Tag: landscaping services

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Landscaping Calgary

What Sets us Apart from other Concrete Contractors in Calgary?

We are a full-service concrete company based in Calgary. We specialize in decorative concrete. We have a great reputation built on providing quality services to our customers. Our design team will work closely with you to create a functional as well as beautiful design to enhance your outdoor space.

We are one of the premier concrete contractors in Calgary as well as in surrounding areas. We work on your concrete curbing project from start to finish. We come up with a detailed approach towards the base preparation to the finished work of the concrete to ensure that every possible measure is taken into account for concrete curbing installation.

Why do you need concrete curbing?

concrete patio calgaryProject Landscape offers the best concrete curbing in calgary. If you have been looking at your rugged and unsightly landscape and you can’t decide whether you need to redesign the concrete curbing or not, we can offer you the best solution.

Curbing is a stone border that is installed to surround water features, gardens, and landscape edging.

The use of concrete curbing can be helpful in improving the appearance of your lawn and garden. After the installation of concrete curbing, your lawn will look sophisticated and aesthetically pleasing.

Besides improving the overall look and beauty of your landscape, concrete curbing in calgary also comes up with different other benefits. Following are some of the major benefits of concrete curbing:

Increase in value of the home value

In addition to improving the general appeal of the home, the installation of concrete curbing will make your home much easier to sell. Thanks to the beautiful curbs, you will easily get a home equity establishment and use it to improve the value of your home.

Less lawn maintenance cost

Installation of concrete curbing can also reduce weed encroachment into your garden. The creeping grasses and weeds are kept at bay with installed curbs. Curbs can work as surfaces against which you can easily eliminate stubborn weeds with lawnmowers.

Root barrier

If you allow the plants to grow without control, they will spread their roots all over the place and create bulges on the walkway. Installation of curbs is beneficial as it helps the roots to grow in an organized way. Well-placed curbs can remove the need for planting your garden flowers and plants in pots. Suburbs give plants the freedom to spread their roots except at the walkways.

Reduces the trimming effort

You might have notches that it takes less time to trim a law that is well organized with curbs as compared to the curbless lawn. Curbs can help you to reduce the trimming and mowing time for your garden.

Bottomline

Concrete curbing is one of the best things that you can do to your laws. It has numerous benefits. There is always a purpose for each curbing, and some purposes may be unapparent. For all types of curbing solutions, you can contact Project Landscape in Calgary. Let us know if you want to get more details about curbing in Calgary.

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Landscaping Calgary

How a Landscape Contractor in Calgary Can Bring Value to Your Home

Landscaping your Calgary property will bring you current enjoyment and, as a really big plus, adds significant value for resale.  Studies show that homes with professionally landscaped exteriors turn over quicker than those with self landscaped and much more rapidly than those with inadequate landscaping.  Curb appeal is everything.  It is the first thing a potential buyer notices and it improves the general tenor of your neighborhood.

Here are some of the top ideas that others have used to perk up their exterior.

Patio – First, less lawn to maintain.  This is often overlooked by the homeowner but can be a significant time saver each week in mowing and edging.  Patios extend the living space of the home and are almost a necessity for summer entertaining, birthday parties, and lounging.

backyard landscaping calgary Walkways – Using pavers and decorative rock gives your landscape texture and color options.  Instead of a vast expanse of green, you will see some tans and grays.  Simply pouring a concrete path or improving the steps into your home makes a huge difference.  You can then add decorative pots of plants to bring in pops of color.

Retaining Walls – If you have some sloping areas of your property, a retaining wall will help conserve the soil.  A retaining wall serves a dual purpose of adding to the safety of the area preventing rocks and earth from sliding downward as well as adding a decorative element to the landscape.  These retaining walls can be used for additional seating or as an additional element to place potted plants.  They can also be used to define a garden area for a flower garden.

