Landscape design and installation | Nanaimo Landscapers

Custom and creative landscape construction & garden design. Over 20 years of experience providing landscaping in Nanaimo BC.

creative landscaping design - nanaimo landscapers

Creative Landscaping for your home

Creative By Design Landscaping in Nanaimo, BC provides full-service landscape design and installation for your outdoor living space, all at an affordable cost. We use high industry standards and our landscapers pride themselves on providing first-class construction and quality products. Results and reliability is very important to us. 

We provide many different outdoor solutions from irrigation, garden maintenance, paver patios and walkways, walls, artificial turf, drainage, excavation, and much more for your garden 

Outstanding results from landscapers that care

We are Landscape Industry certified (NALP), Rainbird and IIABC certified and AB wall contractor certified.

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how much does landscaping cost in nanaimo

How much does landscaping cost in Nanaimo?

Basic landscaping will cost around $20-40,000 for a regular sized home in Nanaimo, which factors in soil, lawn, planting and sprinklers

However if you are looking to add hardscapes, walls, full-size trees and lighting, then the installation costs can increase significantly. Large concepts which include a detailed design and multiple elevations can often exceed a cost of $150,000 quite quickly.

A good rule of thumb is to calculate the projected area, and multiply it by $12 -$15 per sq.ft. This will give you a good idea of the budget for a good quality in-depth landscape with some hard and softscapes.  

Your landscaping budget in Nanaimo can vary a lot, depending on the size, as well as factors such as access, site and ground conditions and design complexity.

If your existing landscapes are old and in need of our expertise, then excavation and disposal is always possible but will increase your installation costs. Bedrock, slopes and drainage issues can also greatly affect the overall landscaping installation costs due to unfriendly working conditions where machinery is required and progress is slow.

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How much does a landscape design cost in Nanaimo?

We provide on site consultations for a cost of $195, and our 2D drawings start at $650, our design package comes with a colour printed or digital copy and a quote with detailed breakdown of our prices. We also offer 3D packages, but costs are property specific.

EXCAVATION 

Excavation for your landscaping work can vary depending on job size, access, machines required, material type and haulage fees. Excavation with mini-excavators and skid-steers is usually priced around $100 per hour plus fuel in ideal ground conditions. Where large amounts of bedrock is to be removed, we may outsource to a company with larger machines and rock breakers. 

WATER FEATURES

Building water features in Nanaimo, can add a great sound to any garden. A small concept, such as a bubbling rock or pond less water feature can cost around $2000 to $5000, if you’re looking for a grand water feature with lighting and waterfalls than your cost would be around $10,000 and up.

HARDSCAPES

Patios, pathways, custom outdoor kitchens and block retaining walls can really enhance your home, but can significantly increase the project cost. Pavers average at $35 per installed sq.ft. Block retaining walls are a great addition for creating level areas but can cost from $65 to $95 for face square foot, depending on product style. Any poured concrete surface will be a lower price but not as fancy. Natural stone walls and outdoor kitchens can be more expensive, depending on the style and stone type. Also remember many products have to be brought in from Vancouver or further, so delivery and shipping prices can affect schedules and installation costs. We are certified installers with many years of installation and design experience, so you’re in good hands.

SYNTHETIC LAWN

Synthetic lawn is usually installed at a price of around $18-22 per square foot depending on lawn size and type. The larger the area, will sometimes make it cheaper. Remember this product is installed like carpet, so it comes in rolls of 6ft and 13 ft wide, and can often have a lot of wastage, if your looking for more creative lawn shapes.

LIGHTING

Outdoor lighting is a great way to enjoy your yard in the evening, without breaking the bank. Lights start at around $120-150 per fixture, with a transformer ranging from $600 to $800 depending on if you require a smart controller. Wire, marrets, delivery and labour also have to be factored into your system costs.

