softscapingn.
/ˈsɒf(t)skeɪpɪŋ/, U.S. /ˈsɔf(t)ˌskeɪpɪŋ/, /ˈsɑf(t)ˌskeɪpɪŋ/ Originally U.S.
Vegetation as an element of landscape design, as distinct from constructed features such as walls, paths, etc.; the action or process of providing an area with softscape features. Cf. softscape n., soft landscaping at soft adj. 35.
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1986 Final Environmental Impact Statement Oakland Technol. Park (Mich.) k6 Erosion control for slopes on site will be provided utilizing..intercepting swales protected with hard or soft scaping.
1994 N.Y. Times 31 July (Real Estate section) 5/1 These jobs are known as ‘hardscaping’ vs. ‘softscaping’, which is planting trees, shrubs and flowers.
2012 C. McLaughlin Compl. Idiot's Guide Small-space Gardening i. iv. 65 The major stuff—walls, decks, big fountains, and the like—is for the most part permanent and unmovable. Softscaping is then planted around these anchored structures.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, December 2016; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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n.1986