7 steps guide

7 STEPS TO SUCCESSFUL LANDSCAPING

1 Gather documents and information on the project site You’ll need to have the following documents and information on hand from the start to avoid disappointments and additional costs: Certificate of location Municipal bylaws Permit or certificate of authorization Take the ground levels into consideration: plan for a seamless transi tion between the street or municipal sidewalk and the various points of access to your residence Verify your city’s right-of-way: land that is municipal property whose underground infrastructures cannot be altered Is your landscaping likely to obstruct you or your neighbours’ view in an inadequate way, both aesthetically and in terms of safety (pedestri an traffic, vehicles, etc.) Make sure you know the location of underground infrastructure such as gas lines or electrical wires A landscaping project is completed in many steps and as such, a well thought out budget will help you break it down and plan it more efficiently. Experts estimate that high quality landscaping can deliver up to a 35% return on investment. However, since landscaping can be expensive, it is absolutely essential to draw up a budget beforehand that will take the following into account. Excavation Granular materials Electricity Irrigation Lighting Inert materials Material delivery and location on site Plants Outdoor furniture Structures (arbor, pergola, etc.) Overhead cables (telephone, electricity) Need for a specialist (designer, landscaper, etc.) 2 Draw up a budget

Access to the small machinery necessary for back yard work

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3 Decide how much time you want to spend on maintenance It is a good idea to ask yourself how much time you are willing to spend maintaining your grounds as this will surely influence your choice of products and plants, your number of flower beds and the size of the lawn area. Mowing the lawn Tidying flower beds and deadheading Maintaining the pool or pond Pruning shrubs Raking leaves

4 Assess

your needs How do you want to use the space? What do you want to do in your yard? Your family’s needs will not be the same 10 or even 20 years from now, which is why your landscape must allow for possible minor modifications over the years. For example, a sandbox could be turned into a vegetable garden and a play area could be covered with fruit trees, and so on. A functional layout is a successful layout that will stand the test of time.

Eating area Play area Lounging area

Vegetable garden Planting beds Pool

Spa Water feature Parking (number of vehicles)

5 Set your goals

and define your taste It is important to think carefully about your

preferences as landscaping is a major investment that can last you over 25 years! You will want to make smart choices that you will still appreciate in the coming years.

Privacy Ease of access Style : classic, contemporary, nature or exotic Shapes

Colors Features that either need to be highlighted or hidden

Lawn area Number of plants and their growth Need for a plan

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6 Identify the

site conditions A successful landscape is one that fits the features of your property. For example, a pool should be located in the sun where it’s easier to heat, more comfortable for bathers, and more appealing for tanning after a swim. If you want to build a pavilion or a pergola to prolong your time spent outside, you will want to consider the sun’s orientation and the direction of the prevailing winds. There’s a lot to think about—so it’s a good idea to make a list.

Sun/shade Wind Soil type

Existing features to keep or remove Features to hide (heat pump, water heater, compost bin, etc.)

7 Choose materials and plants

When it comes to materials and plants, there’s something for all tastes and budgets. A number of criteria can guide you when making your decisions :

Sun Soil moisture Plants’ roles (attract birds, pro vide shade, etc.) Plant spacing according to their size at maturity Durability

Flower arrangement for optimum color and blooming sequence Desired landscape style (classic, contemporary, nature or exotic) Textures and colors

All of these steps are essential in planning your landscaping project. Working with a plan drawn up by a professional designer will help you meet all of your requirements, while avoiding many unforeseen events. We can help you find a trusted designer or landscaper! Ready to get started? Contact us today to find a professional you can trust!

1358–2nd Street, Industrial Park Sainte-Marie, Beauce, Québec, Canada G6E 1G8 Sainte-Marie: (418) 387-2634

1 800 463-8966 info@bolduc.ca

Toll free Canada: 1-800-463-8966 Toll free USA: 1-800-603-5567 Fax: (418) 387-6438 www.bolduc.ca www.bolduc.us info@bolduc.ca

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Notes :

7 STEPS TO SUCCESSFUL LANDSCAPING

1358–2nd Street, Industrial Park Sainte-Marie, Beauce, Québec, Canada G6E 1G8 Sainte-Marie: (418) 387-2634

Toll free Canada: 1-800-463-8966 Toll free USA: 1-800-603-5567 Fax: (418) 387-6438 www.bolduc.ca www.bolduc.us info@bolduc.ca

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