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].

Winter is here! And that means it’s time to start implementing upkeep techniques for your landscaped yard, to ensure it makes it through these colder months. Although winter can be a harsh season, there are some simple steps you can take now to protect your landscaped yard and make sure it stays healthy through the winter. Here are 5 easy steps that will help you keep your yard beautiful into the spring.

1. Prune Your Trees & Plants

Before the snow settles in too deeply, take some time to prune any overgrown trees and plants in your yard. This will not only make your yard look neater, but it will also help reduce the amount of damage caused by heavy snow or ice. Pruning can also help keep pests away and promote healthier growth once spring comes around again. If you don’t have the tools for brushing away that snow and getting into the pruning groove, contact a landscaping company in Calgary, and they’ll be sure to help.

2. Clean Up Debris

After pruning, it’s important to get rid of any debris left behind in your yard. Leaves, twigs, and other debris can pile up during the fall months and cause problems if they are not cleared out before most of the snow arrives. Removing this debris can also reduce the risk of disease spreading throughout your plants during the cold season.

3. Fertilize Your Lawn

Fertilizing your lawn is an important step that should not be overlooked when prepping for winter. A good fertilizer will provide essential nutrients to ensure that your lawn remains healthy even when covered in snow or ice. Make sure you choose a fertilizer specifically designed for winter use so that you don’t end up over-fertilizing or damaging your grass before springtime rolls around again!

4. Aerate Your Soil

Aerating is another way to prepare your soil for winter weather conditions and promote healthy growth throughout the colder months ahead. This process involves removing small plugs from the soil so that air, water, and nutrients can reach deeper down into the roots of plants and grasses more easily – allowing them to stay nourished even under heavy snowfall or icy temperatures. We recommend contacting your local Calgary landscaping company, to ensure the job is done right in these colder temperatures.

5. Add Mulch Around Plants & Trees

The last step is to add a layer of mulch around any trees and plants in your yard – particularly those with shallow root systems like shrubs or perennials. Mulch helps insulate these plants against extreme temperatures while also providing them with extra nutrients as they decompose over time which helps keep them strong through winter weather conditions.

Final Thoughts

Winterizing your landscaped yard doesn’t have to be complicated or overwhelming. By following these 5 simple steps, you can ensure that everything stays healthy throughout the cold season ahead! As a homeowner, taking care of your landscape is essential for keeping its beauty year-round – so make sure you give it all the attention it deserves this wintertime! And, if you’re ever in doubt or need assistance, there are always landscaping companies in Calgary that would be happy to give you a hand.

Keeping up with your landscaping can be time-consuming and expensive, and there are several factors that go into calculating the average cost of landscape maintenance. If you are a homeowner, then you may be considering hiring a professional landscaping company to help you regularly maintain your yard or property. But before you enlist the services of a landscaper, it’s important for you to understand what kind of budget you will need, and how landscaping costs vary depending on the size and scope of the project. Let’s dive in and learn more about the average cost of landscape maintenance.

Factors That Affect Landscape Maintenance Costs

The first factor that affects the cost of landscape maintenance in Calgary is the size of your project. Larger projects require more time, manpower, and materials which will ultimately increase your costs. Additionally, if you need specialized tools or equipment to complete certain tasks, this will also affect your overall costs. For example, if you need to remove a large tree from your property then you may need to rent a crane or other heavy machinery to complete the job appropriately.

Another major factor that affects landscape maintenance costs is labor rates, as these can vary significantly from one area of the city to another. For instance, if you live in an urban area then you may be paying higher wages for landscaping services than someone living in a rural suburb would pay for similar services. Additionally, if you hire an experienced team of professionals with years of experience then their labor rate will likely be higher than someone who is just starting out in their career as a landscaper.

Finally, if you use any additional services such as fertilizers or herbicides then this will increase your overall landscape maintenance costs as well. These types of products have varying levels of effectiveness so it’s important to research different products before making any decisions on what to use for your particular project. Additionally, some products can be harmful to plants and animals so it’s important to read labels carefully before using them on your property.

