkways, driveways). This ratio creates visual balance and ensures enough green space for environmental benefits while providing functional outdoor living areas. For Oklahoma homeowners, this principle helps create landscapes that are both beautiful and practical for our climate. Complete Lawn Care has helped Tulsa homeowners maintain the planted portions of this balance for 25 years.
Understanding the 70/30 Balance
The 70% (Softscape/Planted Areas):
Lawn: Often the largest component, providing open space, play areas, and visual continuity.
Garden beds: Flower beds, shrub borders, and planting areas that add color and texture.
Trees: Provide shade, vertical interest, and environmental benefits.
Ground covers: Low-maintenance alternatives to lawns in difficult areas.
The 30% (Hardscape):
Patios and decks: Outdoor living and entertaining spaces.
Walkways: Paths connecting different areas of the landscape.
Driveways: Functional surfaces for vehicles.
Retaining walls and structures: Functional and decorative hard elements.
Why the 70/30 Ratio Works
Visual appeal: Too much hardscape looks harsh and industrial. Too little makes a yard feel unfinished or hard to use. The 70/30 balance feels natural and inviting.
Environmental benefits: Planted areas absorb rainwater, reduce heat, filter air, and support wildlife. Excessive hardscape creates runoff problems and heat islands.
Property value: Well-balanced landscapes with healthy lawns and appropriate hardscape increase home values more than extremes in either direction.
Functionality: The 30% hardscape provides necessary functional space, while the 70% softscape offers flexibility for activities and aesthetics.
Adapting the Rule for Oklahoma
Oklahoma’s hot summers and variable rainfall may tempt homeowners to increase hardscape and reduce lawn. While some adjustment makes sense, going too far creates problems:
Heat concerns: Concrete and stone absorb and radiate heat. A yard with too much hardscape becomes unbearably hot in summer. Grass and plants cool the air through evapotranspiration.
Drainage issues: Oklahoma’s clay soil already drains poorly. Excessive hardscape worsens runoff problems and can cause flooding.
Smart alternatives: If lawn maintenance is a concern, consider drought-tolerant Bermuda grass, efficient irrigation, or professional lawn care rather than eliminating green space entirely.
Other Gardening “Rules” Worth Knowing
Rule of thirds: Divide visual space into thirds for more interesting compositions. Place focal points at intersection points rather than dead center.
Right plant, right place: Choose plants suited to your specific conditions (sun, soil, water) rather than fighting nature.
Odd numbers: Plant in groups of 3, 5, or 7 rather than even numbers for more natural-looking arrangements.
Complete Lawn Care: Maintaining Your 70%
For 25 years, Complete Lawn Care has helped Tulsa homeowners maintain the living, breathing heart of their landscapes. Our 7-step program keeps your lawn healthy, green, and thriving through Oklahoma’s challenging seasons. Combined with our weekly mowing and landscape maintenance services, we ensure your softscape looks its best year-round. A well-maintained lawn is the foundation of the 70/30 balance, and we’re here to make that easy.
Contact Complete Lawn. Care:
Phone: (918) 605-4646 | Email: [email protected] | Online: completelawncaretulsa.com/get-a-quote