Frequently Asked Questions

Your Landscaping Questions, Answered

Everything Edmonton homeowners ask us before starting a landscaping project — from first quote to final grade certificate.

Pricing & Quotes

5 questions
  • Yes. We provide free on-site estimates for all residential landscaping projects. We'll walk your property, discuss your goals, and follow up with a detailed written quote — no obligation.

    Request your free estimate here and we'll be in touch within one business day.

  • Every project is quoted based on your specific lot, scope, and materials. Factors that affect price include:

    • Lot size and current grade condition
    • Scope of work (sod only vs. full landscape package)
    • Material selections (paving stone brand, plant species, etc.)
    • Access and site conditions

    We don't use flat-rate pricing — you get a line-by-line quote (based off square footage per material) so you know exactly what you're paying for.

  • Yes, we require a deposit of 50% to secure your spot on the schedule. The deposit amount is outlined in your quote and applied to your final invoice. Specific terms are discussed at the time of booking.

  • We accept e-transfer, cheque, and cash. Payment terms are outlined in your project agreement. We do not accept credit cards at this time.

  • You can book individual services — sod installation, final grading, irrigation, paving stone, or planting — as standalone projects. Many clients start with the essentials to meet builder requirements and add more later. There's no minimum package required.

Process & Timeline

6 questions
  • Spring and early summer are our busiest season. We typically book out 4–8 weeks during peak months (May–July). If you're moving into a new build, contact us as soon as you have a possession date so we can plan around your builder's grade deposit deadline.

    Late summer and fall bookings are often more flexible — and fall is actually an excellent time for sod installation in Edmonton.

  • Timeline depends on scope:

    • Final grading + sod: 1–2 days for a standard residential lot
    • Irrigation system: 1–2 days depending on zone count
    • Paving stone patio or walkway: 2–5 days
    • Full landscape package: 2–7+ days

    Weather, material delivery lead times, and site conditions can all affect scheduling. We'll give you a realistic timeline with your quote.

  • Here's what to expect:

    • We'll reach out within one business day to schedule a site visit
    • Ryan or a crew lead will walk your property and assess the scope
    • You'll receive a written quote, usually within 2–3 business days
    • Once approved and deposit received, you're on the schedule
  • Yes. Ryan holds a Diploma in Landscape Architectural Technology and handles our design work in-house. We offer full landscape design plans and manage installation from start to finish — one team, no hand-off between companies.

  • Not necessarily. As long as we have access to the property and any relevant gates or water sources, most work can proceed without you home. We'll communicate via phone or text and flag anything that needs your input. If you want to be present for a walkthrough at the start or end of the job, just let us know and we'll coordinate.

  • Our main landscaping season runs May through October. We don't install sod or do grading work once the ground freezes. However, we accept bookings and do planning work year-round — booking in winter for a spring start is a great way to secure your spot early.

Edmonton City Requirements

5 questions
  • Rough grade is completed by your builder before possession. It shapes the lot for basic drainage — the land is levelled but not finished. Your builder holds this certificate and releases it to the City.

    Final grade is what you hire us for. It's the finished surface grade done after construction — topsoil, precise drainage slope, and preparation for sod or landscaping. The City of Edmonton requires a final grade certificate to confirm proper drainage is in place before releasing your builder's deposit.

  • Yes, if you purchased a new build in Edmonton. The City of Edmonton requires a final grade certificate as part of the new home grading program. Without it, your builder's security deposit (typically $1,000–$5,000) will not be returned to you.

    We handle everything from grading to certification and guarantee approval. Learn more on our Final Grading page.

  • Builder grade deposits in Edmonton typically range from $1,000 to $5,000, depending on your builder and lot. To get it back:

    • Complete your final grading to City standards
    • Have a certified grading inspection done
    • Submit the final grade certificate to the City
    • The City confirms compliance and authorizes the builder to release the deposit

    Timelines vary — budget several weeks from inspection to refund. Contact the City of Edmonton's Lot Grading department or your builder for exact terms.

  • The City of Edmonton requires that new residential lots meet minimum landscaping standards — typically front yards only. General requirements typically include:

    • Finished front yard grade with positive drainage away from the foundation
    • Topsoil placed and compacted to minimum depth standards
    • Front yard fully sodded or landscaped (no bare dirt)
    • NOTE: Side and rear yards are to complete FINAL GRADE CERTIFICATION.

    Requirements can vary by neighbourhood and builder agreement. See our Basic Landscape Requirements page for details, or contact us and we'll walk you through what your specific lot needs.

  • In most cases, residential landscaping features don't require permits in Edmonton — but there are exceptions:

    • Retaining walls over 1.2m (4 ft): May require a development permit and engineered drawings
    • Irrigation systems: No permit required, but must include a backflow preventer per City bylaws
    • Patios and paving stone: No permit required for ground-level installations

    We flag any permit considerations when we quote your project. When in doubt, check with the City of Edmonton's Development and Zoning Services.

Maintenance & Aftercare

5 questions
  • The first 3–4 weeks are critical. Here's what to do:

    • Water immediately after installation — sod should be wet to the soil beneath
    • Water daily (or twice daily in heat) for the first 2 weeks, keeping the sod consistently moist
    • Stay off the sod for the first 2 weeks to let roots establish
    • Reduce watering gradually in weeks 3–4 as roots knit into the soil
    • First mow: Wait until the sod cannot be lifted by hand — typically 2–3 weeks

    Edmonton's clay soils can dry out quickly on the surface while staying saturated beneath — check soil moisture 2–3cm down before assuming it needs water.

    NOTE: If you see yellow in your grass, it does not mean your sod is dead. It means you need to water more and consistently until roots are established.

  • Wait until the grass has reached about 8–10cm (3–4 inches) tall and the sod is firmly rooted — you'll know it's ready when you can't lift a corner of the sod by hand. This is typically 2–3 weeks after installation.

    Set your mower to a high setting for the first cut. Never remove more than one-third of the grass blade at once, and make sure your mower blade is sharp to avoid tearing the new roots.

  • We stand behind our workmanship. Specific warranty terms are outlined in your project agreement and vary by service type. Sod establishment is heavily dependent on watering — sod that dries out due to insufficient watering after installation is not covered. We provide detailed aftercare instructions with every project.

    If something isn't right with the work we performed, contact us directly and we'll make it right.

  • Winterizing (blow-out) must be done before the first hard frost — in Edmonton, that typically means late September to mid-October. The process involves using compressed air to purge all water from the lines and heads to prevent freeze damage.

    Do not skip this step. A cracked pipe or burst zone head from a frozen line is an expensive repair in spring.

    We recommend having a professional do the blow-out — the pressure requirements vary by system, and improper technique can damage components.

  • Brown patches on new sod are usually one of three things:

    • Underwatering: The most common cause. Check the soil 2–3cm down — if it's dry, water more frequently.
    • Overwatering: Constantly soggy soil causes root rot. If the sod smells musty or feels slimy underneath, reduce watering and improve drainage.
    • Edges and seams drying out: Sod edges lose moisture faster. Pay extra attention to the perimeter and seam lines.

    If patches aren't recovering after adjusting your watering schedule, contact us and we'll take a look.

Still have a question?

Call us, send an email, or fill out the contact form — we typically respond within one business day.

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