Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping in Canada
Do you have questions about your landscape?
Whether you want to revamp the landscape surrounding your home or are maintaining a masterpiece, chances are you might have a question from time to time. Luckily, that’s what our experts at Legends Landscape Supply are here to help you with. We have gathered some of the most common and frequently asked questions asked by our customers regarding their landscape. Not only that, we’ve also answered them for you below.
Will Landscape Fabric Protect Plants from Frost?
Landscape fabric coverings can most definitely protect plants from frost. These coverings stop freezing air from making direct contact with the plant. Fabric coverings are generally better than plastic or vinyl, because they allow your plants to breathe. This can help any trapped moisture to evaporate, rather than trapping it on the plant. Most fabrics can even allow rays from the sun to penetrate the material and reach the plant, meaning that you don’t have to worry about removing the coverings until winter is over.
Who Installs Landscape Lighting?
Most landscaping companies will offer some sort of landscape lighting products, but not all will install them for you. Most of the time you will have to do the inspection, measurements and installation on your own.
Our experts at Legends Landscape Supply will provide you with guidance during the design, research and installation process, to help you create a gorgeous result and avoid the pesky “landing strip” effect. Most often, our experts will provide installation of lighting during an entire outdoor project, but if you do require assistance with only the lighting, simply speak with one of our experts directly and we will work with you to find a solution.
When to Landscape a New Home?
We recommend waiting a minimum of one year after moving into a brand-new house to start any landscaping. In fact, most new homes can take upwards of five years for the soil and foundation to completely settle. If you start to landscape too quickly, the soil can continue to settle, causing interlocking pathways to shift. At the very least, you should wait for at least one freeze and thaw for the soil to compact and become stable enough to support an interlocking walkway.
This waiting period can also provide you with more than enough time to think and really determine what you would like to do for your landscaping project. Most often, new homeowners will create a three to five-year plan, adjusting and improving their landscape a little more each spring and summer.
How to Landscape Around a Tree?
Here are some steps for landscaping around a tree:
- Clear away any weeds or grass surrounding the tree, starting at the trunk and working outward about two to three feet.
- Prepare the soil for planting, use a shovel or aerator to shake up the soil. Add new soil and water as needed.
- Choose plants that enjoy the shade, like hostas, ferns, coralbells, or begonias.
- Once you’ve added your plants, cover with mulch to improve aesthetic and provide protection. Mulch can range from wood chips to landscape fabric, gravel or rocks.
What is the Difference Between Softscape and Hardscape?
Although hardscape and softscape are polar opposites, they are both essential to any landscape project.
Hardscape includes all hard additions within your backyard, such as:
- Brick
- Concrete
- Stone
- Wood
- Gravel
- Rocks
Softscape includes all soft, growing additions within your backyard, such as:
- Shrubs
- Succulents
- Trees
- Flowers
- Soil
- Grass
The right balance and inclusion of softscapes and hardscapes can result in a successful landscape project.
What is the Duration of the Average Landscape Project?
How long your landscape project takes depends directly on the scope of work. Some projects can take as little as a few days or a week, or up to several months. To get a better idea of how long your specific landscape project will take, speak with your trusted local landscaper at Legends Landscape Supply in Burlington. To get started with an estimate, get in touch with us today.
Will a Fire Pit Damage Grass?
Although most fire pits are placed or installed on an outdoor patio, the grass can also provide a great spot. You should take a proactive approach to protect your grass from the heat of the fire pit. Protective mats are available which can be placed underneath the fire pit to protect the grass. Another option is to wet the grass under and around the fire pit directly before you use it. This way, the heat will evaporate the water before it has a chance to damage the grass.
In our opinion, the best approach is to lay interlocking brick or stone pavers in the area where you would like to have your fire pit. This will help eliminate the problem altogether, while creating a more functional and aesthetically-pleasing result. Some even extend this area to where chairs can be placed as well, preventing any damage to grass from chair legs.
Are Backyard Fire Pits Legal in Ontario?
The laws surrounding having an outdoor fire in Ontario depend on a variety of factors, including the time of year, permit requirements and your location. For more information, head to the Government of Ontario website.
What Plants Repel Insects?
Marigolds
- Squash bugs
- Tomato worms
- Nematodes
- Aphids
Lavender
- Mosquitos
- Moths
- Fleas
- House flies
Rosemary
- Mosquitos
- Flies
- Cabbage moths
Basil
- House flies
- Mosquitos
Catnip
- Mosquitos
Petunias
- Aphids
- Tomato hornworms
- Squash bugs
Mint
- Mosquitos
Citronella Grass
- Mosquitos
Scented Geraniums
- Mosquitos
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