The Best Woods and Stones to Use in Calgary Landscaping Design

If you’re looking for different types of wood & stones to use in your landscaping design in Calgary, you’re in luck! There are tonnes of options to consider when choosing what materials you use for your yard.

You can use locally sourced stone that is unique, or perhaps materials from your home country!

However, some materials stand out because they’re aesthetically pleasing, functional, and meshes well with Calgary’s unpredictable climate.
Whether you’re looking for a beautiful brown pressure treated fence to enclose your garden or you need a stone path leading up to your front door that will last through the seasons, there are options to choose from that are affordable, durable, and high quality. Whether you do it yourself, or hire one of the better Calgary landscaping companies, here are some of the best woods & stones to use in Calgary landscaping design.

Wood Species That Are Long-Lasting And Weather Well In Calgary

The unpredictable climate in Calgary poses a challenge to landscape designers. The cold winters and hot summers make it difficult to maintain plants, so many people turn their yards into something more like an outdoor room.
The following list of wood types may be helpful to you if you are looking for landscaping materials that will withstand the climate:

Spruce

Abundant throughout Canada, spruce has a fast growth rate and can be used for many different purposes. Its high durability and resistance to damage make it an ideal candidate for supporting other materials such as stone and concrete.

Pine

Although pine is not hardy enough to withstand harsh winters without assistance, this type of wood is often used because of its relatively fast growth rate and resistance to decay.

Cedar

Cedar has a beautiful colour, texture, and scent. It’s also naturally resistant to rot, making it a top choice in Calgary’s list of recommended wood types for use in landscaping design. The only downside is that cedar is expensive, so you’ve got to be prepared to take minimal hits to your wallet!

Oak

Oak is a real all-rounder that does well in hot and cold climates. If you’re looking for landscape materials that are resistant to rot, look no further than oak!

Rosewood

Although rosewood trees grow slowly, this type of wood is strong enough to support large stones. This makes it an ideal candidate for use as a fence or gate.

Popular Stone Types Used In Landscaping Design In Calgary

Many different types of stones can be incorporated into your landscaping design, but the following are commonly used:

Granite

Although it’s tough and durable, granite is porous, so it absorbs moisture, making it cold to walk on in winter. This stone type can be used as a pathway material, but it is not recommended for driveways.

Flagstone

Flagstone works well as a patio or walkway material because it’s durable and absorbs less moisture than granite. However, its irregular surface may be challenging to some people concerned with maintaining a neat yard.

Gravel

Gravel is a stone that can be used in landscaping, but it is not suitable as a driveway material because the stones are small enough to be moved by water. In other words, they sink.

Limestone

Limestone holds up well under heavy traffic and doesn’t pose any problems in the winter, but it does absorb a lot of water. Therefore, this type of stone is not recommended for use around pools or near bodies of water.

Maintenance Tips For Preserving Your Wood Landscaping Features

When you invest in landscaping materials, you want to know that your investment will last. The following tips can help you maintain your wood landscape features so they look great and function well.

Wood Fences

Keep your fence painted or stained and free of large cracks by filling them with caulk or an exterior-use adhesive. Keeping it coated will also help the fence resist rotting.

Wood Decks

Inspect your deck boards regularly and immediately replace any rotting or otherwise compromised wood. You can avoid many problems by sealing and staining your deck.

Outdoor Hardwood Furniture

Clean your outdoor wooden furniture regularly to remove built-up plant debris and dirt, but don’t just throw the leaves and dirt on the ground! The first step is to collect it with a leaf blower then dispose of it properly.

The Importance Of Considering Climate When Selecting Wood For Landscaping Design

Wood is probably one of the most popular materials used in landscaping design because it’s easy to find, pretty versatile, has a pleasant appearance, requires little maintenance once installed, and looks good for many years. When selecting wood types that can be used in landscaping design in Calgary, you should consider the climate your property is located in. Climate affects the wood type that is most appropriate for your Calgary landscaping design. For example, if you live in an area with a hot climate year-round, it’s best to use cedar in your landscaping because this type of wood does well in warm weather. However, if you live in a region with cold winters, consider using a type of wood resistant to rot and insects, such as oak.

Of course, you need to make allowances for the type of landscaping design you want. If you like the look of cedar more than oak but live in a cold climate, choose cedar with an exterior-use paint or stain. Ultimately, you need to balance the look of your landscaping with the most appropriate wood type for your climate. This is because if you install a piece of wood that doesn’t work well in your region, you will have to replace it several years later. In awful situations, you may need to change everything in months. Your choice of stone type for your Calgary landscaping design can also be influenced by the climate where you live. If you’re located in an area with harsh winters, you need a type of stone that can withstand extreme cold.

In contrast, if you live in an area with warmer climates year-round, go for granite or limestone suck as rundle rock for your Calgary landscaping design. You can also use limestone in regions with milder winters because it resists chipping and cracking better than other types of stone. Of course, the type of stone you use is less important than making sure it matches your Calgary landscaping design. It’s also advisable to choose granite or limestone that will go well with the rest of your exterior décor and meet your personal preferences for color and texture. Your choice of wood and stone types should always be influenced by climate — and, of course, personal preferences. However, it’s always better to use the appropriate kind of wood or stone in your landscaped areas rather than settling for a specific type just because it looks good.

Conclusion

Wood offers a range of benefits, including aesthetic appeal and durability. In addition, it is often used for edging materials because it keeps plants in place and prevents excess grass growth.
On the other hand, stones are an excellent choice for landscaping designs because they are practical and durable. They also don’t need any maintenance, but stones can be used in various ways to create exciting effects in your yard.
Wood also looks great when combined with other landscaping features such as stone or rocks. Use wood to create beautiful pathways through your landscape design or dining sets for outdoor entertaining