If you're a new homeowner in Edmonton, Alberta, you're likely eager to start enjoying your outdoor space. However, before you can do so, you need to ensure that your yard is properly graded. Final grading is the process of shaping and leveling the soil around your home to ensure proper drainage and prevent water damage.

At Landscape Specialists Ltd., we have years of experience providing final grading services for new homes in Edmonton. We understand the importance of proper grading and are committed to ensuring that your yard meets all necessary requirements to pass your final grading inspection.

Here's how we can help:

1. Customized Grading Plans: We'll work with you to design a custom grading plan that takes into account your home's unique needs, lot size, and surrounding landscape. Some homeowners just want the basic requirements which is totally fine as well, but forget that with taking into account the drainage after they install their decks, patios, planters, fencing, etc. So it is wise to consult with Landscape Specialists Ltd. to ensure your grading will work not only now, but in the future as well.

2. Proper Drainage: We'll ensure that your yard is properly graded to direct water away from your home's foundation and prevent potential water damage. This is mandatory by the City of Edmonton and will not pass without their inspection.

3. Expert Workmanship: Our team of experienced professionals is dedicated to providing expert workmanship and attention to detail. We use high-quality equipment and materials to ensure that your yard is properly graded to the required standards.

4. Guaranteed Passed Certificate: We are confident in the quality of our work and stand behind it with a guarantee that your final grading inspection will pass.

At Landscape Specialists Ltd., we understand that the final grading process can be overwhelming, especially for new homeowners. That's why we make the process as easy as possible. We'll work closely with you to ensure that your yard is properly graded and that you receive your passed certificate.

What is the process to achieve grading certification in Edmonton?

1. Obtain a grading permit: Once your Rough Grade (clay material) plan has been approved by your home builder, you will need to obtain an updated Rough Grade Plot Plan before you can start your Final Grade (top soil material) requirements. Your updated Rough Grade Plot Plan should be provided to you by your home builder.

2. Start grading: Once you have your Rough Grade Plot Plan permit, you can start grading your land. You should follow your approved grading plan closely to ensure that you meet all the requirements. This is where you hire Landscape Specialists to stake-out your lot, install required top soil, and verify elevations with a surveyor before submitting final product.

3. Final inspection: Now you’ll need to schedule a third party lot grading engineer surveyor to update your Rough Grade Plot Plan to a Final Grade Plot Plan before final inspection with the City of Edmonton. The inspector will check to make sure that your grading meets all the requirements and is safe for landscaping or further construction.

4. Obtain grading certification: If your grading passes the final inspection, you will receive grading certification from the City of Edmonton. This certification will allow you to proceed with landscaping or construction.

Note: If you fail, all third party engineer firms, including the City of Edmonton will charge you additional fees. That is why it is suggested to hire Landscape Specialists as we guarantee all clients a passed Rough Grade and Final Grade lot grading certification.

WATERING: FIRST 2 WEEKS ARE VERY CRUCIAL FOR THE SURVIVAL OF YOUR NEWLY LAID SOD.

• Each area of sod should be watered with a sprinkler for water consistency for about 30-45 minutes. (DO NOT WATER BY HAND)

• Water to the point where the soil is soft enough when stepped on. This way it validates that you watered all the way through to the soil.

• Water everyday (morning and evening) for the first 7 days (longer depending on how hot it is), then for the second week, cut back to every 2nd day. Owner discretion is needed as some areas dry faster than others based on site location & weather conditions.

• Try to avoid watering during the day as the sun magnifies the water which will burn/dry up the sod. (applies to plants as well)

• Try your very best to AVOID stepping on your new sod as you will leave imprints that will disrupt the consistency/drainage of your lot.

Cutting: First lawn cut should be when the sod blades are about 6” long. DO NOT cut lower/shorter than 3” for the first cut as it will dry up the sod faster.

Fertilizer: Early fall is when we recommend to fertilize your lawn with a good soak right after.

Watering: Landscape Specialists Ltd. always waters the plants when installed. This ensures the survival of the first day. 

• Do not water your plants with the sprinkler system that you use to water your sod (results in over watering)

• Trees: Water by hand at the base of the tree and I suggest to count to 15.

• Shrubs & Perennials: Water by hand at the base of the shrub and I suggest to count  to 10.

• If you have rocks in your planting beds, you would have to water more often as the heat from the rocks will dry up the plants faster versus mulch (absorbs water and cools plants).

Note: Most homeowners over water their plants because symptoms look similar to not watering enough. If the leaves dry up and turn yellow, and you cannot decide if you need to water or not. Dig 4-6” (inches) deep by the base of the plan and see if the soil is wet/moist. If the soil is really wet, STOP watering as you are suffocating the roots (over watering).