Irrigation Systems – A real plus when selling your home is an underground irrigation system.  This is an operation of plastic pipes and sprinkler heads to water the lawn and gardens.  It is a convenience to avoid dragging a hose and sprinkler around the yard.  It can be pre-programmed to run only at certain times and to provide only the amount of moisture a specific area needs.  A sensor will automatically adjust the system to not run if sufficient rainfall has been in your area.

Fire Pit – Planning and constructing a fire pit should really only be handled by a professional.  Then you are assured of safety and still provide the ambiance you are trying for.  This amenity is often a turning point for a home sale since it extends the usability of the outdoors most any time of the year.

So, as you can tell landscaping and hardscaping are viable methods to increase the value of your home and its enjoyment while you are still living there.  You are upgrading the neighborhood.  Using Project Landscape professionals means you will end up with the quality product that will enhance your property.  We pay special attention to the other homes on the street and those adjacent so that you will align with the general tone of the community.  We have lots of ideas that can help you improve your property at reasonable and competitive prices.  It is an investment you should not overlook.

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Landscaping Calgary

Ways to Enjoy Your Snowy Backyard this Winter

Cold days and long nights are no reason to restrict yourself to the indoors during the winter months.  There are still a lot of ways to enjoy your backyard even in the snow.

Lighting

snowy yard calgaryThere are a lot of lighting options available in the market today including permanent outdoor light sets.  Choose from clear, white, or a set of colors that will work year round.  The strings of light will provide the illumination you want plus a bit of festivity

Warmth

There are some great ways to add heat to your patio or outdoor space.  Patio heaters are available.  They come in a number of shapes like wall mountings and infrared heat lamps.  You can add a fire pit that will run for your natural gas line, or portable units that are either electric or propane.

Outdoor fire places are more affordable than you may think.  Choose one that has a fire bowl to accommodate several large logs and a chimney that will send the smoke up and away from your eyes.  Once completely cooled, remove the ash from the removable bin and dispose of appropriately.  Some come equipped with a removable grill for a midnight hot dog snack.

Hot Tub

Hot tubs are not just for spas and ski resorts.  Give yourself a relaxing treat with a personal hot tub in your backyard.  Wear a hat to keep your body temperature regulated and to avoid chilly winter air from spoiling the experience.  Feel the daily stress melt away as your muscles relax.  Keep the tub illuminated at night for safety and keep up with the regular maintenance and cleaning.

Fire Pit

Fire pits are classic gathering points for a quiet discussion over s’mores or a gathering of neighbors or family.  Add hot cocoa, mulled wine, or flavored coffee and you have an instant party.

Furniture

There is plenty of garden furniture that is weather resistant like powder coated steel, teak and polyresin wicker.  You probably will want to bring the cushions and pillows indoors.  It is also a good idea to cover the furniture with secured tarps so that you just need to flip any snow off the furniture.  Keep blankets and throws in a chest near the patio door for easy retrieval and storage.

Grills

Grills work just fine in the winter.  Just be sure to position yourself to stay safe.  Be sure you keep fresh, dry charcoal on hand or a fresh tank of propane.  Then you can enjoy chicken or steak just like in the summer.  Catch up on some videos from cooking programs and find how you can make the whole meal on the grill.

If you have questions about any of these options or would like our help making them appear, just contact us at Project Landscape.  We have the experts ready to help you enjoy the outdoors no matter the season.

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Landscaping Calgary

Fire Pit Design Ideas

Fire pits are a very popular design idea for your home.  Enjoying the ambiance with family and friends, or just a solo period of quiet.  There are a lot of design ideas available.  From the perspective of safety, it is always best to have a professional build your pit.

When you are working with your landscape company, here are some ideas you need to consider so that you get the best value for your money.

The first idea is whether you want a wood burning pit or one that is powered by gas.  Sometimes this is dictated by where you want to install the pit.  With a gas pit, there will need to be lines to access the gas; wood burning pits need to be located a safe distance from your home as specified in fire laws and municipality regulations.  If you are not into managing the wood, including clean up and disposition of the ash, then think about using gas.  While there is somewhat less ambiance, there is something to be said about starting and stopping the fire with the push of a button.

