Landscaping RESOURCES

What order should I schedule contractors?

It is best to schedule final grading BEFORE fencing work. The fence will limit access into the backyard with heavy equipment, making the job much more difficult.

If your home is a rear detached garage, it is best to complete final grading BEFORE building a garage. This will prevent access into the backyard with heavy equipment.

Landscaping work can commence at any time AFTER final grading is completed. Final grading cannot commence until the homeowners’ rough grading is completed (often handled by builder).

Where can I find my plot plan?

You would have been provided a copy when you purchased your property. Please request a copy from your homebuilder representative if you cannot locate it. Your plot plan will show the measurements of your property. Click here to see an example.

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How do I know if my rough grade is completed?

You should have a ‘rough grade certificate’ that was provided to you by your homebuilder. If you have misplaced this document you can request a copy by speaking to your homebuilder’s representative.

Look at the window wells on the side of the house, if the clay looks jagged and uneven the rough grading has not been started. If there are holes or mounds on the property, it is a sign the rough grade is NOT completed. A completed rough grade should be a smooth surface with consistent slope.

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What are the requirements for my development?

As a rule of thumb, its good practice to be on the ‘safe side’ by getting an extra shrub than being one short. But typically each home will need a complete sodding, with a prepared shrub bed in the front along with 1 tree. The requirements for tree size, shrub size and shrub quantity vary slightly depending on where you live.

You should be able to confirm requirements with your homebuilder representative or you were given a document outlining them.

Tree size requirements vary between 1.5” caliper and 2.00” caliper. Caliper is the diameter of the tree base.

The quantity of shrubs required are typically 6-8

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Sod - Watering

Water every day for first 7 days.

Then minimum two times per week until snowfall. Use discretion:

hot, dry days then watering will be required more/ Rainy days less.

It is recommended to use a sprinkler instead of hand watering.

It is best to water in the early morning or late evening.

Stay off the new sod as much as possible for the first week.

Water for 30-40 minutes per area or until the sod is soft to step on.

Tree and Shrubs Watering

Water on the same schedule as sod. Water at the base.

If you are underwatering, the leaves will turn brown, if over watering, they will turn yellow.  It is recommended to water especially well before winter.

DISCLAIMER

It is the responsibility of the client to care for sod, shrubs and trees once they are installed. The contractor will perform one initial watering. Plant material is not warrantied.

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