January 23, 2025
Calgary has an extreme climate characterized by long winters and short summers. Such high temperatures, wind, and sun, can be problematic for landscaping and many of these issues need to be addressed with specific products designed for our climate. For any homeowner, it is quite a challenge to design and install a lovely and practical living space that will endure our climate. This is why it is wise to work with professional Calgary landscapers when improving your property.
High quality landscaping professionals have a good understanding of the Calgary weather and the type of soils in the region. They know what plants and materials grow well in this climate, and can design structures that are appropriate for each property.
It is very important to know the climate, weather, sunlight exposure, wind tunnels, type of soil, and other geographical factors to succeed in landscaping in Calgary. The professionals have both practical experience and academic education in horticulture and landscape design for this area.
They are aware that Calgary receives about 333 days of sunshine per year with little humidity which means that we have to choose plants that can survive in dry conditions and that water is to be provided appropriately for the climate in our area.
As mentioned in the earlier sections, the region receives more than 3,600 hours of annual sunlight; hence, when designing the professionals pay particular attention to the correct shade features that do not make the area unbearably hot. This also restricts plant choices a lot compared to other areas, however, professionals have mastered the art of choosing species that are resistant to even the harshest of our winters.
Gone are the days of cookie-cutter landscaping! Today's exceptional outdoor living spaces are as unique as the homeowners themselves, with customized designs catering to individual aesthetics, functional needs, and property features. Professional teams listen closely to clients, getting to know their lifestyle priorities while assessing the terrain, architecture, sunlight patterns, traffic flow, views, and other considerations influencing the design. The landscaping professionals then incorporate preferred features like play areas, dining spaces, vegetable gardens, hardscaping, water elements, lighting, planting beds, and more into a cohesive, purposeful landscape that fulfills the family's dreams.
For example, a family with young children may desire a play-friendly yard with open grassy areas, playsets, splash pads, and hardy native shrubs instead of high-maintenance flower beds. A couple who frequently entertains, however, might opt for an outdoor kitchen, fireplace, built-in seating, and low-glare lighting allowing guests to comfortably mingle into the evenings. Regardless of your unique vision, designers combine form and function for an intentional landscape catering to your priorities.
An exquisitely designed landscape means little if not properly implemented with quality materials and workmanship that stand the test of time. The experienced crews source weather-resistant materials specifically suited to Calgary's climate, including natural stone, concrete pavers, composite decking, and local plant species. The professionals also utilize advanced landscaping equipment and techniques for efficient installation meeting the highest standards of sustainability, safety, precision, and durability.
For hardscaping, they properly grade and prepare substrates before carefully laying stones, bricks, or pavers to prevent shifting, cracking, or erosion issues down the road. Synthetic turf and composite decking offer low-maintenance alternatives to real grass and wood, withstanding decades of foot traffic and use in our climate. And planting techniques give roots the nutrient-rich, well-draining soil environment they need initially to promote vigorous growth for years to come.
Do-it-yourself projects often sound straightforward initially, but most homeowners underestimate the planning, labor, and costs involved, leaving them in over their heads. Landscaping is no exception. Between developing a cohesive design, hauling materials, excavating, building structural elements, dealing with drainage and irrigation, selecting suitable plants, and finally installing everything to look seamless, it's an enormous undertaking prone to delays, fatigue, injuries, and frustration when tackling it solo.
Professional landscapers like Western Elements Landscaping streamline the entire process through coordinated project management. The professional landscaping team determines tasks and responsibilities, acquires necessary permits, develops accurate project timelines and budgets, sources quality materials at wholesale rates, provides necessary equipment and manpower, and works efficiently from start to finish until the project meets the customer's satisfaction.
A breathtaking landscape has tremendous influence over a home's curb appeal and perceived value on the real estate market. Properties with exceptional outdoor living spaces often appraise and sell for tens of thousands more compared to similar homes with just basic landscaping. By transforming your yard from lackluster to luxurious, professional landscapers give your property an incredible competitive edge.
And with purposeful elements like outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, water features, lighting, and built-in seating, you create additional "rooms" expanding your living space beyond the walls of your home. Real estate agents agree – maximizing livable square footage, whether inside or out, directly correlates to higher property valuations and quicker sales.
After investing significant resources into a brand new, professionally designed landscape, maintaining that vision long-term is imperative. As seasons change, plants and hardscapes require care and attention to uphold their health, function, and beauty. The comprehensive maintenance packages offer solutions for every landscape element, no matter the season.
As winter approaches, you may need to properly prepare gardens for dormancy while preventing damage to equipment. Snow removal and salting also keeps walkways safe for homeowners during frigid temperatures. When warmer weather returns, services like weekly mowing, pruning, weeding, debris removal, irrigation checks, and more keep landscapes looking flawless while plants focus energy on growth. Landscaping professionals even offer fertilization, pest control, injection aeration, and landscape lighting maintenance for optimal outcomes all year long.
Navigating the web of permits, codes, bylaws, and regulations governing landscape construction in Calgary can be tricky, especially for homeowners unfamiliar with the process. But non-compliance can lead to hefty fines or even obligatory rework down the road. Landscaping professionals stay well-versed with the latest local landscaping requirements, keeping clients in compliance every step of the way.
For any structural hardscaping, they acquire necessary permits and have work inspected by the city before, during, and after construction. They also adhere to grading requirements directing water flow away from buildings while preventing runoff into neighboring properties.
Calgary homeowners who invest in professional landscaping services are rewarded with breathtaking, climate-appropriate outdoor environments that fulfill their visions and add value to their property. As local climate experts, landscaping professionals design every custom design with sustainable solutions in mind to be resilient and last through the seasons.
And the ongoing maintenance services ensure that the vision lasts in the long term. Choose the expertise of landscaping professionals for gorgeous, functional landscapes that will stand up to Calgary’s climate and lifestyles for decades.
Introduction
Expertise in the Local Environment
Customized, Functional Designs
Quality Materials and Workmanship
Time and Cost Efficiency
Increased Property Value
Ongoing Maintenance and Support
Compliance with Local Regulations
Conclusion
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