Fire Pit Design Ideas in Calgary

fire pit design calgaryThere is a third option of a portable unit.  This also might be a good idea if you are still debating about whether you would like a fire pit.  You can always sell it and get most of your investment back.

Placement is probably one of main considerations.  Do you want it to be a focal point or in a more intimate setting?  You will need to be sure there is enough room for seating and tables.  How many people do you anticipate gathering around the fire pit?  This can determine both the size of the pit and the placement.  More people means a greater area allocated.

General wind direction should also be considered.  This will help determine how to place seating as well as where it is located to avoid smoke wafting over your vegetables or prize roses.

If you have had a fire pit in the past, how did you use it?  What would you change and what would you leave the same?  Likes and dislikes should have a significant impact on your choices.

Finally we get to the construction materials.  They have an inner wall made from fireproof material, usually fire brick.  The outer wall should still be heat resistant but there are more options like stone, pavers or heat resistant tiles.  Finally there is a cap or a flat surface around the top opening.

All of this and more will be covered by one of our Project Landscape professional designers.  We are well versed on the safety features to be considered as well as the aesthetic design you want to achieve.  Contact us today to discuss your own design and landscape options.  We will arrange an appointment to view the area and recommend the best and safest options for your needs.  After you have approved all the design and placement, our crew can come in and make your fire pit dream a reality.

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Landscaping Calgary

Landscape Design Change Tips

You have been staring at your landscaping and have come to the conclusion that it needs some work.  For residences it could be children grew up or arrived or grandchildren now come to visit.  Your tastes have changed.  Your lifestyle is different by retirement or remote working.  Your pastimes are different.  For commercial operations, the plants are looking bedraggled or it is just time for a change.

Whatever the reason, it is always best to work with a professional landscape design company here in Calgary. 

At Project Landscape we always start with a plan.  We discuss the ideas and dreams of our clients and spend time looking at the site.  We will probably take measurements and assess the plants and hardscaping that currently exists.  From that information we begin to develop the appropriate plans.  This usually involves a sketch.

calgary backyard design paversWe also start talking about plants and how they will integrate with the current architectural design, utilities and property lines, terrain and how you want your property to look when the work is done.  We discuss budget and offer alternatives.

If you are not sure what you would like to have in your garden, we usually suggest that you drive around the neighbourhood and make notes of what you do or do not care for.  The color palate you prefer.  In Calgary we have a number of different trees, shrubs and perennials that will thrive in our climate and soils.  We can help you decide so that you have varieties that will do well through the growing season.  Large items like trees should be considered for decades rather than a season and to plan for their growth and spread.

At Project Landscape we are professional landscapers in Calgary.  Each crew is supervised to provide our clients with the best possible outcome.  We have built our reputation on following through with our commitments and quality workmanship.

For either commercial or residential clients, walkways and patios are a popular option.  There are a number of materials to choose from like pave stones, exposed aggregate, and stamped concrete.  We work with you to decide the amount of traffic the area will take and how the materials will coordinate with the plants.  We can replicate or harmonize those materials with seating areas, retaining walls, and other surfaces.

Another area we concern ourselves with is the edging around the planting sites.  Defining the edges of your garden and blooms is very important to the overall appearance of the landscape.  We have options like a natural edging or creating berms with wood mulch.  There is also stack stone or natural stone that will tie into the paths or driveway.  One of the most popular choices is mowing pavers.  These are nice because your mower can just travel across them without harm to the paving or the mower blades.

So, if you are ready to embark on a new landscaping adventure, just contact us at Project Landscape.  We are happy to come and see your area and discuss all the possibilities.  Our rates are reasonable and competitive and we have lots of ideas to share with you.

