landscaping

The cost of landscaping varies greatly depending on the scope of the project. For a basic project including interlocking pavers, plantings, and lighting on a medium-sized yard, you can generally expect to pay between $15,000 and $50,000. High-end projects integrating an outdoor kitchen, pergola, retaining walls, a full lighting system, and premium materials can easily exceed $75,000 to $100,000.

According to the APCHQ, the recommended investment is between 10% and 30% of the property’s value. Several factors influence the price: lot size, chosen materials, design complexity, required earthwork, soil quality, and site accessibility. A project can also be carried out in phases over multiple seasons to spread costs. The best way to get an accurate estimate is to request a personalized quote from a certified landscaper who will assess your specific terrain and needs.

The best period for landscaping in Quebec is between May and October, when the ground is fully thawed and weather conditions allow for efficient work. Spring (May–June) is ideal for planting, as vegetation has the entire season to take root before winter. For pavers, retaining wall, or earthwork projects, summer and early fall work very well. Planning, however, should start well in advance.

Contacting a landscaper in February or March lets you book a spot in the production schedule, finalize the design, and get the best material selections. Landscaping companies are very busy between May and August, so planning early avoids delays. Fence installation projects can also be done late in the season, through November, in certain conditions.

Yes. According to the Association provinciale des constructeurs d’habitations du Québec (APCHQ), landscaping can account for 20 to 30% of a home’s overall value. Several studies estimate that quality landscaping increases a property’s resale value by 15 to 20%, provided the work is done with durable materials and according to standards. Beyond the numbers, a well-landscaped property also sells faster because it creates a positive first impression upon arrival.

To maximize return on investment, focus on a clean and functional design rather than overly personalized arrangements that may not appeal to all buyers. The most profitable elements include a well-maintained paver driveway, a patio or deck (50 to 75% return), well-kept plantings, and exterior lighting. Working with a certified Maître Paysagiste ensures work meets BNQ standards, protecting your investment long-term.

A regular landscaper is a contractor who offers exterior landscaping services but does not necessarily hold a recognized professional certification. In Quebec, there is no mandatory licence from the Régie du bâtiment (RBQ) specifically for landscaping work, meaning anyone can present themselves as a landscaper without any guarantee of competence or standards compliance.

A Maître Paysagiste certification, on the other hand, requires adherence to strict quality and durability standards established by the Bureau de normalisation du Québec (BNQ), as well as a commitment to high professional practices. Choosing a Maître Paysagiste means ensuring that your paver foundations, retaining walls, and all your work are completed according to best practices, using quality materials and techniques suited to Quebec’s climate. Aménagement Chartrand has held this certification since its founding.

It depends on the type of work. Plantings, ground-level interlocking pavers, and garden beds generally do not require a municipal permit. However, constructing structures such as a patio, pergola, gazebo, retaining wall over one metre in height, or a fence typically requires a building permit issued by your municipality. Installing or modifying a pool enclosure also requires a permit in the vast majority of Quebec cities.

Regulations vary by municipality, so it is always best to check with your city’s urban planning department before starting work. An experienced landscaper is familiar with these requirements and can guide you through the process. If work is non-compliant, municipalities can require demolition or impose fines, making prior verification essential.

The most winter-hardy plants in Quebec are those in hardiness zones 3 to 5 according to Agriculture Canada’s scale. Among the most reliable shrubs are panicle hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata), lilac, dogwood, juniper, and potentilla. For perennials, hostas, daylilies, coneflowers (Echinacea), and ornamental grasses like miscanthus are reliable choices that return year after year without issue.

For conifers, cedars (thujas), spruces, and pines are classic Quebec choices. Exposure to wind, road salt, and snow accumulation from rooftops should be considered. A good planting plan incorporates evergreens to maintain visual interest in winter, combined with perennials and shrubs that bloom from spring through fall. Your landscaper can design a planting scheme that looks great in all four seasons.

Landscaping a Quebec backyard with an inground pool must balance aesthetics, functionality, and regulatory compliance. The first step is planning the mandatory safety enclosure: under Quebec’s Regulation Respecting Safety Around Residential Swimming Pools, any pool with a water depth of 60 cm must be surrounded by a fence at least 1.2 metres high, with a self-closing and self-latching gate.

Next, the choice of pool surround (non-slip interlocking pavers, concrete slab, or natural stone) must account for wet foot safety and drainage. Beyond compliance, consider integrating functional zones: a lounge area to relax, a dining or outdoor kitchen space, plantings that provide privacy without creating leaf debris in the water, and lighting that extends evenings. Pool filtration and heating equipment must be installed more than one metre from the fence to prevent children from using it as a climbing aid. A well-planned project by a certified Maître Paysagiste can create a true outdoor living space around your pool.