These days, it seems like there is an app, program, or software designed to help people do most things themselves. So, it may come as no surprise that there are plenty of online and phone app options that have been developed to help gardeners and landscapers alike plan and execute the perfect design for their yard.

As it turns out, landscaping software can save homeowners time and money when it comes to planning and executing their outdoor projects. There are a variety of different landscaping programs available on the market, each with their own unique benefits and uses. Let’s look at some of the most popular landscaping programs and how they could be helpful to both landscaping companies in Calgary, and the modern homeowner.

Landscape Design Software

Designing your own landscape can be a daunting task, especially if you’re not sure where to begin. That’s why there are several types of landscape design software available for homeowners. These software packages give users an easy way to plan out their landscaping project from start to finish. Some of these programs even have 3D renderings so that you can get an accurate view of what your finished project will look like before you start working. Keep in mind that it’s not just people who like DIY projects who use this software, but professional landscaping companies in Calgary, too.

Garden Planning Software

If you have a garden in your yard, then garden planning software can help make sure that all your plants are properly spaced and in the right location for optimal growth. With this type of software, you simply input the types of plants you want to grow, and it will generate a plan based on those parameters. This type of program is especially useful for people who are just starting out in gardening as it takes some of the guesswork out of planting and caring for your garden. If you find yourself overwhelmed, even with the help of a program, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your local landscaping company – they’ll be able to help you work out any problems you encounter.

Irrigation System Software

An irrigation system is one of the best ways to keep your lawn looking its best throughout the year, but setting up such a system can be complicated. Fortunately, there are several irrigation system designs available through various landscaping software packages that will make installing an irrigation system much easier. These programs offer detailed instructions on how to set up your system correctly so that it runs efficiently while conserving water at the same time. Need professional help? Between working with a Calgary landscaping company and some great gardening software, you should be able to develop whatever garden plan you’ve been dreaming of.

Final Thoughts

Using landscaping software is an efficient way for homeowners to plan and execute their outdoor projects without spending too much time or money on them. Whether it’s designing a new landscape or setting up an irrigation system, these programs offer detailed instructions that anyone can follow to get the job done quickly and correctly. So, if you’re looking for an easy way to spruce up your yard without breaking the bank, consider taking advantage of landscaping software today!

Transform your home and increase its value and curb appeal while working with the best landscape company in Calgary with Tazscapes. Our award-winning team of landscape contractors and designers is recognized for creating and delivering stunning landscape designs in Calgary that are beautiful, functional and affordable. We offer various services, including landscape design, residential, commercial and acreage landscaping, hardscaping, such as retaining walls and concrete patios, and softscaping, such as sod and artificial grass installation. Our eye for details, meticulous planning and unique landscaping methods and eye-catching results is why we’re a two-time Consumer Choice Award Winner. Contact us today at 587-578-0747 or [email protected].

Have you ever walked along with a neighbourhood and noticed the front of a home with a water feature? Or have you ever been over to a friend’s backyard to see cobbled pathways leading to their garden? If so, most likely, they found a landscape design in Calgary that they liked and brought their vision to life.

Yet, what exactly is the point of landscape design? Get the answers here and see if landscape design might be for you!

Residential backyard with koi pond, waterfall, and stone steps to patio.

What is Landscaping?

Before you understand the purpose of landscape design, you need to know what landscaping is first. For the most part, landscaping involves working towards altering the visible features surrounding a land’s area, which can range from commercial and residential buildings. 

The changes come in various ways. You can add living elements, known as ‘softscaping,’ which refers to plant materials, sod or groundcovers like mulch and decorative rock to give an attractive look through the greenery. Complementing softscaping, you have ‘hardscaping’ that utilises materials such as paving stores, concrete, and decks. Typically, this is where you see most landscape construction and installation. 

When these two landscaping approaches come together, they’re used as the resources and tools for creating your landscape project.  

What is the Point of Landscape Design?

Landscape design is incredibly important since it’s the initial step before working on the project. It’s all about mapping out how you want to execute your landscaping project. In which case, many opt for reaching out to landscape designers in Calgary since they can compile a detailed plan on what your space will look like upon completion. 

After all, the end goal of landscaping your property’s area is to enhance its aesthetic appeal to meet the vision you have in mind. If you want the successful execution of your landscaping project, you must plan and prepare for it effectively. 

What’s Good About Landscape Design?

There are several benefits to landscape design. Beyond being an essential first step in landscaping, it can help you save money and free you of any stress in the long run. 

