Some people may not think of residential and commercial landscaping as an industry that involves a lot of fine artisanship, but the truth is, every aspect of our business requires a high level of skill and a keen attention to detail. From planting a tree to ensure it has the highest chance of survival, to building a multi-person, multi-purpose deck, to shoring up a property with retaining walls, we perform every job to the best of our abilities and with the intention of leaving our clients with something they can enjoy for a very long time.
Our staff of trained landscape maintenance and landscape construction professionals are specialists in all kinds of outdoor wood projects, and we always 100% guarantee the quality of our work. There are many ways to incorporate wood elements into your yard that you know were constructed with care and attention specifically to meet the needs of you and your family. We can help create a special spot that will be a talking point and place of sanctuary for however long you own your property.
We love the look of wood in a yard, and not just that that makes up your trees and shrubs. There are lots of different choices for materials and the natural look and interesting grains helps provide depth, texture, colour, and utility to residential landscaping.
Hardwood vs. softwood
The price of softwood lumber has been volatile over the last couple years, reaching an all-time high last May. After dipping down to average over the summer, lumber costs have started to rise again. High softwood lumber costs may cause someone considering wood projects pause to think, however indications are that softwood lumber costs will begin to go down again soon. A recent drop on the costs of tariffs for softwood lumber producers in Canada should help bring prices down.
Softwood isn’t always necessarily softer than hardwood. The difference is the type of tree is comes from. Softwoods come from coniferous trees that keep their needles all year round, and different types common in Canada include cedar, pine, spruce, and fir wood . If softwood it is pressure treated to protect it from the elements, it is a beautiful, durable, more sustainable, and more affordable product.
Hardwoods come from deciduous trees, meaning those that lose their leaves in the winter. Common types sold in Alberta include oak, elm, and teak. Hardwood is generally more expensive than softwood as it tends to be heavier, lasts longer, and is less abundant.
Great wood projects to improve your outdoor space
Decks
Decks create special places for gathering, and with excellent construction can provide endless visual appeal for your yard. Building a deck requires expertise in the installation of joists, beams, and support posts, as well as imagination as to how the space can be used to its fullest advantage. Decks can be built with different levels, attractive railings, built-in planters and benches, plus cupboards and storage spaces. View our portfolio for examples of our deck work.
Different types of fences
Decorative fencing can be used within yards to block the sun where it is most intense and provide extra privacy in areas that may be exposed to your neighbours. They also help section out parts of your yard for specific uses, such as barbecuing, eating, and lounging. View our portfolio for examples of our fence work.
Retaining walls
Retaining walls are some of our favourite projects, as not only do they allow for more useable surface area in a yard and simplify care and maintenance, they also help reduce water use and slow down erosion. They are most often created with stone, which allows for strength and durability, but can also be made with wood. The wood simply needs to be pressure treated to be resistant to moisture, and the planks protected with a moisture barrier. A well-constructed wood retaining wall can last 40 years or more. View our portfolio for examples of our retaining walls.
Pergolas
A soaring pergola made up of intricate latticework is a beautiful thing. They are airy and open, offering a lovely view of the sky, while also being surprisingly effective at providing shade. How much shade depends on the size and spacing of the boards. View our portfolio for examples of our pergolas.
Bridges and pathways
We can construct fanciful bridges over your backyard pond that conjure up visions of fairies and elves in a magical forest. You can also place bridges in your garden areas to provide easy access from one area to another, while also preventing certain plants from being trampled.
Archways and trellises
Archways and trellises add intricate structural beauty to a yard and clearly define pathways and walkways. Planting them with ivy and honeysuckle provides a living, breathing green door that everyone is happy to walk through.
Do it yourself
If you are a do-it-yourselfer, there are lots of fun and easy home projects you can do with wood to add to your vision for your yard. Objects such as benches and planters are relatively easy to construct and can provide your family with a long-lasting heirloom.
Mirage has the experience and the expertise
More new landscaping trends include gardening for food, bringing the indoors outdoors, including more natural areas, attracting birds and bees, and making better use of front yards. We have the knowledge and the expertise needed to create your ultimate getaway just steps from your door.
Mirage Landscaping has been Calgary’s premier residential and commercial full-service landscaping design and maintenance firm for three generations. We know that good landscape construction requires meticulous practices, and that is what we promise to our customers. Contact us for a free quote.