SOFTSCAPES

Lawns are great for a quick and low maintenance alternative to weeding, though they do require more watering. Our lawn soil is a local premium blend of soil, free of weed seeds, installed at a recommended depth of 4inch plus. With sod provided by a local premium sod supplier, you can usually expect to get a beautiful lawn at a cost of $5-8 per square foot plus delivery. We do recommend sprinklers for any softscape installation. Seeding for a new lawn isn’t a service we offer at this time.

Soil for garden beds are a similar cost depending on bed depth, We recommend 12 inches if you don’t have any good quality growing medium to start with. 6 inches of soil, if your just amending to existing garden beds.

Prices for plants, shrubs and trees are dictated by size and quality of the plants you would like. Some homeowners like to start small and grow with their landscape, others want the instant finish, which means a bigger budget and sometimes machinery as well. We only buy our plants from reputable nurseries like Dinter’s and Green Thumb, where we know they’ve got a good history of plant health.

IRRIGATION

In Nanaimo, we find irrigation is very important for any thriving quality garden. Not only does it keep your lawn green and plants vibrant, it also keeps water wastage down and gives you more free time to do more important tasks. Sprinkler cost is around $1350.00 per zone installation, depending on ground conditions. System size is dictated by gallons per minute and PSI. We are a certified installer and many years of experience installing sprinklers, micro, drip systems with perfect coverage. Any work undertaken inside the house or from the street, will require a certified plumber, which is an additional cost.

WORKING WITHIN A BUDGET?

That is not a problem. When it comes to budget, quotes and pricing, we are honest and upfront about costs, and can work with you to find many different price points and materials. We are happy to discuss project phases to make your plan more manageable. We are fully licensed and insured, which does not allow us to cut corners or have homeowners ‘assist’ toward project completion. We are a professional installation company that thrives on ‘building it right, building it once’, so you don’t have to get us back for repairs!

Why choose our company?

Our teams are dedicated to bringing customers and clients, the highest results in every area of landscaping, irrigation & garden maintenance. We strive for a positive customer experience along with the comfort of a job well done, for any work that we undertake on your home or at your premises.

At Creative By Design Landscaping is a trusted name, we take pride in not just caring for our customer’s landscapes, but also in making them feel satisfied in a job well done! 

Good communication is essential for the success of any job. We are happy to respond to any inquiries or concerns you might have.

residential landscape design nanaimo

It is crucial for us to ensure that our clients fully understand what is involved in their residential job, to avoid any surprises during the design & installation process. We pride ourselves on being transparent about all areas of our interactions with our customers.

When we provide a design & quote for your landscapes, the price will remain unchanged unless additional work has been requested or we face unexpected challenges, which will be clearly stated in any contract. In certain situations, due to the challenging nature of terrains in parts of Nanaimo, we may need to complete the job based on an estimate.

Throughout the quoting process, we will give detailed breakdowns about what is involved and the cost associated.  At times, it may not be be feasible to undertake the project due to access or numerous obstacles, which would increase the cost too much. Typically, we can provide a range of landscaping options that help when working within a budget. If you are interested in general pricing for various landscape & irrigation expertise, we are happy to provided some approximate figures, to give you an idea of how we determine our landscape costs.

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How can we help you?

On site consultations

Landscape design and install

Irrigation

Garden Maintenance

Paver patios and walkways

Retaining walls

Artificial turf

Outdoor lighting

Excavation

Drainage

Flagstone and natural stone

professional landscaping design nanaimo

What do our clients say?

See the clients thoughts on our work

“Having recently moved into our new property, we wanted someone to come in and tidy up our front and back landscapes. Our Nanaimo home had been vacant for while and was very overgrown. My son recommended i contact Creative By Design, as he had used their skills previously for an artificial turf installation, and was very pleased with their results. We contacted them to ask for a quote. Phil came round and met with us to discuss our vision of exactly what we wanted, offering some easy and low maintenance ideas and solutions as well. The plans they showed us was clear and concise, and the quote was very detailed for each part of the job. These landscapers are reliable, thorough, conscientious, proactive and friendly. Everything is cleaned up at the end of each working day leaving everything safe and tidy for our dog. They gave us updates regularly as to what was happening. We have been more than pleased with the landscapes they have refreshed for us. The change to the garden has been a total transformation to when we moved in. When it comes to nanaimo landscaping companies, i would have no hesitation in recommending there guys to anyone.”

