Landscape design
Chinook Landscaping Calgary can help you create a landscape design that gives you and your family a beautiful yard to enjoy. Our in-house landscape designer can create a detailed landscaping plan that helps you clearly identify the features and components you want in your outdoor space.
Below are some ideas to consider when planning your landscape and creating a design for your Calgary property. You can also visit our Landscaping Schedules page to understand the order in which your landscaping should be installed. Building your landscape in the proper order is important, and a well-thought-out landscape design plan will help you achieve the best results.
A Well-Thought-Out Plan Is Important
Knowing what you want and incorporating those ideas into a practical design may take some time, but it is time well spent. Once you start working with a rough sketch, you may discover that some landscape features you would like may not work once you try to fit them all into your yard.
That’s why even a basic sketch can be very helpful when planning your landscaping. It allows you to visualize the layout and make adjustments before construction begins.
Do You Really Need a Professional Landscape Design?
Not everyone needs a professional landscape design. In fact, we use professional designs for about half of the landscaping projects we install.
Many of our customers prefer to see a complete professional design before moving forward with their landscaping project. Others are comfortable starting with a simple sketch and a detailed walkthrough before we begin.
If you would like a professional landscape design, our team would be happy to create one for you.
Preparing and Measuring Your Landscape Area
You may not realize that you can usually obtain a Real Property Report (RPR) or site survey of your property from your builder, developer, or your local records office. This document is typically a to-scale drawing of your lot and your house.
While the RPP may not always be the exact scale used in landscape design, adjusting the scale is usually simple. The report is very helpful when planning your landscaping because it accurately shows the shape of your lot, property lines, and the location of utilities.
Before you start drawing on your RPP, make several copies so you can experiment with different layouts and landscaping ideas. This allows you to test various design options without worrying about making mistakes or changing your mind.
Gather Landscaping Ideas
You probably already have several ideas for your landscape design—some practical and some that may need refinement. Taking the time to walk around your property and analyze the site will help you understand what will work best for your space.
It’s also a good idea to take a walk or drive around your neighbourhood and observe other landscapes. Pay attention to what you like and what you don’t like about nearby yards. Notice how homeowners deal with slopes, drainage, and layout challenges.
Look at the types of plants and trees used in different landscapes. Consider how colours change throughout the seasons—from spring to summer and into fall.
Calgary has a unique climate that supports many varieties of hardy trees, shrubs, and perennials. While the selection may be more limited than in milder climates like Vancouver, there are still many beautiful plants that thrive in Calgary’s conditions.
When choosing trees and shrubs, always plan for their long-term growth. Avoid overcrowding your garden, and select plants that will have enough space to mature properly. This will help prevent the need to remove or replace plants later.
You can also view our work page for inspiration and examples of completed projects.
Here are some main components that are often included in landscape designs.
Patios and Walkways
Trees and shrubs
Garden bed edging
Outdoor kitchens
Fences and decks
Custom Landscape Design to Make Your Outdoor Space Your Own
When planning your landscaping, it’s important to choose a style that complements the design of your home. A well-planned landscape design should work seamlessly with your property’s architecture and outdoor space.
Matching elements such as garden stone, walkways, patios, and outdoor living areas with your home helps create a balanced and attractive landscape. There are many landscaping styles and themes to choose from, whether you prefer a modern, natural, or traditional look.
Your landscape should also reflect your personality and lifestyle. Many homeowners like to incorporate personal touches such as unique plantings, decorative stone, or custom patio spaces to create a landscape that is truly their own.
If you’re looking for inspiration, explore different simple landscaping ideas to see how features like patios, walkways, garden beds, and stonework are used to create beautiful and functional outdoor spaces.
Professional Landscape Design Services
Our professional landscape design services start with a detailed consultation at your home. During this meeting, we discuss your goals, ideas, and vision for your outdoor space.
The consultation typically lasts about one hour and allows us to fully understand the type of landscape design and outdoor features you want for your property. We will review options such as:
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Patios and outdoor living spaces
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Walkways and stone pathways
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Decks and seating areas
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Garden beds and plantings
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Other custom landscaping features
After the consultation, we create a custom landscape design plan tailored to your property and preferences. Once the initial design is complete, we meet with you again to review the plan and make any adjustments before finalizing the design.
If you choose our company for your landscaping installation, the cost of the landscape design will be credited toward your total installation project.