How so? When you don’t have a plan (essentially a landscape design), you risk making mistakes that can end up being costly. Instead, you and the designer can scope out your space thoroughly through a landscape design before getting to work and prevent any issues from occurring. 

For example, if you’re planning a water feature, it’s good to have a landscape design you’ve run through with a designer since the design will factor in any underground water lines you need to avoid to get the project done. Plus, having a landscape design already gives you an effective timeline of the project’s work and completion deadline. 

You honestly can’t go wrong with having a landscape design. You can guarantee it through your dream landscaping project coming to fruition! 

Transform your home and increase its value and curb appeal while working with the best landscape company in Calgary with Tazscapes. Our award-winning team of landscape contractors and designers is recognized for creating and delivering stunning landscape designs in Calgary that are beautiful, functional and affordable. We offer various services, including landscape design, residential, commercial and acreage landscaping, hardscaping, such as retaining walls and concrete patios, and softscaping, such as sod and artificial grass installation. Our eye for details, meticulous planning and unique landscaping methods and eye-catching results is why we’re a two-time Consumer Choice Award Winner. Contact us today at 587-578-0747 or [email protected]

Landscaping is a great way to spruce up your home’s surrounding area. It transforms it into a visual feast for the eyes and lets you be creative about the land around your home. With so much that can go into it, how much would it all cost for landscaping in Calgary?

If you want to dip your toes into landscaping but are uncertain about the price, read on – check out below how much it can cost and why! 

The Cost of Landscaping in Calgary 

Many elements make up the overall price of landscaping. Consider these factors before contacting landscaping companies or contractors. It can help you determine how much you should budget for a project and what would be the best avenue to take for it. 

The Value in Landscaping

Landscaping can seem like a pricey project to undertake. Yet, so many choose to do so – why is that? For the most part, homeowners choose to do so as an aesthetic extension of their home. Who wouldn’t like to have a lovely-looking property? Speaking of good-looking property, adding some landscaping to a home you intend to sell can significantly increase its value. Therefore, you can expect to price your property at a higher asking price for any potential buyers and receive a big profit from doing so.

Landscaping Cost Factors 

There is no real fixed cost for landscaping. Certain factors affect how much you might spend, such as your property size, certain materials, labour costs, and the type of work you would like. Plus, it depends on how landscaping contractors charge you – which can either be an hourly rate or per square foot. 

But to give an idea of average costs, you can expect to pay as low as $3,000 to as high as $100,000. 

When budgeting for a landscaping project, it’s suggested to pay 10% of your home’s value, so you’re not overspending or low balling the quality of the property since landscape work can add a lot of value to a place. 

A Landscaping Quote

At the end of the day, your best bet to understand how much a landscape design in Calgary will be is to reach out to professionals. They can accurately give you a quote by breaking down the costs of what the overall total would come to for your project. To budget better for your landscaping project, compare quotes with other businesses and their portfolio work to see if it’s affordable for you and suits your tastes and if you appreciate the work quality.

Transform your home and increase its value and curb appeal while working with the best landscape company in Calgary with Tazscapes. Our award-winning team of landscape contractors and designers is recognized for creating and delivering stunning landscape designs in Calgary that are beautiful, functional and affordable. We offer various services, including landscape design, residential, commercial and acreage landscaping, hardscaping, such as retaining walls and concrete patios, and softscaping, such as sod and artificial grass installation. Our eye for details, meticulous planning and unique landscaping methods and eye-catching results is why we’re a two-time Consumer Choice Award Winner. Contact us today at 587-578-0747 or [email protected].

Your Calgary yard is your personal sanctuary, but how do you even begin to think of backyard landscaping ideas that will optimize your space? 

Here’s a quote you have probably already seen elsewhere on our website, but I’ll write it again:

“What is it about the landscape that awakens the deepest response in us?

Surely it is the very unity of existence.

The sense of the sublime of something far more deeply infused, whose dwelling is the light of the setting suns, and the round ocean, and the living air, and the blue sky, and the mind of man;

a motion and a spirit that impels all thinking things, and objects, and all thoughts, and rolls through all things.

We cannot be anything other than related, for every atom that makes up our constantly changing bodily form comes from the same source as the mountain, lake, bird, and fish.”

 – LEATHERS, 1980

One of the things I learned during my landscape design training was the importance of connecting our senses to our natural surroundings.

Designing for residential home-owners is always a challenge. Seeking to evoke primary human senses such as sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste in someone’s Calgary yard isn’t an easy task.

