Minimum Landscaping Requirements for New Homes in Edmonton
Your Guide to Meeting Builder Landscaping Deposits & City Rules
If you're a new homeowner in neighborhoods like Uplands, Keswick, The Orchards, Paisley, or any of the growing communities around the city, you've probably got a letter from your builder reminding you about "minimum landscaping requirements." It's one of the most common questions we get—homeowners want to know exactly what's needed to get their landscaping deposit back without overspending.
The good news? These requirements are pretty straightforward for most neighborhoods, and we're here to make it simple for you.
What Are the Typical Minimum Landscaping Requirements in Edmonton?
Every new subdivision in Edmonton has its own specific rules (set by the developer/builder and aligned with City guidelines), but the vast majority focus only on basic front yard landscaping. Common minimums include:
1 deciduous or conifer tree (usually a minimum caliper/size specified)
4 to 6 shrubs planted in a mulched planting bed (often with stone or mulch edging)
Sod or seed for the visible front lawn area
These are designed to give your front yard a finished, "established" look quickly. Backyards and side yards are almost never required under the minimums—those are optional upgrades you can add later for privacy, play space, or entertaining.
Important note: These minimum front yard requirements do not include final grading or topsoil. Final grading is a separate step (handled after your rough grade approval) and is required before any landscaping can be done properly. If you want a fully finished yard (including sides, back, patios, or more plantings), that's where our custom design and installation services come in.
For more on final grading → FINAL GRADING SECTION
For full yard design ideas → LANDSCAPE DESIGN SECTION
Edmonton Landscape Requirements Information
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Why Do You Need to Meet These Requirements?
Your builder holds a landscaping deposit (often $2,000–$5,000) until the minimum requirements are completed and inspected. Once done:
You get your full deposit back
It satisfies City of Edmonton bylaws for new developments
Your yard looks great from the street and adds curb appeal right away
Skipping or delaying this can mean losing part or all of that deposit— we've helped plenty of homeowners avoid that headache!
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How Landscapes Specialists Can Help You Meet Minimum Requirements
We specialize in quick, affordable "deposit release" packages that meet or exceed your builder's exact specs—using cold-hardy trees and shrubs that thrive in Edmonton's Zone 3 climate (no sad, dying plants the next winter).
To give you an accurate quote and confirm your specific requirements:
We'll need a copy of your Rough Grade Certificate and Rough Grade Plot Plan (you get these from your builder after possession)
Our team can then look up your neighborhood's exact guidelines (we have access to most developer standards)
From there, we handle everything: topsoil/final grading (if needed), tree & shrub selection/placement, mulched beds, sod, and even photos for your builder's inspection.
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Ready to Check "Landscaping Deposit" Off Your List?
Don't guess what your neighborhood requires—let us take care of it so you get your deposit back fast and end up with a front yard you'll actually enjoy.
Send me your Rough Grade Plot Plan
What's Next? Options After Meeting the Minimums
Once you've got a plan for the front yard basics, many homeowners wonder about the rest of the yard. You have flexible options that fit your timeline and budget:
Go all-in right away: Complete your side and backyard landscaping at the same time as the front minimums (and final grading). This gives you a fully finished, usable yard from the start—perfect for families wanting play areas, patios, or privacy screening sooner.
Start with the basics and expand later: Meet the front yard requirements now to release your builder's deposit quickly. Then, when you're ready (next season or whenever), we can create a custom design and landscape the sides and backyard. Since final grading covers the whole lot, you can apply for your City final grade approval as soon as that step is complete—whether you do full landscaping now or later.
Either way, bundling final grading with your project makes everything smoother and ensures proper drainage before planting.