Final Thoughts

When it comes down to it, there are many factors that go into determining the average cost of landscape maintenance including size of the project, labor rates, and additional services needed such as fertilizers or herbicides. It is important for homeowners to understand all these factors before beginning any project, so that they can better prepare themselves for potential added expenses down the road. With knowledge and research beforehand, homeowners can better prepare their budget for each individual job and ensure they are receiving quality work at fair prices every time!

If you’ve been thinking about landscaping your yard, and feel that a retaining wall can add structure and function, then you’re probably right. Retaining walls have many benefits when it comes to adding one to your property.

If you’re not exactly sure what a retaining wall does, we’re here to fill you in. A retaining wall is a wall that is built to hold back earth or water. It is usually used in landscaping to create level areas in a sloped yard or to prevent soil erosion. Retaining walls can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, stone, and concrete.

To give you an idea of why, how, and when to add a retaining wall to your yard, then read on. In this blog post, we will focus on the cost of landscaped retaining walls, the process of building one, and when it might be right for you.

Why Build a Retaining Wall?

Building a landscaped retaining wall is a great way to improve the curb appeal of your home while also providing functional benefits. A landscaped retaining wall can help to level out an uneven yard, provide additional support for slopes, and even create extra outdoor living space.

Landscaping companies can design and install a custom landscaped retaining wall that will complement your home and meet your specific needs. In addition to improving the look of your home, a landscaped retaining wall can also increase its value. If you’re thinking about selling your home in the future, a landscaped retaining wall is a great investment.

How Much Do Retaining Walls Cost?

The cost of a landscaped retaining wall depends on several factors, including the size of the wall, the type of concrete used, the complexity of the design, and whether you hire a professional to build it. If you consult with a landscaping company, they will be able to give you a quote that will include the materials, the labour, and the overall benefits of building a retaining wall.

To give you an idea of what the price range of a landscaped retaining wall would cost, here are a few estimates. For a small wall that is 3 feet tall and 10 feet long, you can expect to pay between $500 and $1,000. For a larger wall that is 6 feet tall and 20 feet long, you can expect to pay between $1,500 and $3,000. If you hire a professional to build your retaining wall, you can expect to pay an additional $500 to $1,000 for labor costs.

Final Thoughts

A retaining wall is a great way to add structure and interest to your landscape. If you are considering adding a retaining wall to your property, be sure to factor in the cost of materials as well as labor costs if you plan on hiring a professional Calgary landscaping company.

Since there are so many variables to consider when optioning the building of a retaining wall, the best way to get an accurate estimate for your project is to consult with a landscape professional who can assess your specific needs. That way, you will have a specific idea of what the process looks like, what you will be getting, how it will improve your yard, and how much it will cost.

For many home and business owners, the landscaping around their property is an afterthought. They may make a few cosmetic changes here and there, but for the most part, the design of their outdoor space isn’t at the top of their priority list. However, what they may not realize is that landscape design is important for a variety of reasons.

Whether you’re considering tackling your yard yourself, or enlisting the help of a professional, you’ll probably want to know the best reasons for undertaking some landscape design in your space. Here, we’ll outline three great reasons why landscape design is important, and why you might want to prioritize it as a home or business owner.

1. Landscape design can increase your property value.

If you’re thinking of selling your home or business soon, then it’s worth investing in some professional landscape design. A well-designed outdoor space can increase your property value by 5-10%.

Even if you’re not considering selling, landscaping will help with curb appeal, and will add value to your street or suburb. You know what they say – a house is only as good as the ones on its block!

2. Landscape design can save you money in the long run.

Many people think that landscape design is a costly endeavor, and while it can be if you go all out, it doesn’t have to be. Investing in some quality landscaping now can save you money down the road. For example, if you install drought-tolerant plants, you’ll use less water and save money on your water bill.