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Fence Installation Calgary

The Importance of Fence Building in Calgary

There can be a number of reasons you are interested in having a fence on your property.  It protects you and your family from unwanted visitors as well as gives you a defined area for animals or even children.  It can help establish privacy or reduce noise or unattractive views.

At Project Landscape we have the know how to help you with your fence installation.  Our finished products are durable, functional and yet attractive.  We have experience working with residential, commercial, and agricultural areas.  We understand the various needs for industrial, recreational and even extensive acreage.

wood fence calgary installWe have access to a good choice of materials.  So, whether you are interested in something utilitarian or something ornate, our products include wood, vinyl, chain link, wire, plank, or ornamental metal.

Our crews are trained to be considerate of the environment as well as our customers’ property.  Our objective is to disturb as little of the adjacent plant life as possible.  From the planning stage through construction and final approval, we attempt to reduce waste and to complete the project to the satisfaction of our clients.

If you are considering adding a fence to your property but are wondering if it will actually be of value, here are some things to consider.

  • Privacy – Personal privacy is certainly something to be aware of.  Whether it is that solitary cup of morning coffee, the freedom to entertain, or the comfort to know that no one can see your children playing in the backyard, a fence can help maintain a hindrance to prying eyes.  Another factor is if you have dogs as pets.  Unnecessary barking at neighbors or passers by can be annoying and frustrating to the animals.  If this is the purpose of your fence, you should shy away from chain link, or other see-through materials.
  • Safety – Fencing can teach children and pets the importance of staying safe.  It prevents wandering into a road or investigating new areas.  Fencing around a pool area also restricts an accidental drowning.
  • Décor – Your landscaping maintains a reflection of your taste and decorative interests as much as interior wall hangings or furniture.  Choosing the right kind of fence will provide curb appeal, increase the value of your home, and provide the ambiance for outdoor entertaining.
  • Security – Probably the topmost reason.  Even areas with low crime rates can be victims of intrusion.  The right fence can help deter burglaries.  If you live in a rural area or near a wildlife preserve, it will prevent most wild animals from coming into your yard and causing damage.
  • Property Lines – Erecting a fence is the perfect way to denote your property from your neighbor’s.  We can arrange to have the property line surveyed and authenticated prior to a fence installation so that you will have documentation in the event of a dispute.

When you are ready to discuss fencing options, contact us at Project Landscape.  We will be happy to arrange for a convenient appointment so that we can take measurements and discuss your needs and options.

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Landscape Experts

Looking for a Concrete Retaining Wall in Calgary?

Retaining walls serve two purposes.  The first is structural to provide support to a vertical or steep slope.  The retaining wall will shore up the soil and prevent further erosion.  The second is the aesthetic of a landscape.  It can create a small garden or quiet area for respite.  It can coordinate or enhance the current landscape by providing a hardscape contrast.

retaining wall calgary Retaining walls can be constructed using a number of colors, dimensions, styles and materials.  They can be incorporated into raised patios or bridge gaps between levels of a yard.  Constructed correctly they are able to resist the lateral pressure of the soil and prevent damage to trees and structures.

One good choice for a retaining wall is one made from concrete.  There are, of course, advantages to other material usage, but here are some specific to concrete.

  • Strength – Concrete is incredibly strong, which is what you are looking for when you are trying to hold back a hill of dirt.  As the concrete completes the curing process, it will become even stronger.
  • Durability – A concrete wall can last for decades or longer.  This is important because you really don’t want to have it rebuilt every few years.
  • Resistance to the Elements – A concrete retaining wall won’t burn, rot, or rust.  Precast concrete can also withstand the freeze and thaw cycles found in Calgary’s winters.
  • Installation – Masonry will take time and the additional labor will mean additional cost.
  • Flexibility – Using concrete means you can create curves and angles with very little trouble.  It gives the ability to contour to the land and to create an area that will be harmonious with the other surroundings.
  • Appearance – Concrete is no longer the boring, smooth, gray rock.  You can color the concrete to whatever shade you want.  It can be finished to look like stone or a natural stone veneer added to the face.
  • Low Maintenance – There is not much to cleaning.  About once a year just tidy it up a bit.  Periodically check for any cracks or wear.  Patching is simple with some mortar.
  • Eco-friendly – Concrete does not emit any off gas allergens or dangerous chemicals.  It is largely made from natural materials like clay, limestone, or other mineral.  Normally the raw products are sourced locally.
  • Affordable – As compared with other building materials, concrete for a retaining wall is in about the middle of the price range.  That means you will be getting the best value for the money you spend.

