As we write this article, winter is already well underway. The leaves have fallen, the pools are closed, and the lawn is buried under a thick layer of snow. As general contractors, we continue our work, but our landscaping service is in its off-season. Working outside in winter is not ideal, and many customers prefer to wait. However, for our clients, this shouldn’t be the slow season. In fact, starting to plan your landscaping in winter will allow you to begin work early in the year, in March or April. This will give you an outdoor space that is ready and tested for the warm season.
In this article, we answer the question of how to plan your landscaping to make the most of your summer.
1. What are your goals for your landscaping?
Before you start your landscaping project, it’s important to consider your lifestyle and family situation. Landscaping needs vary greatly depending on your specific situation.
For example, if you have young children, you may want to consider games and play sets. If you are older and enjoy hosting extended family for dinner, you may want a barbecue area or a furnished gazebo for chatting with friends. For young children, you may also want to consider an in-ground pool.
In any case, it’s important to think about what you want so that your landscape architect or general contractor can offer you solutions.
2. Consider the unique features of your property
An important part of your landscaping project is influenced by the specific features of your property. This obviously includes the size (which is easy to check, but should not be overlooked), as well as the topography of the site. Do you have uneven ground or rocky soil? These factors can have a significant impact on the possibilities for your property.
The climate is also a factor to consider. Some dream landscapes that can be found online are simply not possible in Quebec. The local climate limits the options for flowers, plants, and trees that you can consider for your yard. It is always possible to import certain plants, of course. However, exotic plants are more prone to disease or problems that affect their appearance and growth. We always recommend prioritizing local, non-invasive plants.
3. Choose materials, colours, and appearance carefully
When planning your landscaping, aesthetics are crucial. You need to make sure that the colours of your paving stones match the materials of your home, and whether you want to work with materials such as brick, wood, or concrete.
What’s more, there’s the question of the plants and vegetation that will feature in your landscaping project. By choosing appropriate plants, such as flowering shrubs to add color, trees to provide shade on hot July afternoons, or cedar hedges to offer privacy, you can give your backyard or yard a strong character.
We recently produced a list of inspiration for your landscaping projects, which could help you find your creative spark.
In any case, consider working closely with a landscaper, who has access to a wide range of cost-effective materials and products. A landscaper will also have the expertise to give you a realistic quote and timeline.
4. Plan your schedule
Finally, once the plans have been approved, the plants chosen, and the materials purchased, it’s time to take action. To ensure an efficient project, work closely with your landscaper. This will allow you to plan your project and set deadlines to meet. In addition, this will allow you to contact all the professionals needed to do the job, such as an electrician for certain fixtures, a landscape architect if you have had plans drawn up, or carpenters to work with wood.
However, it is important to allow for buffer periods to catch up on work. Even a few days of heavy rain can be enough to derail a well-planned project. Mother Nature is the final judge of a landscaping project, and some projects may require specific conditions, such as dry soil.
What’s more, a construction site at your home may require your availability. You will undoubtedly need to take some time off work or make arrangements with your family to complete this major project.
5. To plan your landscaping project, contact an expert landscaper
First and foremost, however, we recommend that you speak with a landscaper in Montreal. If you have a project in mind, we have the expertise to implement it and plan your landscaping alongside you. It’s also a good idea to get quotes from experts to sometimes “come back down to earth” and find out how much time your project will take and what work can be done for your budget. To avoid surprises, it’s essential to talk to experienced professionals who can guide you through the process. You can plan your landscaping, and we can do it for you.