Halifax Landscape Design

Frequently Asked Questions

Design & Planning

What’s included in a landscape design in Halifax?

Site visit, measurements, concept plan, materials palette, itemized estimate, and one revision. Optional 3D model available.

How long does the design phase take?

Typically 3–7 business days after the site visit, depending on scope and season.

Do you provide 3D renderings?

Yes. 3D models help visualize patios, retaining walls, lighting, and outdoor kitchens specific to your HRM lot.

Can you design in phases to fit my budget?

Yes—priority areas first (access, drainage, patio), then add-ons (planting, lighting, structures) over time.

Will the design consider Halifax climate and coastal conditions?

Absolutely. We spec frost-resistant bases, salt-tolerant plants, and drainage suited to local rainfall.

Project Process & Scheduling

What’s your end-to-end process?

Discovery call → Site visit → Design & estimate → Booking deposit → Build → Final walkthrough → Aftercare.

When can you start?

Start dates vary by season; we’ll hold a window when the deposit is received and confirm 1–2 weeks out.

How long do most projects take on site?

Small refreshes: 1–3 days. Patios/retaining: 3–10 days. Outdoor kitchens/structures: 1–3 weeks.

Do I need to be home during the build?

Only for access decisions and milestone approvals; otherwise not required.

How do you communicate progress?

Daily or milestone updates by text/email with photos; change orders approved in writing.

Pricing, Estimates & Payments

Are estimates free in HRM?

Yes, free written estimates for defined scopes across Halifax, Dartmouth, Bedford, Sackville, and nearby.

How do you price projects?

Transparent line items: materials, labour, equipment, disposal, and optional upgrades.

What payment schedule do you use?

Deposit to book → milestone progress payment(s) → final payment at completion. Invoices include HST.

Do you accept e-transfer and credit cards?

Yes—e-transfer preferred; major cards accepted.

Do you finance projects?

We can split phases or refer financing partners on request.

Permits, Codes

& Utility Locates

Who handles permits in Halifax?

We guide requirements and can coordinate with HRM for decks/structures and walls above threshold heights.

Do you arrange utility locates?

Yes. Underground locates are scheduled before any digging.

Do I need a permit for a retaining wall?

Height and location determine this; we’ll advise during design to stay code-compliant.

What about gas lines for outdoor kitchens/fire features?

Gas work is performed by licensed pros; we coordinate trenching and inspections.

Do you manage inspections?

Yes—where applicable, we book and attend to keep the schedule on track.

Hardscapes: Patios, Walkways

& Retaining Walls

What paver options do you install?

Concrete pavers, natural stone, and porcelain slabs rated for freeze–thaw in Nova Scotia.

How do you build bases for Halifax freeze–thaw?

Excavation to spec, geo-textile, compacted multi-lift aggregate, proper edge restraint, and polymeric sand/joints.

Do you repair sunken or heaved pavers?

Yes—lift, re-base, re-lay, and re-sand to restore grade and drainage.

What retaining wall systems do you use?

Engineered block systems and natural stone. Walls over certain heights may require permits/engineering.

Do you seal pavers?

Optional. We use breathable sealers; we’ll advise based on colour, slip resistance, and maintenance.

Driveways:

Asphalt & Edging

Do you install asphalt driveways?

Yes—new installs and replacements with proper sub-base and compaction for HRM soils.

Can you add paver borders to an asphalt drive?

Yes—paver or natural-stone accents for curb appeal and edge stability.

How long before I can park on new asphalt?

Light use after 3–5 days; full cure ~30 days, weather-dependent.

Do you handle grading and drainage for driveways?

Yes—regrade and add drains to move water away from the foundation.

Do you resurface or replace?

We assess base condition. If the base is failing, full replacement outperforms a cosmetic overlay.

Outdoor Living:

Kitchens, Fire Pits & Lighting

What’s included in an outdoor kitchen build?

Base, cabinets, countertops, appliances, gas/electrical coordination, and weather-resistant finishes.

Gas vs. wood fire pit—what’s best for Halifax?

Gas offers convenience and fewer burn restrictions; wood is classic but needs ash management and clearance.

Do you install low-voltage landscape lighting?

Yes—path, spot, and wall wash lighting with timers/smart control for year-round safety and ambience.

Can you integrate seating walls and pergolas?

Yes—we design cohesive living zones tied to your patio and traffic flow.

Are appliances winter-ready?

We specify rated components and provide winterization steps (covers, gas shut-off, power down).

Softscapes,

Lawns & Gardens

Do you install sod and seed in HRM?

