What areas do you serve?

Avara serves Medicine Hat, Redcliff, Dunmore, Cypress County, Seven Persons, Suffield, Elkwater, and surrounding southern Alberta communities. Larger commercial, industrial, environmental, municipal, and rural projects may be considered in extended service areas including Brooks, Calgary, and Lethbridge by request.

What types of services do you offer?

Residential and commercial landscape design, property care, irrigation, parking lot services, and snow & ice management.

When should I book my irrigation blowout?

Book by mid-September to ensure service before the first hard freeze.

What is Avara Landscaping & Property Care?

Avara Landscaping & Property Care is a full-service landscaping and property management company based in Medicine Hat, AB. We serve both residential and commercial clients with landscape design and build, lawn enhancement programs, irrigation services, snow and ice management, and commercial property care. We've been operating since 2016 and are built on systems-driven, professional service.

Where does Avara Landscaping serve?

We are based in Medicine Hat, Alberta and serve clients throughout Medicine Hat and the surrounding region. Contact us at 587-289-3478 to confirm service availability in your area.

Is Avara Landscaping licensed and insured?

Yes. Avara Landscaping & Property Care is fully licensed, insured, and WCB covered. We are members of the Alberta Construction Association, Medicine Hat Construction Association, SIMA, the Trade Nursery Association, and the Irrigation Association.

How do I get a quote?

The easiest way is to click "Request a Service" or "Request a Consultation" at the top of our website. You can also call us directly at 587-289-3478 or email info@avaralandscaping.com.

What does residential landscape design and build include?

Our residential design and build service covers the full scope — landscape design, hardscaping (patios, walkways, retaining walls), planting (trees, shrubs, garden beds), sod installation, irrigation system installation, and complete outdoor living spaces including fire pits, pergolas, covered structures, and water features. We handle everything from initial design to final walkthrough.

How much does residential landscaping cost in Medicine Hat?

Residential landscaping projects with Avara start at approximately $6,000 for foundational work (grading, sod, basic planting) and scale up based on scope. Mid-range outdoor living builds typically fall between $25,000 and $90,000, while premium and luxury builds — including outdoor kitchens, pergolas, water features, and full irrigation — can range from $140,000 to $250,000+. Every project is quoted individually. Use our interactive Budget Simulator on the Residential page to explore what's possible at different investment levels.

What is the process for starting a residential landscaping project?

Our process has 8 steps: Consultation → Proposal → Approval → Pre-Project Planning → Execution → Quality Review → Closeout → Ongoing Support. It starts with a free consultation where we assess your property and discuss your goals. From there we build a detailed proposal with scope, timeline, and budget.

Do you do patios and retaining walls?

Yes. Hardscaping is a core part of our residential design and build service. We install custom concrete patios, paving stone patios, retaining walls, garden pathways, and outdoor living structures. If you're searching for a patio contractor or retaining wall builder in Medicine Hat, we can help.

Yes. We supply and install sod for new builds, backyard renovations, and full lawn replacements. Sod installation is typically paired with grading and soil prep to ensure proper drainage and root establishment.

Do you build outdoor living spaces?

Yes. We design and build complete outdoor living environments including patios, fire pits, pergolas, covered outdoor structures, outdoor fireplaces, seating areas, and decorative water features. These are included in our Residential Design & Build service.

What is a lawn enhancement program?

Our lawn enhancement programs are treatment-based seasonal programs — not mowing or weekly visits. They focus on the health and appearance of your turf through professional fertilizer applications, broadleaf weed control, and optional add-ons like core aeration, kelp bio-stimulant treatments, and hardscape weed control.

Do you offer lawn fertilizer and weed control in Medicine Hat?

Yes. Our residential lawn enhancement programs include multi-stage fertilizer applications and broadleaf weed control treatments designed specifically for Alberta lawns. Programs are available for varying lawn sizes and include add-on options for aeration and soil health treatments.

Do your lawn programs include mowing?

No. Our lawn enhancement programs are treatment-only — fertilizer, weed control, and add-ons like aeration and kelp. We do not offer mowing or weekly lawn maintenance as part of these programs.

When should I start a lawn program?

In Medicine Hat, most programs begin in early spring (late April or May) and run through the growing season into fall. It's best to book before the season starts to secure your spot. Contact us to get signed up.

