Landscaping general knowledge

Landscaping ideas for your backyard

Landscaping general knowledge / By

It’s the new year, you are tired of Winter, probably bored, and now you’re thinking about sitting in the sun in your backyard. Have you ever thought about landscaping ideas for your backyard? Maybe your use of space could be better, maybe you could open up some usable space. It’s a good thing we have you covered here, or for a summary, check out our past projects page.

General maintenance

The first landscaping idea for your backyard will probably involve routine maintenance. Moreover, you cant use your yard if it’s a jungle. You would be surprised how many times we have laid some turf down, trimmed some hedges, removed a couple of small shrubs and the space is entirely different. Always remember that routine maintenance can make a world of difference when working with your outdoor space.

Patio installation

Patios provide a great way to improve the usable square footage of your backyard, there are a few methods we can go about this. Firstly, if your yard is quite hilly we can use a raised patio technique. This provides a nice flat area to enjoy all year round. The remainder can be used as a garden or second level. 

Secondly, a multi-level patio could be used on a hilly area to provide two (or more) separate flat areas to use. An example of a multi-level patio can be seen on our projects page. When thinking of landscaping ideas for your backyard you can always inquire about your local landscaper, they have done many jobs and may have a better solution to your particular problem.

Finally, a raised patio with ornamental garden can heavily reduce any labor in the future. If you are busy and have little time to spare this could be the option for you. Likewise for an older demographic who physically can’t take care of their yard all the time anymore.

Raised patio

Retaining wall installation

Additionally, similar to a raised patio a retaining wall can increase your usable space for kids, pets, or entertaining. Retaining walls may also be used to install a raised garden for agricultural or ornamental purposes. You would be surprised how much space can be salvaged with the installation of a retaining wall. 

Turf installation

Do you have a grassy area that refuses to grow, inhibiting any kind of landscaping idea for your backyard? You may not like it, but you most likely need to install new turf. In fact, if the grass is exposed to toxic chemicals over a prolonged period of time the roots can become contaminated and die. This is why your grass isn’t growing. The only solution would be to tear it up, as well as, remove the soil and start all over again. On the bright side, this could be a great opportunity to tackle an entire makeover adding any one of the great services Brunatti Landscape Contracting offers.

Conclusion

Don’t be afraid to consult a professional regarding the landscaping ideas you have for your backyard. They are experienced, willing, and able to design and build the outdoor space of your dreams. Take a look at our past projects page for some more ideas and get in touch.

landscaping services for the spring

Landscaping general knowledge / By


The Winter can be grueling in the Fraser Valley. On dark and stormy days with little daylight, the last thing you are probably thinking about is your yard. This could be the perfect time to start thinking about landscaping services you may need for the upcoming Summer. At the very least it could take your mind off the Winter.

Winter landscaping clean up

Winter clean up

The long Winter brings wind, rain, snow, and everything else it can wrangle up to try and ruin your outdoor space. Often times the first calls we get are to simply clean up debris. Over the course of the Winter large branches and leaves can get everywhere, many times it is simply too big of a cleanup for people’s spare time. Being equipped with everything from snow clearing equipment to mini-excavators, the clean-up process is one of the many landscaping services we gladly offer.

Spring remodeling

Once the Winter clean-up is all said and done there is an infinite amount of landscaping services available. Moreover, with a clean slate, our customers more often than not get ambitious. For example, we have worked many debris clean-up jobs only to be followed up by a patio installation or turf installation. Not only does the clean up provide a clean slate, but also a blank canvas of sorts where our services can be showcased. Finally, you can see a raised patio with a garden area we installed for one of our many happy customers.

Raised patio installation

Larger landscaping projects

When looking into larger landscaping services such as retaining walls, paving stone patios and turf installations the Winter/Spring months are best. There are a few reasons for this, we will cover the basics here. Firstly, availability wont be as likely an issue. Landscaping services, although varying, are largely seasonal. You snow clear in the Winter, maintain turf in the Summer and so on. Tackling a large installation project in the Winter or early Spring can be a way around scheduling conflicts.

Secondly, you probably aren’t using the space due to the weather! No one likes sitting beside a construction site, its noisy and can be an eye sore. If you choose to tackle a larger project in the Winter you can stay inside and away from the noise. In addition, you will have more time to use the new and improved space in the Summer.

Conclusion

We have covered a small but relevant list of reasons to look at landscaping services before the Summer. From booking availability as well as the convenience of using a landscaper adding to your own free time. The important thing to remember is that Summer goes by quickly, you are best to look at what landscaping services you need sooner rather than later.

Landscaping FAQ

Faq’s when working with landscaping companies

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How much does a landscaping service cost from a landscaping company?

For starters this can vary, landscape cleanups in the spring or fall are typically $500 – $1500. Lawn care, which includes weekly mowing and edging, is usually $40 – $80 per week. Additionally, full landscape maintenance is $125 – $300 per month on a year-round basis.

How do landscapers charge?

It is important to keep in mind that landscaping companies operate like any other. Like most things landscaping, there is no be-all, end-all price unless you are doing routine maintenance.

What all does landscaping include?

Landscaping services can range from mowing a lawn to snow clearing, yes snow clearing. Moreover, Landscaping companies are well adapted to handle many large projects you may have including paving stone driveways, Allan block retaining walls, and water feature installation.

How much does simple landscaping cost?