There are three basic types of concrete wall construction.  There are concrete blocks, precast panels, or traditional poured in place.  You can choose the method that fits your situation and pocketbook.

If you would like to learn more about concrete retaining walls, just contact us through this website or give us a call.  We will be happy to discuss your situation.  If you like, we can come to your home or business to view the space and offer our opinion and estimate.

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Landscaping Calgary

Calgary Landscape Maintenance

Landscape maintenance in Calgary is significantly more than keeping the lawn mowed.  If it is beginning to feel overwhelming, consider a landscape maintenance company to help out.  Here are some of the services you can expect from Project Landscape.

Clean Up

In the spring our crew comes in to assess the current state of the yard.  We will remove any winter debris, aerate the turf, plant annuals, tidy up perennial beds, and deal with any additional plantings or maintenance necessary to make the landscape ready for the growing season.

In the autumn we can rake leaves, remove spent annuals, clean out tree wells, and prune hedges and shrubs to make them sturdy enough to handle the winter snow and ice.

Growing Season

lawn-maintenance-landscaping-calgary-5faebef65da82For the summer, we have a number of maintenance or special project teams that can help your area stay looking its best.  Weekly mowing, periodic watering, and appropriately timed fertilizing, weeding, pruning and trimming.  We can also remove excess litter and debris as necessary.

Clientele

At Project Landscape in Calgary we are pleased to service both residential and commercial customers.  Our clients include private homeowners, businesses and industrial parks, property managers, homeowner associations.  We can help with areas around condominiums and townhouses.  Ground maintenance like regular mowing as well as ancillary services like planting seasonal flowers, pruning trees, and shrub maintenance.

For turf we can provide top dressing and overseeding in the spring and possibly the fall.  Besides a regular mowing schedule, we can edge the lawn, treat for weeds and provide fertilizing.  We have experts who are willing to discuss the current state of the landscaping.  If a change is warranted or if you feel the need for some updating, we can help you redesign the landscape and offer suggestions for new plants or trees.  We can remove the old growth and add new plants or completely start from scratch to help your outside look lovely.  Curb appeal is important to maintain solid relations with your neighbors or to be in compliance with homeowner association regulations.  We make it easy for you.

The Process

Our initial consultation will include looking at your property and discussing your plans.  We use active listening to incorporate your ideas and requirements.  Relying on our years of experience we will be able to offer suggestions and alternatives.

After we have settled on a scope of work, we can estimate the labor and any equipment that will be necessary.  We will prepare a bid for your approval.  Then we can set dates for the work to commence.

For ongoing maintenance, it will be similar except that will we set up a schedule for the regular services.  The periodic or seasonal work will be scheduled based on weather conditions and the work to be performed.

It is just this easy.  Contact our office and discuss your ideas with one of our representatives.  We can then move forward and schedule an on-site visit.

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Landscaping Calgary

Looking for a Landscape Maintenance Company?

If you are looking for someone to handle your landscape maintenance in Calgary, you are probably starting by using Google, Bing or other search engine.  Here is what you will find.  The first three to five will be ads and the next several will be large companies.  That is because the larger entities have hired marketing companies to use specific words that will trigger the response.  An alternative is to click on the next page to find more Calgary-local companies that will give you a better variety.