Do you install irrigation systems in Medicine Hat?

Yes. We design and install full residential irrigation systems including underground sprinkler systems, zone planning, smart water management, and controller setup. If you're looking for a sprinkler system installation in Medicine Hat, AB, we're one of the leading local providers.

Do you offer irrigation spring startup?

Yes. Our residential irrigation startup service includes system pressurization, zone testing, sprinkler head adjustments, and controller programming to prepare your system for the season.

Do you do irrigation blowouts and winterization?

Yes. We offer fall irrigation blowouts using compressed air to fully evacuate water from all zones, protecting your system from freeze damage over winter. This is one of our most in-demand seasonal services — we recommend booking early in September.

My sprinkler system isn't working — can you repair it?

Yes. We provide residential irrigation diagnostics and repairs including broken sprinkler heads, zone failures, leaks, valve issues, and controller problems. Call 587-289-3478 or submit a service request online and we'll get someone out to assess.

Do you offer commercial landscaping in Medicine Hat?

Yes. We provide full-scope commercial landscaping services including commercial design and build, summer property management, commercial irrigation installation and maintenance, parking lot maintenance, and snow and ice management. We work with apartment complexes, strip malls, shopping centres, industrial sites, and commercial developments.

Do you offer snow removal for commercial properties?

Yes. Snow and ice management is one of our core commercial services. We provide parking lot plowing, sidewalk clearing, sanding, salt application, and snow hauling. Our system uses GPS tracking, geofencing, auto dispatch, and digital service logs to ensure reliability and documentation for liability protection.

Do you maintain commercial properties year-round?

Yes. We offer year-round commercial property care — summer grounds maintenance, irrigation management, parking lot upkeep, and winter snow and ice management. Many of our commercial clients are on ongoing seasonal contracts.

How does Medicine Hat's clay soil affect landscape construction?

Most yards in Medicine Hat sit on heavy clay or clay loam, which holds water in spring, cracks and shrinks in summer drought, and frost-heaves in winter. That has real implications for builds — patios and retaining walls need proper base prep and drainage, irrigation needs to account for slow infiltration, and garden beds usually benefit from soil amendment and raised edges. Avara assesses soil conditions on the consultation and builds the site prep into the scope so you don't get callbacks two seasons later.

How much does a landscaper cost per hour?

Hourly rates in Alberta typically range from $75 to $150+ per hour per crew member depending on the work, equipment involved, and company overhead. Avara primarily quotes projects as a fixed scope rather than an hourly rate so you know the total cost up front. For small repair-style work or service calls, we'll discuss a time-and-materials approach when it makes sense. Call 587-289-3478 to discuss your project.

What's the average cost to remove grass and replace it?

In Medicine Hat, lawn removal and replacement typically runs $8–$20+ per square foot installed, depending on what you're replacing it with. Replacing sod with new sod is on the lower end. Replacing grass with garden beds, mulch, or low-maintenance plantings sits in the middle. Replacing it with hardscape (paver patio, concrete, retaining walls) sits at the higher end. Avara residential builds typically start around $6,000 for foundational work and scale from there. Use the Budget Simulator on our Residential page to explore options.

How do I hire a landscape designer for my backyard?

Start by identifying what you actually want to use the space for — entertaining, kids, low-maintenance, gardens, privacy, etc. Then book a consultation with a designer who works in your area. With Avara, the process is: (1) free consultation on-site, (2) scope and budget conversation, (3) design proposal, (4) approval and pre-project planning, (5) build. You can request a consultation from our Residential page or call 587-289-3478.

What questions should I ask before hiring a landscaper?

Good questions to ask: Are you licensed, insured, and WCB covered? How long have you been in business? Can I see recent local projects? What's included in the price (and what isn't)? Who is on-site managing the crew? What's the payment schedule? What's the warranty? How do you handle change orders? At Avara we're happy to walk through any of these on your consultation — we're licensed, insured, WCB covered, and have been operating in Medicine Hat since 2016.

Do I need to call Alberta One-Call before any landscape work?

Yes — anything that involves digging, trenching, or breaking ground in Alberta should have utility locates booked through Alberta One-Call (1-800-242-3447 or clickbeforeyoudig.com). Locates are free and required by law. Avara handles the locate request as part of pre-project planning on every build, so you don't need to make the call yourself — but you'll see the marker paint and flags on your property before excavation begins.

