Landscape Requirements for New Homes in Edmonton:
What Builders and GCs Need to Know

If you're a home builder or general contractor working in Edmonton, landscape requirements are one of those line items that should be simple — but consistently aren't. The specs vary more than most people expect, the documentation isn't always accurate, and when a landscaper gets it wrong, you're the one who hears from the developer.

After 17 years and thousands of lots across communities like Keswick, Windermere, Orchards, Chappelle, Paisley, and Alces, here's what we've learned — and what we see go wrong on sites that aren't ours.

The Plot Plan Problem

Most builders assume the landscape requirements printed on the plot plan are the governing spec. In our experience, that's often not the case. The plot plan requirements appear to be guidelines — the developer's own landscape standards are what actually get enforced at sign-off.

That disconnect causes real problems. A landscaper quotes off the plot plan, installs accordingly, and then the developer's site coordinator flags deficiencies because the actual community standard requires something different. Now someone has to go back — and that cost lands somewhere.

Before any landscaping is quoted or installed, the builder or GC should obtain the developer's current landscape requirements directly. Not the plot plan. Not last year's standard from the same developer. The current phase requirements are in writing.

This matters more than most people realise. Requirements can change between phases of the same neighbourhood. Two lots in the same community may have different tree counts, different shrub species restrictions, or different caliper minimums depending on which phase they fall under.

What the Requirements Typically Cover

While specifics vary by developer and community phase, here's what you'll almost always be specifying and installing:

Trees

Deciduous trees are typically required at 2" or 2.5" caliper (measured 150mm above grade). Coniferous trees are typically specified by height — 8' is the most common standard. Some communities require a mix of both types.

This is where the underbidding problem shows up most clearly. A 2" caliper tree in a basket or bucket? Most builders require a basket installed by skidsteer, costs significantly more than a smaller gallon bucket tree installed by hand. Both can look like a tree. Only one meets the requirement. Builders who've been burned before know to ask which caliper is being quoted. Those who haven't, find out at inspection. This also creates landscapers bidding against one another at an unrealistic comparison!

Shrubs

The most common requirement is 4 to 6 shrubs per lot, though this varies. Species rules are where it gets specific — some communities require a mix of deciduous and coniferous shrubs, some have restrictions against planting all of the same species, and some have both. These restrictions exist to create visual variety across a streetscape, and developers do enforce them.

Mulch and Landscape Fabric

Every builder we work with expects landscape fabric under the planting bed mulch. It's standard. It keeps maintenance down for the homeowner and presents better at handover. Tree bases should be mulched properly — a proper mulch ring, not a token scattering — and the mulch should not be piled against the trunk. There are some front yards we've seen without any mulch.

Tree Stakes and Stem Protection

Newly planted trees at 2" caliper and above need to be staked. Two stakes minimum, with proper tie material that won't damage the bark. Stem protection — a physical wrap or guard on the lower trunk — should also be installed to protect against string trimmer damage and rodent pressure, particularly through the first winter.

We see this skipped regularly. It's not a huge cost, but it's the kind of detail that signals whether a landscaper knows what they're doing or is cutting corners to recover margin on a low bid.

Sod and Seeding

Front yard sod coverage is typically required. Rear yard requirements vary — some communities require full sod, others accept a minimum coverage with the remainder seeded. Verify this with the developer & contracts, not the plot plan.

Grade and Drainage

Positive drainage away from the structure is non-negotiable. Swales must be established and maintained to developer grade. This ties directly to the final grading certificate — the landscaper doesn't sign off on that, but any landscaping that compromises the established grade creates a problem for the builder.

Why the Low Bid Isn't Actually Low

We lose jobs. We know why. The quotes that beat us are often built on smaller caliper trees, lower shrub counts, or missing line items like tree stakes and stem protection. Sometimes the landscaper doesn't know the requirements. Sometimes they're hoping no one checks, and they just want to get in with the builder, as they'll request for the Variance Orders later.

The issue is the developer will check. When deficiencies are flagged, someone has to remediate — and that usually means the builder absorbing the cost of a return visit, or worse, full replacement of non-compliant plant material. A 1.5" tree doesn't become a 2" tree by leaving it in the ground longer. It has to come out.

The cost difference between a compliant install and a non-compliant one isn't as large as the gap in bids suggests. What you're often seeing is the cost of cut corners, not efficiency.

What to Ask Your Landscaper Before They Start

• Have you obtained the developer's current landscape requirements for this community and phase — not just the plot plan?
• What caliper are the deciduous trees you're quoting? Are they basket or containers/buckets?
• Does your quote include tree stakes, ties, and stem protection?
• What are the shrub species, and do they meet any mix or diversity requirements for this community?
• Does the planting bed include landscape fabric?
• Is the mulch ring installed correctly — City of Edmonton standard tree requirements?

These aren't trick questions. Any landscaper who's done this work properly can answer them immediately.

We Work Directly With Developers and Builders

We obtain developer requirements directly before quoting. We install to spec — the right caliper, the right shrub counts, proper staking, fabric, and mulch — and we've been doing it across Edmonton's major communities for 17 years. Our quotes reflect what a compliant installation actually costs.

If you're a builder or GC who wants to know exactly what a properly quoted landscape requirement looks like for your current lots, we're straightforward to work with.