Landscape Maintenance Company Search Tips

First look at the photos of their work.  If all the plantings look similar you will realize that they perform the same maintenance on the same type of shrubbery or turf.  If you have something different in your yard, you may want to be sure they can handle the diversity and know how it should be handled.  Also, if you want to look like every other house on the block, go with this company.  However, if you have a landscape design with some unique elements, keep looking for a gallery that maintains a natural look while still keeping your personality or architectural preferences.

Consultation

lawn maintenance calgary There are some things to watch out for during the meeting.  Start with courtesy.  If they were not on time, did they explain why?  Listen to the questions they ask.  Besides asking what you wanted from their service, did they ask why you have decided to opt for maintenance or why you were changing providers?  Maintaining eye contact is important.  If they keep looking around, they may not comprehend what you are trying to say.  Do they explain too much?  That includes telling your basics that anyone should be aware of.

When they look at your area, do they take photos or measurements?  Have they asked about how you use the space, i.e. entertaining, kids’ play area, dog run, etc.

Be wary of online reviews and testimonials.  Instead ask for names, phone numbers, and addresses.  If you can speak directly with a customer, you will have a better feel for reality.

Compare Estimates

The lowest price is not always the best deal.  You need to examine the value you will receive for the money you pay.  Realize that the amount you are paying does not go directly into someone’s pocket.  They need to cover expenses like good insurance, wages, and equipment.  By the way, if you get a chance to see their equipment notice if it is well maintained.

Choosing the right landscape maintenance company can pose challenges, but with some careful homework you can make the best choice.

At Project Landscape we put the customer in the forefront.  We make every effort to give you the service you deserve.  If there are problems, we want to know about them as soon as possible so that we correct anything you are not satisfied with.

Our goal is to have you as a satisfied client.  To hear more about our services, contact us today.

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Landscape Experts

Effective Fall Clean Up Tips For Your Garden

When it comes to preparing your garden this fall, we have a few tips to share with you. We do not necessarily have to prune everything down and rip up our gardens. Start by cleaning up your yard in Autumn as the weather is cooler and there are fewer insects. Below we have shared some fall clean up tips that will help you along the process:

Clean Out The Debris

As the trees shed their foliage, you must regularly rake to take out dead leaves and other forms of debris that might be smothering the grass and prevent the growth.

Organic waste such as weeds and leaves can provide space for pests such as groundhogs, mice, etc.

fall cleanup tips calgaryFertilize Your Lawn

During the autumn months, you can fertilize your yard to facilitate root growth and prepare it for the next growing season. If you wait until the spring, the fertilizer will prove to be less effective. During the fall, your grass needs to replenish for summer heat and can best use the nutrients of fertilizers.

Use a fertilizer or turf builder that is especially used for winterizing lawns. When you seed a lawn, you want the seeds to grow without competing for nutrients from the weeds. Don’t wait until spring when weeds grow to address this issue; rather, treat it in the fall itself.

Remove Dead Trees and Shrubs

If you notice any shrubs that do not seem to be growing, then it might be time to take them out. But before that, look for any signs of life by scratching the bark at its base and check if there is any greenery.

If no green colour appears, then it is a dead shrub. And it is best to remove it before the ground hardens. This will provide more room for new trees, plants and shrubs to grow.

Check the pH Level of the Lawn

Autumn is the perfect time to make sure that your lawn continues to be healthy for the next year. Get a soil test to determine whether or not your garden soil has the ideal pH or nutrient levels for necessary growth. If the soil is too acidic, you will need to add more lime, whereas if it is too alkaline, you shall add sulfur.

Aerate Your Lawn

When you aerate the lawn, it works to remove the thatch, increase the soil compaction, and improve the overall appearance of the grass. Heavy organic debris or excessive thatch under the grassy surface can deprive the root of vital elements such as water, air, etc. According to Calgary Landscaping experts, autumn is the best season to aerate your lawn. It gives enough time for grass to heal and fill open areas.

There you have it, some effective fall clean up tips that will make your lawn ready for spring. If you’re looking for more landscaping tips, contact our calgary landscaping experts today.