For homebuyers considering an infill, the interior design options are endless. However, due to the unique nature of infills, there are a number of things to consider when planning the outdoor features of your home. Here's a guide to help make your infill landscaping decisions easier and avoid common mistakes.

1.
From Morgan K Landscapes
Infill housing is changing the dynamic of our cities. An “infill” describes a development where a
new structure is built on an older lot and the old structure is removed.
Infills can be single-­family detached homes, duplexes, triplexes, or skinny houses. They are
extremely customizable in terms of shape, size, and style. The concept, introduced as a solution
to urban sprawl, has taken off in cities across North America.
Attracting more people to the core of the city revitalizes neighbourhoods while reducing the
strain on public transit systems that can no longer keep up with horizontal growth. Many first-­
time homebuyers, unlike generations before them, are not interested in settling in the suburbs.
They want homes in walkable neighbourhoods with amenities close by and easy access to
public transportation. Infill housing meets their needs at a reasonable price.
For homebuyers considering an infill, the interior design options are endless. However, due to
the unique nature of infills, there are a number of things to consider when planning the outdoor
features of your home.
Style

2. Keep in mind the aesthetics of the neighbourhood when designing your infill unit. Do you want
your home to blend in with or stand out from the rest? Your landscaping should complement the
house’s design. Contemporary homes will differ from traditional ones in colour, materials, and
plant type. Have a landscaper come up with some plans that suit the style of your infill.
Older neighbourhoods are likely to contain mature trees which you can incorporate into the
design of your home. In fact, the City of Edmonton recently launched an incentive program to
encourage owners of new developments to preserve mature trees in exchange for credit
towards new trees.
Privacy
With some types of infill housing, such as duplexes, homebuyers trade privacy for the
opportunity to afford living in an established neighbourhood. The right landscaping can do
wonders to help you feel secluded when space is limited.
● Plant trees. Consider planting tall, narrow trees like cedars or columnar spruce along
the side of your home to put some space between you and your neighbours. Since
evergreens don’t shed their leaves, the dense foliage will offer year-­round privacy. For
houses that share a wall, talk with your neighbour about planting small trees or shrubs
between the front entrances.

3.
● Use plants to separate shared spaces. Some duplexes share decks in the backyard.
Large pots filled with tall, narrow plants can divide the space without making you feel
closed in. Create an intimate environment by hanging planters around the perimeter of
your half of the deck and adding some cozy furniture.
Noise blocking
One of the main goals of infill housing is to increase population density in established
neighbourhoods. With a higher volume of people in the area, the noise level is sure to rise.
There are several things you can do to ensure the peaceful enjoyment of your new home.
● Install water features. Use water features to drown out street traffic and loud
neighbours. Have your landscaper look for a fountain whose splash level can be
adjusted throughout the day. During busy times like rush hour, you can have the fountain
make more noise, then bring it down to a quieter volume in the late evening. Your
designer will also know where to place the fountain for optimal noise reduction.

4.
● Make use of plants. Just as certain trees make great privacy screens, others can be
used to create a noise barrier. Evergreens will provide a thick wall of leaves that block
noise throughout the year, while the rustling of deciduous trees creates pleasant white
noise in the warmer seasons. If your space allows for it, plant multiple rows of various
types of trees and shrubs to reduce noise as much as possible.
● Put up a wall. This may not be practical for some homes, but there’s no doubt that
masonry walls are efficient at reducing noise. Cover the wall in climbing plants for an
even quieter yard.

5.
● Put up a fence. Since a wall may be out of budget a wood fence is always a good
option. Fences up to 1.2 meters high in a front yard, side yard or a corner lot do not
require a development permit to be built. Considering proximity to your neighbor you
might want to consider an extra tall fence.
● Designate a quiet area. Instead of building up, build down. Create a sunken space like
the one seen here where you can entertain or relax. Building into the ground gives you
the added noise-­blocking effect of soil. Plant shrubs at ground level around the outside
of the space to further reduce noise.
Yard Types
Just last month Edmonton city council passed a new bylaw to ensure neighborhoods don’t
become concrete jungles (read about it here). Under the law non-­permeable material will be
limited to 70% of the property for single homes, semi-­detached homes and row houses with
lanes. Row houses without lanes will be limited to 75%.
In yards with hard surfaces, rain and snow melt can’t be absorbed into the ground and the water
ends up running off into the city’s storm-­water system. Here’s some other options to make the
most out of your outdoor spaces.

6. Bark Mulch
● One of the most commonly used and inexpensive options that comes in a variety of
colors. The biggest benefit here besides price is ease of use.
● Some downsides of using mulch is that is can change color, decompose and can be
moved with weather meaning it should be replaced every year or two.
Rock and stone gardens
● More expensive than bark but stone is a material that doesn’t decompose into the soil
and does not require regular replacement, so it can be more economical than bark
mulch. It’s available in a wide variety of colors, shapes, sizes, and textures.
● Rock may not be the best material in areas where lots of leafs fall. It will also require a
barrier underneath to prevent weeds from growing through. Once this is installed it can
be difficult to add or replace plants later.
Sod
● You can’t go wrong with sod. Compared to rock, concrete, asphalt and artificial turf it
doesn’t absorb nearly as much heat. In addition, its extremely easy to work with. Out of
all options it’s the fastest and easiest way to establish a lawn.

7.
Other Options
Patios
● Stone patios are an excellent choice for any style of infill. Flagstone is perfect for
retaining the natural look of a mature neighbourhood while slate gives a sleek finish to a
modern yard.
Outdoor Lighting
● When it comes to lighting, less is more. Add a soft glow to your water feature or place
path lights asymmetrically along the walkway in your yard.
Fire pits
● You’ve put a lot of work into the outdoor features of your home -­ it’s time you enjoy them!
Entertain guests well after sundown with a fire pit surrounded by comfy seating. Select a
design that complements the rest of your yard. Stone and brick are popular choices.

8.
Infill housing is an exciting step forward in the revitalization of our neighbourhoods and the
growth of our cities. TradePros makes it easy to find Pros for any of your exterior improvements
who will give you a dream yard to accompany your dream home.
If you’re looking for more information on infill construction check out our guide.
Useful Links
● If you’re looking for information on the city of Edmonton landscaping approval process
click here.