In years of doing this, I’ve come to realize that by letting budgets hold me back, I tend to lack creativity. I become yet another landscaper who installs a 12’ circle patio and fire pit and hopes clients will bite.

How ridiculously boring.

In successfully running my own Calgary landscaping company, I’ve learned that I have to let my creativity run. Instead, I focus on presenting what I call the “Maserati” of designs to the client and let them tell me they’d rather have a Toyota.

Don’t get me wrong; I understand that no one would say no to a Maserati if they could afford it. But at the same time, ask yourself how many times you bought something you really couldn’t afford but just had to have it.

Exactly. Striking a primordial cord into my client’s emotions is critical. I hope to show them what they can have in their own Calgary yard every single day and, why they don’t need to travel miles and miles away on vacation every year.

 

Instead, they can invest that money into their own personal sanctuary.

I initially got this concept stuck in my psyche when I first moved to Calgary about five years ago. A high-end client told me that she and her husband sold their multi-million dollar business and retired.

Her husband told her she had two choices:

  1. He can buy her a house in Palm Springs, and they can go there for six months out of the year to avoid the cold Calgary winters.
  2. They can develop their 5 acres or 2-acre backyard.

Her response to him was: “I don’t like to travel.”

Here are a few examples of creative, “Maserati” landscape designs we at Tazscapes have proposed to our clients. We wanted to show them that the possibilities are endless if they genuinely wish to make their Calgary yard their own personal island:


Project #1: Decked Out Calgary Yard

Located in Aspen Woods, Calgary, our clients had an existing pressure-treated deck that they used quite often. It was a 12’ x 24’ deck, but it wasn’t big enough to entertain some of their high-end business associates. 

They also didn’t have any room for a hot-tub they were hoping to install. So, they contacted us to propose backyard landscaping ideas that would accomplish all of their needs.

I followed my foundational design concept of ideal destination points: cooking, dining and lounging. Having these focal points at different levels, I  suspended the beam structure overhead and connected each element. This was the most efficient way to bring coziness to the space.

I also made sure that they would have all their requirements fulfilled. There was an area for an outdoor kitchen, a central space for dining and a grand area for lounging and entertaining. 

By bringing in the overhead pergola structure, I not only connected each area but allowed for an experiential transition between each space. I accentuated it by adding a plexiglass bridge that would let visitors walk over a dry creek bed to get to the grand lounging deck.


Project #2: The Garden Bar

Located in Bearspaw, Calgary, the clients of this residence had an existing gazeebo they wanted to be refurbished. During a consultation, I learned that they wanted more than a gazeebo – they hoped to create an outdoor retreat. At the end of our conversation, I suggested that they essentially want a living room outside, and they agreed.

As a Calgary landscaping expert, I always ensure that my game is in tip-top shape so I can impress my clients with a unique and custom landscape design.

I designed a gazebo structure that had everything they would ever need right inside. A central fire pit featuring a built-in chimney to release smoke would give the space a hint of primal nature that would evoke their senses.

We also installed a bar/kitchen top that surrounded them, along with two TVs so they could sit back and enjoy an evening around the fire.

And yes, the client used to work as an executive at Shaw Cable – the salesman in me had to throw that in there!


Project #3: The Subtle Picturesque Garden

This one was one of Tazscapes’ more lucrative projects.

When I met the client, she was extremely frustrated with the space she originally had. It was small and – sorry to say –  it was ugly.

She mentioned her inability to come up with decent patio and landscaping ideas for such a small space.

In the past, she had a couple of landscape contractors and “trained” landscape designers in Calgary come into her Calgary yard to give her some ideas. She even paid a landscape designer to draft a detailed drawing for her.

When she showed me the design, I shook my head in disbelief. It just didn’t make any sense.

It consisted of a lot of decking for such a small space, especially since the clients were a young couple looking for a low-maintenance, classic garden feel.

The client wanted a Calgary yard in which she could spend hours enjoying the sun. She also hoped to gain something aesthetically pleasing that she could see from her existing concrete patio, and from her kitchen inside. As a landscape design expert, I heard this as, “I want to be able to simulate my senses after a long day at work.”

I knew there was little to no space for grass. With the square footage being so small, I suggested artificial turf (fake grass landscaping). I also knew we needed a feature piece. She already had a concrete patio, and judging from my consultation, she didn’t need anything elaborate to entertain lots of guests.