– G.Parry – Nanaimo

“Our home needed a significant landscape renovation to beautify the rundown landscapes, create usable living and planting spaces and better access to the beach. Creative By Design truly captured our vision and needs. With their suggestions, expertise and outstanding attention to detail, the landscapes came to life much better than we ambitioned! The installation of new walls to create low maintenance beds with an irrigation system as well as stairs to get to the beach. Also, on the upper level, they created a beautiful patios and walkways with a new space for the hot tub. They exceeded our expectations, and we are happy to recommend them to anyone looking for professional landscaping around your home!”

– M.Booth – Nanaimo

ABOUT US TESTIMONIALS
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Our Warranty Policy

Turf Installation

Turf installations are accompanied by a 30-day guarantee to confirm that the grass has successfully established its roots. Following this initial period, the responsibility for the lawn’s health transfers to our clients, as we can no longer oversee its condition. Only valid if the lawn has been properly maintained, with care instructions provided alongside the invoice; it will be rendered void in cases of neglect. Should any issues arise, we encourage clients to contact our office, and we will arrange for a team member to visit the site for an assessment. We may suggest corrective actions to avoid the necessity of a complete replacement. The guarantee applies to the newly installed sod area, with a few specific cases: Does not cover natural thinning that may occur during the winter months. Some thinning is expected depending on weather severity, and a spring top dressing with seed may be necessary for optimal lawn health. The warranty does not extend to the growth of moss, clover, or weeds in the new lawn. Areas adjacent to acidic plants or those that are shaded are particularly prone to moss. It is common for lawns to experience some moss growth annually, which will require removal. Not applicable during the summer months from June 15th to August 31st, nor during the winter months from October 31st to February 28th. There is no guarantee that the newly installed sod will match the existing lawn in color, as it may consist of a different seed variety than the native grass. Damage to sod from vehicles or machinery, resulting in sunken or damaged sections, is not covered by the warranty. Does not include results caused by raccoons, grubs, crows, or other natural occurrences. Failure to settle past due invoices will lead to the cancellation of the policy.

Pavers

If your newly installed pavers experience sinking or settling within two years, we will address the issue at no charge. This guarantee also encompasses any broken or cracked pavers that may have been damaged during the installation process. It includes loose pavers, loose edge restraints, and any settlement exceeding 3/8” in comparison to adjacent pavers. Should any problems arise, please contact our office for an assessment. Applies to the entire paving stone system; however, some exceptions exist: Does not extend to naturally occurring efflorescence in the pavers. Efflorescence refers to the movement of salts to the surface of concrete pavers, resulting in a white, chalky appearance. While efflorescence is not permanent, it is a common occurrence with any cement-based material. Stains, breakages resulting from uncontrollable circumstances are not covered. Policy becomes void if high-pressure water is utilized for cleaning the surface or joint lines of the pavers. Damage to the interlocking paver system caused by tree roots is not covered. Additionally, shifting, or sinking of pavers due to improper use by vehicles or machinery is excluded. Natural events and acts of God are not included in the coverage. Warranties are applicable solely to new patio installations and does not cover repairs or restorations of existing patios.