Also, if you get your yard regularly maintenanced, it will actually reduce the cost of landscaping overall. It’s much easier to tend a well-maintained garden (whether it’s by yourself, or a professional) than it is to tackle a massive project each year.

3. Landscape design can improve your mental health.

Studies have shown that being in nature can improve your mood and reduce stress levels. By investing in some quality landscape design, you can create an oasis that you can enjoy any time of year.

Between the fresh air and the blossoming flora, your mind and body will thank you for bringing it outdoors. A bonus is that you get to watch your hard work flourish. There’s nothing like digging up dirt and watching flowers and plants blossom throughout the season.

Conclusion:

Landscape design is important for a variety of reasons. If you’re thinking of selling your home or business, landscape design can increase your property value by 5-10%. Investing in quality landscaping now can also save you money down the road by reducing your water bill or maintenance costs. Finally, landscape design can improve your mental health by creating a space that you enjoy spending time in.

Three good reasons to do some landscaping design? We certainly think so.

Landscaping is the process of modifying the visible features of a yard, including all living things (such as trees, shrubs, and flowers). Landscape design also includes structural elements such as buildings or fencing.

Landscape design is a specialized field that considers factors such as the lay of the land, climate, soil type, and desired use of the space in order to create a functional and aesthetically pleasing outdoor area. However, you don’t have to be a landscaping expert to be able to apply the basic principles of landscape design.

If you’re trying to start up a project that includes landscape design, here’s three of the most basic concepts that you’ll want to know before starting out in your yard.

1. Balance

One of the most important principles of landscape design is balance. Balance can be achieved in several ways, but the basic idea is to create a composition that feels stable and pleasing to the eye. This can be done by using symmetrical or asymmetrical design, by repeating elements throughout the space, or by careful placement of objects relative to one another.

By creating a sense of balance in your landscaping, you can achieve a look that is both aesthetically pleasing and practical.

2. Proportion

Proportion is an important principle of landscape design. It is the relationship between the different elements of the landscape, such as the house, trees, shrubs, and lawn. Proper proportion creates a pleasing and balanced design.

It’s important to take into account the size of the house and lot, as well as the height, width, and spacing of the various elements. For example, a small cottage would be overwhelmed by large trees and shrubs. In contrast, a large mansion could handle larger landscaping elements. The right proportions will give your landscaping a professional look and feel.

3. Simplicity

One important principle of landscape design is simplicity. A landscaped area should not be overly complex or cluttered, as this can make it difficult to maintain and can present a safety hazard.

Instead, a landscaped area should be designed with clean lines and a limited number of different elements. When choosing plants and décor, try to keep in mind the changing seasons, and your climate, as all those factors will play into the look of your landscape design. By finding a balance between color and clutter, your space will be both easy to care for and pleasing to look at.

Final thoughts

Although embarking on a landscape design project may seem intimidating, it doesn’t have to be. By applying these three basic principles to the blueprints for your yard project, the outcome and payoff will be fantastic.Keep in mind that if you ever hit a snag, or have taken on more than you can handle, you can always hire a local landscaping company, like Tazscapes, to help you manage and complete your project.

If you’re embarking on your first landscaping project, or one that involves some serious forethoughts, then don’t worry – we’re here to help you out. In this blog post, we’ll outline some basic steps for starting your own landscape project, as well as some tips for getting started. Happy landscaping!

Outline your project

The first step in any landscaping project is to define the scope of the project. This will help you to determine the size and scale of the project, as well as the budget that you will need to complete it.

Some best practices for getting started includes taking a walk around the property you plan to landscape and figuring out what the priorities are and listing them by matter of importance. That way, if you run out of time or money, the most important parts get completed first.

Develop a plan

Once you have defined the scope of your project, you will need to develop a plan. This plan should include a sketch of your proposed landscape, as well as a list of the materials that you will need to complete it.