The cost of a standard landscaping project is around $49.50 per hour. Simpler landscaping jobs can cost as low as $40/hr while bigger projects can cost you roughly $55/hr. Therefore, rates fluctuate according to the size and complexity of the task.

What is a good budget for landscaping?

The important thing to remember when hiring a landscape contractor or a landscaping company is you get what you pay for. You won’t get a million-dollar back yard for $500. Be realistic and feel free to ask the landscape contractor any questions you may have.

Can you negotiate with landscapers?

Put simply, it is better to not haggle with professionals. For instance, landscape contractors are professionals with years of experience. Landscaping companies across the Fraser Valley pride themselves on quality of work and again, you get what you pay for.

Should I tip my landscaper?

When it comes to large projects the landscape contractor or landscaping company should already factor in their markup when it comes to compensation. 

Is landscaping hard work?

Landscaping involves working in all weather conditions. Subsequently, it involves working under the sun and in most times, on your knees with soil on one hand and sweat trickling down both eyebrows. It also requires creativity, dedication, persistence, and a love of plants and the earth.

Is landscaping worth the money?

Over 75% of real-estate agents say well-landscaped homes are worth anywhere from 1% to 10% more than homes with no landscaping. In addition to the rising cost of homes in Vancouver, hiring a landscaping company is a no brainer.

Why 2021 is the best year to remodel your yard

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2021 could be the year to call a landscaping company to remodel your yard. With all that has happened in 2020, the importance of having a home escape has never been more real. Here are some services you could expect from Brunatti Landscape Contracting.

The process when working with a landscape contractor

If you are having trouble working with your outdoor space it may be time to call a landscape contractor. Sometimes seeing solutions can be difficult, especially when working with the terrain in the Fraser Valley. Luckily landscaping companies like Brunattia Landscape Contracting, are experienced and equipped to help. Finding solutions can be difficult sometimes, but using a professional landscape contractor can streamline projects and make the use of your outdoor space as efficient as possible.

Retaining walls from landscaping companies

Firstly, when thinking about remodeling your yard you should keep in mind you may not be using the space as efficiently as you could be. One of our most popular services is retaining wall installation. When you hire a landscape contractor to build a retaining wall you will get a professional and durable end result. This will open up previously unusable space and/or create a larger level area for entertaining.

Water feature installation

Additionally, landscaping companies can also install water features. The long summer days can be some of the best to enjoy your backyard. Why not make it a little more of an oasis by installing a water feature? Typically, it is smart to get your landscape contractor to install a water feature as they are already working with the space. Simple tricks like hiding cables under gardens or turf are staples for landscaping companies. The real value comes from the seamless cover-up post-installation giving you the wow factor and tranquility you are looking for in your home.

Is your turf dead or sparse?

Landscape turf installation

Finally, no one likes a dead lawn. Everyone knows landscaping companies can install turf, but when should you call one for turf installation? If your lawn is dead or growing very sparsely the soil may be contaminated. This can happen from spilled chemicals or even from pets alone. Adding and seed could take years for the lawn to recuperate, it would be far more efficient to call a landscape contractor. The landscaping company you use will remove all the contaminated soil and replace it with fresh, healthy turf. You can see an example of this in the picture above. 

Build your own getaway at home to escape everyday life

In conclusion, 2021 could be the year to revamp your outdoor space with a landscape contractor. Firstly, using retaining walls to make your usable space bigger is a foolproof way to make room for guests or kids. Secondly, water features installed by a landscaping company will add some serenity to your already glowing yard. Finally, a fresh new layer of turf will be the exclamation mark on your masterpiece, growing healthy and lush for years to come. 

If you have any questions on booking a job for the Spring feel free to contact Brunatti Landscape Contracting to see how we can help you.

Patio installation

Giving the landscape contractor parameters to work in

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Firstly, when hiring a landscaping contractor for a large landscaping design job in South Surrey. Or a small job, it is crucial you have a good idea of the task at hand. Landscaping projects in Surrey, landscaping projects in Langley, and across the entire Fraser Valley all have many different avenues for success.

Landscaping in Surrey? Find a similar landscaping project you like

Brunatti Landscape Contracting focuses on projects in Abbotsford and Chilliwack. Likewise, we also service landscaping needs in Surrey, BC as well. The Fraser Valley has many different terrains which in turn means more possibilities for projects. Second, When hiring a landscape contractor, you can research similar projects you like to give them an idea. Now, they have a clear vision they can work more efficiently. There are many industry wikis for landscape ideas, check some out here, or check out some of our own projects here.

Have an appropriate budget

With Surrey, BC being such a populated area it can be difficult to access some projects. Keep in mind-machine access brings down costs as it reduces labor time. Landscaping in Surrey does not come without its benefits, with many properties close together under strata it can be very efficient for quick maintenance. Landscaping project in Surrey BC complex below.

Landscaping Surrey

Landscape design in South Surrey

South Surrey can render some larger properties which can also be subject to some larger design projects. It is important in this case more than ever to have a firm idea of what you need. If you give the landscaping contractor a clear path, they can design the outdoor living space you have always wanted. If your landscape design project is subject to rolling hills, thick weeds, or large stones be budget aware. Further, water features, paving stone, and retaining walls can all be more costly when compared to regular turf as well. The important thing is a professional landscape contractor is handling your landscaping in Surrey. When professional landscapers do a job it will show in the best of ways.