What should I expect on my first day with a professional landscaper?

On day one with Avara you can expect: an on-site walkthrough with the foreman to confirm scope and any final details, equipment and material staging, marking of utilities and protected areas, and the start of demolition or site prep. We aim to leave the site organized at the end of every workday, with clear communication about what's happening next. You don't need to be home for the work itself once the kickoff is done.

What are red flags when hiring a landscaping contractor?

Red flags include: no proof of insurance or WCB, no written contract, large up-front deposits with no clear schedule, vague scope language, no local references, pressure to decide same-day, cash-only requests, and no physical business address. Always ask for licensing, insurance, recent project references, and a written scope. Avara provides all of this in writing as part of every proposal.

How do I find a reliable local landscaper in Medicine Hat?

Start with Google reviews, ask neighbours, and check that the company has a real local presence (address, phone, insurance, association memberships). Look for recent before/after photos of work in your area, written proposals, and clear communication. Avara is based in Medicine Hat, has been operating since 2016, and is a member of the Alberta Construction Association, Medicine Hat Construction Association, SIMA, the Trade Nursery Association, and the Irrigation Association.

Landscaper pricing: per hour vs flat rate vs contract — what's the difference?

Hourly is most common for small repairs or service calls — you pay for time and materials. Flat rate (fixed scope) is most common for design-build projects — you pay an agreed price for a defined scope, which protects you from overruns. Seasonal contracts are common for ongoing services like lawn programs, irrigation maintenance, and snow management — you pay a set fee for a season of service. Avara primarily uses fixed-scope pricing for builds and contract pricing for seasonal services.

Is it worth hiring a landscaper vs DIY lawn removal?

It depends on the size of the area, your access to equipment, and what you're doing next. DIY can save money on small jobs if you already have the tools and time. Hiring out makes more sense when the area is larger, you're replacing the lawn with something else (sod, garden, hardscape), or you want it done in days instead of weekends. Most homeowners find that professional removal pays for itself when they factor in equipment rental, disposal fees, and time off work.

What plants and trees do best in Medicine Hat's climate?

Medicine Hat sits in plant hardiness zone 4a–4b with hot, dry summers, cold winters, drying winds, and chinook freeze-thaw cycles. Reliable performers include hardy shrubs like potentilla, dogwood, and Saskatoon; perennials like daylily, sedum, salvia, and ornamental grasses; and trees like trembling aspen, hackberry, bur oak, swedish aspen, Colorado spruce, and limber pine. Avara designs use locally proven plant palettes — we don't recommend anything we wouldn't plant in our own yards.

How do I budget for professional landscape design?

Budget by phase. Design fees are usually a small percentage of the overall project — most of the cost is in materials, labour, and equipment for the build itself. A useful starting point in Medicine Hat: foundational projects from around $6,000, mid-range outdoor living builds $25,000–$90,000, and premium full-property builds $140,000+. Talk to your designer about phasing the project over multiple seasons if needed — that's a common and practical approach.

What are common mistakes when hiring a landscaper?

The most common mistakes: choosing on price alone, skipping the written contract, not confirming insurance and WCB, vague scope of work, no clear payment schedule, and no plan for change orders. Another big one: not asking who actually manages the project on-site day to day. A good contractor will give you a single point of contact and clear written documentation throughout.

What questions should I ask a landscape designer?

Ask: How do you handle the design process? What's included in the design fee? Do you provide drawings and material lists? How do you incorporate my budget into the design? Have you done similar projects in this area? Will you be involved during the build? What happens if I want changes? At Avara, design is integrated with the build process so the same team that designs your project is responsible for delivering it.

How much does landscape design cost?

Design fees vary based on scope. A simple plan for a single area can be a few hundred dollars; a full property design with detailed drawings, material specifications, and 3D renderings runs higher. For Avara design-build clients, design is typically built into the overall project pricing rather than charged as a separate line item. We'll explain exactly how this works during your consultation.

How does Medicine Hat's chinook weather affect my landscape?