Clearly, she wanted a personal oasis. I proposed a water feature bubbler so that the calming sounds can give her the tranquillity she was looking for. With vivid green grass (albeit, synthetic) in conjunction with the surrounding plant material, we were able to fill her small space with life and serenity. It couldn’t have been more of a personal sanctuary.


Project #4: Backyard Beach Resort

Clients in Priddis, Calgary came to me when they acquired this new home.  With a lake backing their yard, they asked how they can create a personal retreat. They mentioned that they wanted to take advantage of the water by incorporating a beach for their kids. The clients also said that they had many people push acreage landscaping ideas that they weren’t particularly happy about.

As a reputable company, we take pride in ensuring that each client gets the most thought-out landscape design proposal possible. We went right to work on this project to come up with truly custom and unique landscaping ideas.

I proposed to create a beach resort in their backyard that was so serene; it would lead them to believe that they could enjoy an all-inclusive vacation anytime they wanted. I also strived to make sure they had everything they would need – from dining with the family to entertaining a large group of friends – all while taking advantage of the lakeside view.

Since the family had a passion for fishing, I designed a custom dock that gave them ample space for various activities. The final result imitated the amenities of an all-inclusive resort.

Having a vision for spaces is critical when designing. It doesn’t need to be highly complex or extravagantly expensive. Rather, it needs to serve a function for your everyday life.

Landscaping companies in Calgary often conform to the same things over and over again. Thus, it’s critical for anyone willing to invest their hard-earned dollars to demand a detailed and creative landscape design proposal from their landscaping contractor. 

Contact Tazscapes Inc today and find out how we can make your Calgary yard your own personal island!

Calgary backyard patio landscaping ideas

When proposing backyard landscaping ideas for your Calgary landscape design, you have to first establish what your ideal destination point is.

What will that perfect space help you accomplish? Will you be cooking there, lounging, or using it as a dining area? What about all three?

I spoke about the importance of establishing your destination points in earlier blogs, but it needs to be known from the onset otherwise everything else won’t make sense!

Patio spaces are often built out of manufactured stones and recommended for outdoor residential landscaping. This is because of its multi-use functionality and aesthetic quality that most home-owners appreciate.

We compiled 6 tips to achieve picture-perfect patio and landscaping ideas that you can use to amp up your Calgary yard today!


Tip #1: Location

Your patio location is important - keep it closeThink about where you want your new patio space. More often than not, you should keep it close to the house. This makes for easy access in case you’re going to be using it for barbequing or outdoor dining.

After all, there’s no need to force yourself to walk long distances to bring dishes or drinks out– especially if you barbeque during the winter.

If your patio will be a lounging area or, for example, you want to build a small fire-pit for parties with friends; it should be further away from the house. Design an exciting transition space for the way there, i.e. create an experiential journey to your destination.

Pay attention to where you are placing this patio because it will speak profoundly to the functionality of your overall backyard landscaping design.


Tip #2: Scale

Your Calgary patio size will make a differenceThink about the size of the patio in conjunction with the scale of your house and property. Then answer the vital question: How many people are going to be using the space at any given time?

Pace it out, stake it out or paint it out. Do what you have to so you can visualize the space and understand the scale of the proposed patio.

The last thing you want is to have the patio constructed and realize it’s too small. This includes considering both its functionality and aesthetic, (i.e. a 10’ diameter patio on a 4-acre lot – don’t laugh, I’ve seen it before).

This is where experienced deck builders in Calgary can help you visualize the patio you don’t just want, but the one your lot needs.


Tip #3: Form

Beautiful Calgary Landscaping - Select from 2 formsThere are mainly two foundational forms (or shapes) you can tailor your backyard patio ideas to: rectilinear or curvilinear.

I always recommend the clients to assess what look they are going for. Take a glance at your house- is it a contemporary or modern home? If so, you should probably stay rectilinear – it’ll match the style a lot better. If it’s traditional, then a curvilinear form would look a lot nicer.

You can also combine the two, though that requires some careful design lines for the blend to look flawless. Yes, lines matter: there is a whole book dedicated to it called, you guessed it, Lines by Tim Ingold.


Tip #4: Transition

A transition between different focal points will make a big differenceHow do you establish these destination points (assuming your patio has multiple facets)? Your patio can have levels or elevation changes.

You can surround your patio with softscaping, so it doesn’t feature an abrupt start or end. Adding retaining walls to separate different destination points also works well.

A transition between different focal points will make a big difference in the overall perspective of the space.


