What is soft landscaping?
Soft Landscaping means the use of vegetative material as part of a landscaped area; Soft Landscaping means Landscaping excluding hard -surfaced areas such as decorative stonework, retaining walls, walkways, or other hard-surfaced landscape - architectural elements.
How much of your front yard should be soft landscaping?
A Toronto bylaw dictates that a "minimum of 75 per cent of the front yard must be soft landscaping." Artificial turf is considered a hard surface. " I was shocked," Gounder says.
Is your front yard too soft for artificial grass?
The couple will soon be reverting to real grass after receiving a violation notice in May. A Toronto bylaw dictates that a "minimum of 75 per cent of the front yard must be soft landscaping." Artificial turf is considered a hard surface.
What is hard landscaping and why is it important?
In simple terms, hard landscaping, or hardscaping, deals with the foundation and shape of the yard, with heavier, more permanent features, meaning it is done before soft landscaping.
What does soft landscaping include?
The definition of soft landscaping Or, more simply, the greenery that makes them so pleasant to relax in. When the term soft landscaping is used it is often describing elements such as trees, shrubs, turf, mulch and soil. Hard and soft landscaping elements usually go hand in hand.
What is the difference between hard and soft landscaping?
Hard landscaping relates to all the hard surfaces and materials in a garden, and soft landscaping relates to anything soft, i.e., flowers and shrubbery.
What is classed as hard landscaping?
Hard landscaping most commonly refers to elements such as paths, driveways, drainage systems, electrics, fencing, decking, patios, steps and walls. These elements then provide the base for soft landscaping elements such as grass, plants, and vegetation.
What is an ancillary structure Toronto?
“ancillary” means a use, building or structure that is naturally and normally incidental, subordinate in purpose or floor area, and exclusively devoted to the apartment building on the same land, including but not limited to, (a) administrative offices, (b) kitchen and dining facilities, (c) activity rooms, and.
What is soft scaping?
What Is Softscaping? Softscaping is a component of landscape design that refers to the living, horticultural elements involved in landscaping. Softscape elements include flowers, plants, grass, soil, flower beds, and groundcover.
Does landscaping include paving?
Elements of hard landscaping can be either natural or artificial. Examples include retaining walls, paving material, driveways, walkways, decking, steps and so on. They can also include planters, gazebos, outdoor kitchens, fountains and permanent furniture.
Is fencing hard landscaping?
Hard landscaping (also known as hardscaping) refers to the non-plant material in landscape design, such as driveways, steps, walkways, fencing, patios and drainage systems.
How do I landscape my garden on a budget?
42 cheap garden ideas to smarten up your plot. ... Repurpose old wooden crates to make stylish shelves. ... Use old jars as mini planters. ... Try DIY terracotta candle holders. ... Create a cool, industrial-style aesthetic with oversized planters. ... Make an upcycled hanging planter. ... Guide the way with a cute garden sign. ... Glow up your shed.More items...•
Can I build a house in my backyard Toronto?
A new ruling has made it officially legal for Toronto residents to build backyard or garden suites as a form of housing.
What happens if you build a shed without a permit in Ontario?
An individual who is charged and found guilty of an offence under the Building Code Act, 1992 , such as building without a permit, can be fined up to $50,000 for a first offence and up to $100,000 for subsequent offences.
Can you build a guest house in your backyard Ontario?
A backyard that you own: You can build a tiny home in most Ontario backyards as a secondary dwelling. Again, you will need a permit and follow the building code and by-laws. The Ontario government has asked all municipalities to include some provision for secondary dwelling units in their plans.
What's the difference between hardscaping and landscaping?
So landscaping is more about adding plants or other items to a space that create curb appeal, which means it's often done with an eye towards appearances whereas hardscape surrounds the house with things like concrete walkways, patios, or decks. Different landscaping services are needed for different situations.
What is the difference between gardening and landscaping?
Landscaping and gardening both involve design, planning and maintenance, but gardening usually involves only the plants in a space. The landscape is the overall, encompassing area that contains the plants.
What is softscaping in landscaping?
According to Wikipedia, softscaping is defined as a reference to the live horticultural elements of a landscape. Live horticoltural elements include anything that is living, such as the following: Softscaping also refers to any duties involved with lawn care, such as planting, grading, mowing, fertilizing, trimming and digging.
Does Sodding Qualify As Softscaping?
Reading through the definition above, sodding is most definitely considered softscape. Sodding directly involves fresh grass rolls, as well as, duties like digging, watering and grading. To learn more about sodding and how to get started with your own lawn, read the suggested material below.
Examples of Soft Landscaping in a sentence
Reason: In the interests of visual amenity and also that the Local Planning Authority shall be satisfied as to the details of the development in accordance with Policy BE9 (Trees and Soft Landscaping) of the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames Unitary Development Plan First Alteration.
More Definitions of Soft Landscaping
Soft Landscaping means landscaping, and excludes hard - surfaced areas such as decorative stonework, retaining walls, walkways or other hard- surface landscape - architectural elements. PERMITTED USES
Who adores artificial turf?
Sangeeta Gounder says she 'absolutely' adores the artificial turf in her front yard. (Kelda Yuen/CBC)
How long has Karen Stintz had artificial turf?
Former city councillor Karen Stintz had artificial turf in her front yard for 15 years before receiving a violation notice in 2015, shortly after putting her house up for sale. (CBC) " [Artificial turf] should be widely used and accepted," she says.
How much is the fine for artificial turf?
Homeowners who opt for artificial turf run the risk of a $1,400 fine.
Does artificial turf absorb water?
But the city tells us artificial turf "does not absorb water as fast as it would through natural ground cover" and can increase flooding risks after heavy rainfall or snow melts.
Is there a complaint about artificial turf?
It's unknown how often complaints about artificial turf are lodged. The city doesn't have a specific category for them. "Someone could potentially call and it could be captured under property standards or a zoning related complaint. Both trigger an investigation," said city spokesperson Lyne Kyle.
Did Sangeeta Gounder have artificial turf?
Sangeeta Gounder had artificial turf installed in her front yard three years ago, but she was issued a bylaw violation notice in May after someone complained. (Kelda Yuen/CBC)
