Surveys Plans and Permits for Gardening and Landscaping

Gardening is a pleasant hobby that anyone can enjoy. If you are looking to transform your landscape, you will first want to know a few of the basics before you start digging, planting & building.

Choose the Right Location.

For a simple and small garden, you will want to ensure proper placement of your garden in terms of your boundaries. You should always check your property’s survey plan before making any changes to your landscape. Regardless of the size of your garden, you should avoid starting your garden on someone else’s land.

For Larger projects, such a gazebo, retaining wall & raised flower beds, you will want to check your municipal zoning requirements. Zoning by-laws are put in place to protect you and your neighbors from building too close to the property line. Once you are fully educated on the zoning requirements in your area, you will need a survey plan to reference your property boundaries and locate the buildable area on your property.

Gardening & Retaining Walls

Retaining walls are built for many different reasons. If you live on a hilly landscape, a retaining wall is a great way to correct some of the problems that come with it, such as drainage issues and flooding. Retaining walls can also serve as an attractive backdrop to your garden, or even support a raised garden bed.

No matter the purpose of your retaining wall, you will want to do your research before you begin construction.

Find out what permits you need to build your retaining wall. When you change the landscape of your property, you will be altering the natural flow of water which can divert water into other areas of your property or onto a neighboring property; this could cause flooding and damage. Obtaining the proper permits means your property will be inspected to avoid these costly mistakes or a potential lawsuit.
Know where your property boundaries are. Building a retaining wall on a neighbouring property could mean having to tear down and relocate your retaining wall. This is a labour intensive task, which will have to be completed at your expense. Knowing where your property boundaries are before you dig can save you a lot of time and money.

Planting Trees

Planting a tree on your property is a great way to add greenery to your backyard. Trees can provide shade, privacy and a graceful atmosphere to your property. When a tree is planted, they usually start out small and unimposing, however, trees can quickly become a large focal point on your property and if planted improperly, can grow onto a neighbouring property. If your tree trunk encroaches onto a neighbouring property, you then have what is called a boundary tree.

To ensure that you get to enjoy your tree for years to come, be sure to plant your tree 3-4 feet away from the property line. This will help guarantee that your tree remains on your property and is not a risk of being removed or altered by your neighbour.

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