Landscaping Your New Yard

A garden and other outdoor spaces can be an extension of your home and a great source of joy and pride, to be enjoyed as a social gathering place, a private area for relaxation and a pleasurable nature experience.

Builders understand the importance of landscaping and pay attention to the natural environment on their building sites, carefully preserving trees and other natural growth on building sites whenever possible. Green spaces and attractive landscaping of common areas are an integral part of larger community developments. Walkways and driveways are designed to enhance the appeal of individual homes.

Some builders offer landscaping options which allows you to finish the look of your home and enjoy all of the benefits of your purchase immediately.

There is a lot to think about when you begin your landscape planning by developing a full vision of your entire outdoor space:

• Begin by developing your wish list of everything you have always wanted, from gardens to waterfalls. Then assess what you want to take on right away, and what you want to phase in over time.
• Soil preparation and water control, particularly drainage, are crucial. Talk to your builder about drainage patterns in order to take this into consideration when placing the eavestroughs and downspouts.
• Develop your plan, at least in general terms, and review it with your builder for advice and suggestions. Electrical cables can be run outside for lights and transformers. Plan for future outside plumbing needs, or have a natural gas line brought outside for an eventual barbecue.
• Be realistic about the amount of garden upkeep you want or are able to do. The use of low-maintenance lawns and other ground covers, native plant species and mulch can help to reduce mowing, watering and weeding.

Help Keep Regina Beautiful Landscaping Tips

As of January 2019, owners of new homes are required to landscape their front and side yards within the first two years of possession.

Landscaping can include a variety of options such as plants, trees, grass or rocks. Your chosen landscape material must allow water to easily flow through into the ground.

Some landscape options:

• Lawn: One option of grass seed or sod is dryland grass mix. This grass requires a low amount of water and can handle the drought conditions we face each summer in Saskatchewan.
• Perennial Gardens: Not a fan of mowing grass? Plant perennials that come back year after year. Once established, perennial plants knit closely together and help prevent weed growth. Good options include: Day Lilies, Haskap, Spirea, Iris, Peony
• Xeriscaping: A xeriscape garden needs little water and often includes native plants. Decorative boulders and rock mulch can be used to create a unique landscape. Good options include: Karl Foerster Grass, Blue Oat Grass, Yarrow, Junipers
• Trees: When choosing a tree, think about the size of your yard, amount of sun and water. Small yard? Try a small tree such as: Romance Cherries, Crab Apples, True North Linden, Amur Maple, Upright Colorado Spruce. Please note, new Ash Trees are not allowed in Saskatchewan due to concern for the invasive species of Emerald Ash Borer. Find out more at Regina.ca.

More tips:

• Boulevards: Did you know? Homeowners are responsible for taking care of the boulevards adjacent to their property. Similar to how you shovel the sidewalk in front of your property during the winter, you are responsible for maintaining the grass on your front and side boulevards.
• Water: Plants grown in our city are used to a small amount of rain. When planning your yard, think about how much water it will need. Lawn, for example, needs a lot of water to stay bright green. Take time to think about the value of water and how you can make small changes to use less for your yard.
• Downspouts & Sump Pumps: Sometimes drainage from downspouts and sump pumps can cause unwanted pooling in your yard. A landscape solution is to create a rain garden – an area where extra water is captured and can slowly seep into the ground. Rock mulch and drought/water tolerant plants are used to accommodate changing moisture conditions. Rain gardens can be a beautiful addition to your yard (and don’t require mowing!). Please note, homeowners are not permitted to direct their pipes and downspouts onto adjacent properties.
• Safety First: When planning to landscape, ensure you don’t run into a pipeline, easement or any other underground infrastructure. Before you dig a spot for your new apple tree, call Sask 1st at 1-866-828-4888.

Visit any of your local home and garden centers for information on, or materials for, residential landscaping.

For information on Landscape Regulations, reference chapter 15 of the Zoning Bylaw at Regina.ca or call 306-777-7000