Retaining walls

If your retaining wall exhibits signs of sinking or settling within two years of its installation, we will address the issue at no charge. Should any problems arise, please contact our office promptly so we can evaluate the situation. This includes any wall or cap components that may have been damaged during the installation process. Our guarantee encompasses loose caps as well as tilted or sunken sections. Applies to the entire wall system; however, a few exceptions exist: Does not extend to natural discoloration of the wall material, moss growth, manufacturing defects, resulting from uncontrollable events. Wall structure defects caused by tree roots are not covered. Any breakages, shifting, or sinking of wall sections resulting from improper use by vehicles or machinery is excluded. Natural events and acts of God are not included in the coverage. Applicable solely to new wall installations and does not cover restorations or repairs of pre-existing walls that were not installed by Creative By Design Landscaping.

Synthetic Turf

In the event that your synthetic turf exhibits signs of early deterioration attributable to a manufacturing defect, we will initiate a claim with our supplier on your behalf. Alongside the manufacturer’s warranty, we provide a one-year labor coverage for all synthetic grass installations, which includes coverage for loose edge restraints and any sections of the lawn that may have shifted or risen. Should any issues arise, we kindly request that you inform us promptly so that we can evaluate the matter. This encompasses the entire grass system; however, certain exceptions apply: Does not extend to natural wear and tear. It does not cover stains, misuse, abuse, chemical cleaners, or burns. Damage caused by animals digging or improper footwear, such as metal cleats, is not included. Tree roots may cause damage to the grass base, and we do not provide coverage for damage or lifting resulting from tree roots. Sections that are damaged, shifted, or sunken due to improper use by vehicles or machinery are not covered. Natural events and acts of God are excluded from coverage.

Planting

Plant installations, which include shrubs, hedges, and trees, are accompanied by a 30-day guarantee that confirms the successful rooting of the plant products. Following this initial period, the responsibility for the health of the plants transfers to our clients, as we can no longer oversee their condition. This remains valid only if the plant materials have been adequately maintained, with care instructions provided alongside the invoice; it will be rendered void in cases of neglect. Should any issues arise, we encourage clients to contact our office. We will arrange for a manager to visit the site and evaluate the circumstances. It is possible that we may suggest corrective actions prior to considering a full replacement. While the guarantee applies to the newly installed plant materials, certain exceptions exist: Does not extend to dead or dying plants after the 30-day period. If clients request the placement of specific plants in unsuitable locations as advised by the plant supplier (for instance, full-sun flowers in a full-shade area), the warranty will be voided. Not applicable during the summer months, specifically from June 15th to August 31st. Transplanted plants or those provided by the client are not covered. Hedges planted among existing hedges are excluded due to limited sunlight and rooting space for the new installations. Damage caused by wind, including plants that are blown over, is not covered. Additionally, any damage resulting from the improper use of vehicles or machinery is excluded. Breakages inflicted by wildlife, such as raccoons, grubs, crows, and other acts of nature, is also not covered.

Irrigation

A one-year warranty is provided for parts and labor associated with irrigation system installations and repairs. Please note that any components damaged post-installation are not included and may incur a full service call fee, covering up to one hour of on-site repair work. For minor repairs, we may extend a goodwill gesture by offering to address the issue at no charge or assist you via phone guidance if it is a simple matter.

Questions

How to find a professional landscape contractor?

The most effective method to locate trustworthy landscape contractor or a professional company, is through personal recommendations. Discuss your options with your friends, neighbors, and colleagues about any companies you are considering. Another good option is to check out reviews from people that have used these local companies around Nanaimo. Having a consultation with a company can give you a great insight to what the quality of work they offer. Always check for insurance, licenses and certifications. A clean design and detailed quote is also advisable before agreeing to sign a contract.

When should i start a landscaping installation in Nanaimo?

Usually the best time for preparing and planting flower beds is in the spring. This is also the best time to be undertaking hardscaping and irrigation work. Any major landscaping should always be done in the summer to avoid wet weather or freezing. If your looking to plant any trees or shrubs, then wait till the fall, as the cooler weather helps them to establish. Any hardscape installation can be continued into late fall as long as you dont run into too much rain or excessive snow and freezing.

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