Chinooks bring rapid mid-winter warm spells that can melt snow cover and then refreeze overnight. That cycle is hard on lawns (crown hydration and ice damage), garden beds (premature bud break), irrigation systems (any trapped water can crack heads or pipes), and hardscape (freeze-thaw on improperly drained patios). Avara designs build in chinook-friendly choices: cold-hardy plant selection, deep mulch in beds, proper hardscape drainage, and full irrigation blowouts to remove all standing water.

How do I get multiple quotes from landscapers?

Give every contractor the same scope description so the quotes are comparable. Be honest about your budget — that helps contractors design something realistic. Ask each one to itemize materials, labour, and any allowances. Compare the full proposal, not just the bottom line — payment schedule, warranty, timeline, and inclusions matter as much as price. Avara provides written proposals with clear scope, schedule, and pricing as part of every consultation.

What's included in professional landscape design services?

A full design service typically includes: site assessment, measurements, conceptual layout, material and plant selection, drawings or 3D renderings, scope of work, and a budget breakdown. Some designers also include phasing plans, irrigation layouts, and lighting plans. Avara design-build packages include all of the above plus a clear path from design straight into the build with the same team.

Can I hire a landscaper for just one project?

Yes. Most landscapers — including Avara — take on one-off projects. You're not required to sign up for ongoing maintenance to have a build, irrigation install, or lawn renovation done. If you'd like ongoing care after the project (lawn programs, irrigation maintenance), we'll happily add that, but it's not a requirement.

How do I check references and reviews for landscapers?

Check Google reviews first — they're the most current and hardest to fake. Look at the photos clients have posted, not just the star rating. Ask the contractor for 2–3 recent references for projects similar to yours and actually call them. Drive by completed projects if you can. Avara's Google reviews and project gallery are linked from our website, and we'll provide references on request.

What Municipal watering bylaws should I plan my landscape around?

The Municipal sets seasonal outdoor watering schedules (typically odd/even address day restrictions, with allowed watering hours in the early morning and evening). New sod and new plantings usually qualify for short-term variances if you register them. Avara designs irrigation systems that can run within bylaw windows, and we build water-wise zoning into every plan so your yard stays healthy without breaking the rules.

Should I hire a landscape architect or a landscape designer?

Landscape architects are licensed professionals typically used on large commercial, civic, or complex residential sites with structural or regulatory considerations. Landscape designers handle the vast majority of residential projects — design, plant selection, hardscape layout, and outdoor living spaces. For most Medicine Hat homeowners, a designer (or a design-build company like Avara) is the right fit. For very large or technical projects, an architect may be appropriate.

How do I prepare my yard before the landscaper arrives?

A few things help: move vehicles out of the driveway and off the street where the crew needs access, secure pets indoors, mark or remove any irreplaceable plants or items in the work zone, and confirm utility locates have been called in (in Alberta, call Alberta One-Call at 1-800-242-3447 or use clickbeforeyoudig.com). Avara handles the locate request as part of our pre-project planning, so you typically don't need to do this yourself.

What permits do I need for landscape work?

Most planting, sod, irrigation, and small hardscape projects in Medicine Hat don't require a permit. Permits may be required for retaining walls over a certain height, structures (pergolas, decks, sheds) over a certain size, fence work in some cases, and any work affecting drainage or utilities. The Municipal planning department can confirm specific requirements. Avara handles permit guidance for any project where one applies.

Do you offer xeriscaping or low-water landscape design for Medicine Hat?

Yes. With Medicine Hat being one of the driest cities in Canada, low-water and xeriscape designs are some of our most popular requests. We use drought-tolerant plant palettes (sedums, ornamental grasses, junipers, native perennials), deep mulch, drip irrigation on garden zones, and minimal turf. A well-designed xeriscape uses a fraction of the water of a traditional lawn-and-bed yard and looks great in our climate.

What's the best time of year for landscape construction in southern Alberta?

The Medicine Hat build season runs roughly mid-April through October, with peak demand in May–July. Spring and early summer are best for sod, planting, and irrigation. Late summer and fall are excellent for hardscape (patios, walls, walkways), tree planting, and large excavation work — temperatures are cooler for crews and the schedule is less compressed. Booking 2–6 months ahead of your preferred start gets you the best slot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Landscaping & Property Care FAQ — Medicine Hat, AB

148 answers covering snow removal, irrigation, lawn care, environmental reclamation, and commercial property maintenance in Medicine Hat and Southern Alberta.