Increasing accessibility
Full access to the site was a concern not only during the design phase, but also throughout the installation as the project progressed. As such, it was absolutely critical that the client’s neighbours were approached about the impending project, since it would have a significant impact on their properties. This was not as simple as asking to walk through their yards, either—workers needed to be able to remove portions of the neighbour’s existing landscapes (including sod, fences and established trees) to allow for site access.
Fortunately, in this case, the neighbours were accommodating, allowing their yards to be used for access, with the assurance their properties would be restored to their original, pre-construction condition once the project was completed. Because site restrictions were identified during the initial consultation, the cost of these repairs were accurately forecast ahead of time; as such, material and labour costs were accounted for and included in the proposal for the project.
It is common for contractors to downplay the required costs of any repairs to existing landscapes or infrastructure during the bidding process, so their proposal will look more appealing to the prospective clients. Unfortunately, the contractor will then often have to cut corners or bill for additional unexpected costs during or after the construction process in order to make their margins. Since GLI relies heavily on repeat clients and referrals, being upfront with the client was key. Clients looking for a professional contractor tend to appreciate this transparency. They also understand that with any large project, it is often not the lowest bidder they want working on their properties, but rather the most qualified firm, with diverse services and capabilities, and a portfolio to support those qualifications.
While the added site access allowed by the neighbours helped, space restrictions still created obstacles for workers. For example, the majority of materials needed to complete the project had to be moved manually from one side of the property to the other, as the space was too small to accommodate machines; as a result, production often slowed to a crawl. This added hardship was factored into the project planning, so delays were accounted for before construction began. That said, the project did take the full six weeks, which is a couple of weeks longer than a similar job of this scale.
Staying organized
Another challenge during design and installation was the co-ordination of the various items being installed, as a lot of items had to be fit into a small space. This made adhering to the correct municipal right of ways and bylaws (e.g. getting the proper permits, determining minimum distances for outlet ratios, establishing decking locations and drainage encroachment) quite challenging. The sheer number of items included in the landscape, combined with the need to maximize usable space, required constant consideration of spacing and scale on everything from the largest items to the tiniest details.
As with any high-end project, the biggest challenge was ensuring a smooth, seamless transition from one item to another. Professional landscapers don’t just install items and up sell product; they ensure everything transitions properly. The walk from the yard to the garden to the deck needs to be well planned and cohesive. Everything from material and style to scale and colour must be carefully considered, while always keeping the client’s needs and desires at the forefront.
Aaron Lauritsen is a certified landscape professional (CLP) and certified horticultural technician (CHT). He is the president of GLI Landscaping, an award-winning Alberta landscape firm serving Calgary and the surrounding area, which offers construction, maintenance, irrigation, lighting and interior and exterior concrete applications.