If you have a dream of what you want your yard to look like, but you don’t know what tools or materials you need to achieve it, you’ll want to speak with someone who does. Tazscapes might be able to give you some pointers – they can also offer help if you end up biting off more than you can chew.

Choose your plants

One of the most important aspects of any landscaping project is choosing the right plants. You will need to consider the climate, soil type, and light conditions in your area when selecting plants. Additionally, you should choose plants that are appropriate for the scale of your project.

Not sure what the native plants of your area are, or what might grow best in your yard? A quick internet search, call to Tazscapes landscaping, or stop into your local garden center can clear up any confusion or questions you have about the plants you’d like to grow.

Prepare your soil

Before you can plant anything, you will need to prepare your soil. This includes testing the pH level and adding any necessary amendments. If your soil ends up being a little less than ready for planting, there’s lots of fertilizers and soil enhancers that can help give your soil a nutrients boost.

If you haven’t yet acquired soil, your local landscaping company can help you with that. Once your soil is ready, you can begin planting!

Maintain your landscape

Once you have completed your landscaping project, it is important to maintain it properly. This includes watering, fertilizing, and pruning your plants on a regular basis. If your yard is too difficult to manage with a simple bit of watering and trimming, you should consider hiring a landscaping company, like Tazscapes.

Hiring those who specialize in landscaping will ensure that your hard work and beautiful garden don’t go to waste!

Summer is just around the corner! Landscaping in Calgary will be at its peak season soon. The warmer weather inspires many to bring their creative landscaping projects to life.

Before diving into a summer landscaping project, ensure a good foundation by preparing your lawn in advance.

Learn what you can do to prepare your lawn for summer so you’re ready to go for your next landscaping project!

Lawn Preparation for Summer Landscaping in Calgary

Deep Clean Entire Lawn

Landscaping companies in Calgary have faced problems stemming from homeowners failing to clean their lawns before a project. The failure to do so can make it harder for them to work. Avoid doing so by doing what you can to clean your lawn properly.

Your checklist for cleaning your lawn should include the following:

Removing debris & leaves
Putting away any toys or items
Clear out thick thatch
Fill out holes & bare patches
Prune or time any trees & bushes
Get rid of any weeds

Once maintained and cleaned, you can start other undertakings to improve your lawn.

Breath New Life into Soil

Calgary’s harsh winters result in dried-out soil that seriously affects your lawn’s growth. The best thing to do is perform a soil test to understand your soil’s nutrients and pH levels. Then, know what type of fertilizer would work best.

Additionally, aerate your lawn to help break up compacted soil. Compacted soil is denser and makes it hard for nutrients and water to reach the root system when you’re trying to facilitate lawn growth.

By aerating, you can combat compacted soil by making tiny holes by either pushing a rod into your yard or extracting a soil plug. These pockets in the soil help water, air, and nutrients reach grass easier.

Right Conditions for Mowing

Mowing your lawn is time-consuming. You don’t want all that hard work wasted because of how you mowed your lawn. In which case, you need to know what mowing factors can influence your lawn growth.

Mow Frequently – Mind weather conditions and the acceleration of grass growth. Avoid cutting more than 1/3 of the shoot length when you mow.
Mow High: Cut grass to 6 to 8 centimetres (2.5 to 3 inches) to encourage growth, prevent weeds, retain moisture, and discourage insect pests.
Mow When Dry: Dry grass cuts cleaner. Plus, clippings will distribute more evenly.

Providing Necessary Nourishment

Ensure your lawn is ready for landscaping by keeping your lawn’s soil nourished. Getting the right fertilizer is imperative for replenishing essential nutrients for healthy grass. Look for fertilizer rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to promote healthy growth.

Once fertilized, all you need to do after is keep your lawn hydrated. Your lawn needs about one inch of water per week. If it’s not getting this from rainfall alone, you can do it through an irrigation system, a portable sprinkler, or an old-fashioned hose.

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!

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.