Tip #5: Material

Explore your options and select your materials wiselyChoose your stone, including the colour and the pattern of the stone, with immense thought behind it. Don’t just choose the stone your landscaper tells you to. Chances are they’re thinking about keeping their costs low and time fast, so trust your preferences.

Explore your options and select wisely because attention to detail will set your backyard landscaping apart from others. Go through stone manufacturer websites and catalogues to see ones that stand out at you. Then, visit a landscape supply store near you and look at samples.

Choosing the right stone for your patio will ensure that you paid attention to detail when coming up with your backyard patio idea.


Tip #6: Backyard Landscaping Features

In Calgary, the Sun will impact the location of your patioIn Calgary, when you select the location of your patio, you have to see how the sun will move around that space. For example, if your backyard landscaping is south facing, you will have the sun most of the day. On some days, however, it may get unbearable to sit in the heat.

Consider feature structures, like a privacy screen or a pergola, when coming up with a backyard patio design. They can give you some shade and add character to the patio. By doing this, you are also enhancing the experience of that space during use as the eye will immediately be drawn to it.


It’s always good to have a professional landscape designer ensure all these points are met when proposing patio design ideas for your Calgary backyard. By integrating these principals, you can rest assured your patio is one that will be not only aesthetically pleasing but functionally enjoyable to use, too.

Call Tazscapes Inc today to start brainstorming patio ideas for your backyard in Calgary!

Photo Showing Artificial Turf - Synthetic Lawn

Artificial turf, artificial grasssynthetic lawn– call it what you want, but fake grass landscaping is starting to take over Calgary!

People are tired of mowing their lawns on a regular basis only to see dull,  yellow-patched grass that makes their whole yard look awful. Let’s face it, not everyone has the time or the passion for regular lawn care maintenance.

Enter artificial grass in Calgary. Not only is it zero maintenance, but it keeps your yard looking beautiful and lusciously green year-round. If you have children or pets, this is a great option. But as with anything that makes your life easier, it can be expensive.

Nonetheless, it’s a great investment for your property. Besides the aesthetic value it can give your home, people appreciate not having to water or mow their lawns.

Within the artificial turf realm, you have loads of options. There are many textures and grades that you can choose from depending on your personal needs.

Let’s take a deeper look.

History

The concept of fake grass originally came from a textile company, but the product was meant to be used for carpeting.

Today, new products have been tested and chemically treated so they are resistant to ultraviolet rays of the sun. This makes them wear-and-tear resilient against pet and children foot traffic, and fully applicable for residential Calgary landscaping.

Materiality

There are fibers in the synthetic turf, called blades, which essentially make up the “grass”.

Made from elements like nylon or polypropylene, these are manufactured in different ways for different applications to mimic fake grass.

Installation

When proposing artificial turf to Calgary residents, my clients often wonder why it’s so expensive. In their mind, we’re simply “rolling out carpet”, similar to sod.

The difference that many fail to realize is that unlike sod, proper Calgary landscaping practices require a solid 6”-8” aggregate base. This is more like the process involved in paving stones or concrete curbing. Excavation and grading to ensure proper drainage also allows it to become synthetic perfect turf. 

Applications

I often recommend artificial turf in Calgary yards where home-owners who want luscious green lawn without worrying about maintenance.

In addition, clients who have pets that tend to make a mess benefit significantly from fake grass– even if it’s for a small area like a dog-run.

The most popular reason clients select fake grass is for putting greens.

A Calgary Backyard Photo Showing Putting Green Installation

Putting greens in Calgary have become a great landscape feature. Home-owners can finally have a place to ‘play’ as they entertain their guests. Golfers also now have the ability to practice their game in the convenience of their own backyard.

I will really try to push the fake grass concept to clients in my landscape design proposal if I feel that their lawn area is small or needs grass installed. Think about it, do you really want to bring out a lawn mower or hose for an 80, or even 150 square foot area?

If so, what are the chances it will be as green and appear as healthy as the synthetic form I propose?

However, there is also something about natural grass that some clients prefer: the “connection to earth”, if you will.

I honestly can’t say if playing in natural grass or mud – as doctors tell us – built my immune system at an early age.

The choice is yours nonetheless. The benefits are there!

If you’re looking to keep your lawn a maintenance-free one and aesthetically superior, I would highly recommend it. On the other hand, if budget is a concern and/or if you enjoy the natural look and feel of the outdoors, stick to regular sod.

At Tazscapes, we have expertly installed loads of artificial turf in Calgary, and can help you with yours.

Feel free to give us a call today for your new maintenance-free lawn!