7 Common and Costly Landscape Pitfalls To Avoid in Calgary
Practical mistakes that affect performance, durability, and long-term cost
Many landscaping problems in Calgary do not appear immediately after construction is completed. Issues such as drainage failures, settlement, access conflicts, and premature material deterioration often stem from planning oversights rather than workmanship alone.
These problems typically originate when key site conditions are addressed too late or ignored entirely. Soil composition, drainage pathways, grade transitions, property constraints, permits, and future use must all be considered early. When these factors are overlooked, corrective work becomes expensive, disruptive, and avoidable.
Understanding these risks before construction begins allows homeowners to make informed decisions about planning, design, contractor selection, and sequencing. A construction aware approach significantly reduces long term risk and improves overall project performance.
Planning & Design
Calgary Landscaping believes in honesty, clarity, and accountability throughout the planning process. Many costly mistakes occur when landscaping decisions are made without fully understanding regulatory, environmental, and site specific constraints.
Covenants and Restrictions
Neighbourhood covenants, development guidelines, and permit requirements can place strict limitations on what is allowed within a residential landscape. Constructing features that fail to comply with size restrictions, material requirements, color schemes, or prohibited items such as certain fire features often results in expensive removal or replacement.
Some covenants specify fencing materials, landscape design elements, and even minimum planting quantities. In certain cases, mature trees located near property boundaries may not belong to the homeowner. Many older trees are owned by the City of Calgary and are protected assets that can cost several thousand dollars to replace if damaged or removed without approval.
For new homes, City of Calgary landscape requirements may include the installation of specific tree sizes and quantities as part of final occupancy conditions. Failure to account for these requirements early often leads to redesign and additional expense. Tree requirements for new homes
Property Locates and Underground Services
Not all underground services are identified through standard Alberta One Call locates. Secondary utilities such as telecommunications lines, private gas lines, and secondary electrical services may remain unmarked.
Before construction begins, locates should be verified and additional investigations completed where necessary. Damage to underground infrastructure can result in significant repair costs and service disruptions.
Communication line repairs often exceed one thousand dollars, while damage to gas, fiber optic, or electrical lines can exceed several thousand dollars depending on location and severity.
Real Property Reports and Site Constraints
Accurate site planning depends on reliable boundary information and an understanding of registered encumbrances. A Real Property Report (RPR) identifies easements, overland drainage right of ways, utility corridors, and development restrictions that directly affect where landscape structures can be built.
The City of Calgary regularly updates flood zone and flood fringe mapping. Building within restricted areas often leads to mandatory removal at the homeowner’s expense. Verifying site constraints before construction is critical to avoiding irreversible mistakes.
Location, Orientation, and View Planning
Landscape design should account for how the space will be viewed and used from multiple perspectives, both indoors and outdoors. Placement decisions impact privacy, sightlines, seasonal sunlight, and long term usability.
Plant materials grow quickly and can significantly alter views, access, and maintenance requirements within just a few years. Snow removal, snow storage, and winter access should also be factored into layout decisions for year round functionality.
Permanent structures installed in poorly chosen locations often require costly removal or modification later. Proper planning eliminates this risk.
Check out our How To Hire A Landscape Company in Calgary for more tips.
Planning for the Future
Residential landscapes should be designed to evolve over time. Homeowners developing projects in phases should consider future gas lines, lighting, irrigation, drainage infrastructure, and access routes during the initial construction stage.
Snow management is frequently overlooked. Road salt, vehicle runoff, and sidewalk treatments gradually damage plant material if drainage and snow storage areas are not planned properly.
Long term performance depends on accommodating these realities from the start rather than attempting to correct them later. Having us create a Landscape Design Plan will help minimize this risk.
Being a Good Neighbor
Landscape construction impacts surrounding properties. Discussing project timelines, access points, parking, and shared fencing with neighbors can prevent unnecessary conflict.
While disputes may not always result in direct financial cost, they often reduce enjoyment of the finished space and complicate construction logistics. Clear communication ahead of time minimizes disruptions.
Material Selection
Material decisions should be made prior to construction whenever possible. Reviewing samples and confirming color, texture, and finish reduces decision fatigue and prevents costly mistakes.
Landscape materials are heavy and expensive to transport. Returning incorrectly selected materials due to last minute decisions can add substantial cost to a project.
The Weekend Warrior Risk
DIY landscaping can be rewarding, but many homeowners underestimate the complexity of landscape construction. Ground conditions, permits, inspections, equipment requirements, and timelines often exceed expectations.
Common pitfalls include lack of proper safety equipment, absence of WCB coverage, and insufficient tools to handle large volumes of material. Injuries and incomplete projects can result in higher costs than professional construction.
Avoiding These Pitfalls
Calgary Landscaping specializes in construction focused project management supported by technical expertise, quality materials, and ethical business practices.
Accurate landscape design is essential to controlling costs and achieving long term durability. Construction pricing is driven by design accuracy, material selection, and installation effort.
Avoid costly mistakes by planning properly from the beginning. A well designed landscape is not just visually appealing, it is structurally sound and built to last.
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