Yes—soil prep, grading, quality sod/seed, starter fertilizer, and watering plan.

Which plants thrive near the coast?

Salt-tolerant, zone-appropriate species; we tailor to sun/shade and soil conditions.

Do you offer garden bed makeovers?

Yes—edging, fresh soil/compost, mulch, and seasonal colour for fast curb appeal.

Can you add landscape edging?

Yes—steel, paver, or natural stone to define lawns and beds and aid maintenance.

Do you provide maintenance packages?

Yes—seasonal cleanups, pruning, mulching, and bed care (ask about HRM packages).

Water, Drainage,

Ponds & Waterfalls

Do you fix wet yards and pooling water?

Yes—French drains, regrading, swales, and downspout solutions to protect foundations.

Do you build backyard ponds and waterfalls?

Yes—liner/rock systems with pumps, biological filters, and safe electrical.

How noisy are water features?

We set spill heights and pump sizes to your preference for sound level and energy use.

Can you add dry riverbeds for drainage and aesthetics?

Yes—functional stone channels that look natural and move stormwater.

Do you winterize pumps in Nova Scotia?

Yes—drain lines, remove/secure pumps, and protect plumbing before freeze.

Fences, Decks

& Structures

What fence materials do you install?

Wood, composite, and ornamental aluminum with posts set below frost.

Do you build decks and stairs?

Yes—pressure-treated or composite decks built to code with permits where required.

Can you build pergolas and privacy screens?

Yes—standalone or integrated with patios for wind and sightline control.

Do you pour sonotube footings?

Yes—engineered depths for HRM frost and soil conditions.

Do you handle gate hardware and latches?

Yes—heavy-duty, self-closing options for security and durability.

Interlocking Pavers

What are interlocking pavers and why choose them over poured concrete or asphalt?

Interlocking pavers are individual concrete or stone units installed over a compacted base with joint sand. They offer strong curb appeal, fast repair (you can lift/replace a single unit), excellent freeze–thaw performance, and long-term value for patios, walkways, and driveways in Halifax.

How do you prepare the base for Halifax’s freeze–thaw conditions?

We excavate to spec, install geo-textile where needed, compact multiple lifts of aggregate, set final bedding sand, and lock edges with restraints. Proper slope (typically 2% away from the house) manages rain and snowmelt in HRM.

How long does a typical paver project take and when can I use it?

Small walks/pads: 1–3 days on site. Medium patios: 3–7 days. Driveways: 5–10 days depending on access and weather. You can walk on the surface right away; heavy furniture or vehicles should wait 24–48 hours after joint sand compaction.

What patterns, borders, and colours can you provide?

We offer herringbone, running bond, stacked, and modular patterns with contrasting borders, in classic and contemporary colour blends. Edge restraints and soldier courses add a finished look and help resist movement.

Do pavers settle or shift? What maintenance is required?

A correctly built base greatly reduces settlement. Over time, joints may lose sand—simple re-sanding and compaction keeps them tight. We also provide repairs: lift, re-base, re-lay, and re-sand to correct dips or heaves.

Should I seal my interlocking pavers and how often?

Sealing is optional. Breathable sealers can enhance colour and help resist stains. In Halifax, plan to clean annually and re-seal every 3–5 years depending on sun, traffic, and de-icing exposure.

Seasonal, Weather & Winter

How do you handle Halifax weather during builds?

We monitor forecasts, protect surfaces with mats/tarps, and adjust sequences for rain or storms.

Do you offer fall/spring cleanups?

Yes—leaf/debris removal, pruning, bed edging, and mulch refresh.

Can you work through light rain?

Yes—many tasks proceed safely; compaction and concrete are paused during heavy precipitation.

Do you offer snow and ice services?

Seasonal capacity varies—ask about residential routes and small commercial in your area.

How soon can softscapes be installed in spring?

As soon as soils are workable and risk of hard frost passes; we’ll advise by micro-area in HRM.

Warranty, Aftercare

& Maintenance

What warranty do you provide?

Workmanship warranty on hardscapes; manufacturer warranties on supplied products. Plant warranties vary by species/season.

Do you provide care guides?

Yes—custom aftercare for lawns, plants, pavers, lighting, and winter prep.

How do I request warranty service?

Email or call with photos and your invoice number; we schedule an inspection and plan next steps.

Do you offer resealing or tune-ups?

Yes—paver re-sand/seal, joint repairs, edging checks, lighting re-aiming, and plant health checks.

How do you keep sites clean and neighbours happy?

Daily tidy-ups, safe access, dust suppression, respectful working hours, and clear communication with adjacent properties.