landscaping schedules

This guide to the understanding the correct order to install your landscaping should help you understand the landscaping process better. Understanding the landscaping process, when to install specific landscaping components, and why they need to be installed in a certain order is very important. Follow this schedule when installing your landscaping project.

Have a look at our Landscape Design page to learn how to create your own landscape design

Call before you dig
It is very important to have all of your utilities marked before you begin your landscaping project. Don't count on any utility line being out of the way unless you know for sure by having them marked. Stay within 1 meter when digging. Call the number below to have your utilities marked usually within 3 days. Chinook Landscaping Calgary contacts all utility companies on the customers behalf, and has utilities clearly marked before starting any project.

Rough grading of property
Rough grading of property is typically done with a bobcat and may have already been completed by your builder if you are in a newly constructed home. The rough grading helps you identify slopes, contours and drainage areas. During this process you can remove large boulders and rocks within the first foot of soil, to allow for a good growing base for trees and shrubs. This grading stage is very important, and should not be partially done. Leaving it not completely finished will make for a messy landscape project. Make sure to get the grading right throughout the entire property before moving on to the other landscaping components.

Installation of large caliper trees
Many people are not aware that large caliper trees can weigh as much or more than 1000 lbs. Most large trees have to be moved onto the property by bobcat or crane. You should not risk damaging your completed paving stones, retaining walls or other landscaping by bringing the large trees after your landscaping is completed. As well, the material resulting from the excavation for the tree is substantial and needs to be hauled out or used in another area on your property. Plan ahead and install these trees near the beginning of your landscaping to insure a smooth installation. visit: trees Calgary for photos of trees and shrubs that grow well in Calgary. You can also visit our Tree and shrub care page to learn how to care for your new trees.

Excavation for ponds, paving stones and retaining walls
Now is the time to excavate for the larger hardscaping projects like ponds, paving stones, and retaining walls. Excavations for these components can yield a surprising amount of material from your property, so you will need to decide where to put it or haul it out.
A small paving stone patio of 200 square feet diameter and 8 inches deep creates 5 cubic yards of material. Don't think 5 cubic yards is much? Well that will fill a large tandem dump trailer, or 40 wheelbarrows ! If you need extra fill for low spots around your property or under your deck etc, you can get rid of a lot of the material. The rest will have to be hauled out.

Installation of deck foundations
Mark and dig deck piles, pour concrete.

Click here to continue reading landscaping schedules

 

read more