Frequently asked questions

Answers to the questions we hear most often about our landscaping and site work services.

Services and landscaping

At Terrassement XP, we offer a complete range of turnkey residential services in Quebec City:

Each service is detailed in the questions below. For a custom project, request your quote.

There is no single price: every landscaping project is different. Cost depends on several factors: the size and condition of the site, site access, required work such as excavation, grading, or drainage, and the quantity, quality, and type of materials selected. A small terrace and a complete backyard redesign with retaining walls, pavers, and planting are not the same investment. That is why we provide a detailed, personalized quote after visiting your property in Quebec City, rather than giving a generic amount.

A landscaping project usually includes several steps: 1) Site review and preparation; 2) Excavation and soil movement; 3) Compaction; 4) Drainage; 5) Final grading. Each step is essential for a durable result, especially in Quebec’s climate where freeze-thaw cycles put strong pressure on outdoor surfaces.

The timeline depends on several factors: project size, type of work, and weather conditions. In general, a project can take from one day to a few weeks depending on the scope. An approximate schedule is included in your service agreement, and we commit to delivering a clean result as efficiently as possible.

Yes, all of our work is guaranteed. The full terms are detailed in your service agreement, which we take the time to explain clearly before each project begins.

To start your landscaping project, contact us through our website or by phone to schedule a consultation. During that meeting, we review your specific needs and provide a detailed quote adapted to your project.

We aim to provide a detailed estimate within 5 to 7 business days after visiting your property. Plan your evaluation visit and receive a clear quote for your landscaping project in Quebec City.

Yes, a well-designed landscaping project can significantly increase property value. Features such as organized yards, clean gardens, paver walkways, and attractive green spaces improve curb appeal and can attract future buyers. Quality landscaping often offers strong long-term value, especially at resale.

To start your pool landscaping project in Quebec City, contact Terrassement XP by phone or through our quote form. We will offer a personalized consultation to review your needs and recommend tailored solutions for your outdoor space.

Terrassement XP is a trusted partner for several reasons:

  • Turnkey project support, from planning to completion
  • Expertise in excavation, drainage, pavers, and landscaping
  • Infrastructure designed to withstand Quebec climate conditions
  • Clear communication and careful site follow-up
  • More than 18 years of field expertise in outdoor construction
  • Clean, organized worksites from start to finish
  • A local company specialized in residential projects across the greater Quebec City area

Quotes, planning, and preparation

To prepare a quote for landscaping, excavation, or drainage in Quebec City, the most useful information includes the project address, a few photos of the property, approximate dimensions, access constraints, observed issues, and the desired result. For example, tell us whether the project involves a full backyard, driveway, pool surround, retaining wall, grading, or a water issue. The clearer the context, the better we can prepare a realistic first assessment before the visit.

A site visit helps confirm what photos cannot always show: slopes, machine access, soil type, low areas, water flow, existing structures, trees, fences, parking, and space for materials. In a durable outdoor project, price depends on more than the visible surface. It also depends on site preparation, base work, drainage, compaction, materials, and the work sequence. That is why we offer an evaluation visit before preparing a fair, personalized quote.

In Quebec City, outdoor work usually runs from spring through fall. Ideally, plan your project several months in advance, especially from winter or early spring: the best schedule windows book quickly, particularly for projects that combine excavation, drainage, pavers, sod, retaining walls, or pool-area landscaping. Early planning helps choose materials, confirm access, and avoid rushed decisions during peak season. Weather and soil conditions can also affect the calendar.

A turnkey approach avoids treating the ground, water, levels, and finishes as separate steps. This matters because a patio, yard, driveway, or retaining wall often depends on what is underneath: base, compaction, slope, and drainage. At Terrassement XP, the goal is to coordinate the steps so the landscaping is logical, clean, and durable from preparation through finishing.

Terrassement XP completes residential projects throughout the greater Quebec City area. We serve Sainte-Foy, Sillery, Cap-Rouge, Charlesbourg, Beauport, Lebourgneuf, Val-Bélair, Loretteville, Neufchâtel, and nearby municipalities such as Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures, Lac-Beauport, Stoneham, Boischatel, and Shannon. Not sure whether you are in our service area? Contact us and we will reply quickly.

It depends on the type of project and the municipality. Some work, such as a retaining wall of a certain height, drainage changes, pool-area landscaping, or work near property lines, may require a municipal permit. During our meeting, we help identify which authorizations may apply to your project in Quebec City so the work is planned properly.

Excavation means digging, removing, or moving material to prepare a space such as a pool area, driveway, surface foundation area, entrance, or drainage zone. Earthwork more broadly refers to shaping the site. Grading creates the right slopes and a stable surface before the finish. In a residential project, these three steps are often linked. A clean finish rarely starts with the finish itself: it starts with well-executed site preparation.

Compaction helps limit movement, sinking, and unstable surfaces. For a patio, driveway, parking area, or paver surface, the base must be adapted to the soil, use, and water flow. Without the right base, even a quality material can move over time, especially in a climate where freeze-thaw cycles and water put pressure on outdoor surfaces.

Not necessarily. For excavation work, limited access simply has to be evaluated before confirming the method. We need to understand the available width, obstacles, slope, fences, trees, steps, and space for managing materials. In some cases, the logistics require smaller equipment, a different sequence, or an adjusted scope. The important part is evaluating access before the project, not on the morning work begins.

Stump removal may be needed when a stump interferes with grading, a new surface, a retaining wall, a driveway, planting, or a circulation area. Removing the obstacle lets the project restart from a cleaner base. Roots, replacement soil, and the stability of the area after removal also need to be considered.

Pavers, retaining walls, patios, and driveways

The durability of a patio, terrace, or walkway in pavers depends heavily on the base: enough excavation, appropriate granular materials, compaction, slope, edging, and water management. The paver choice matters, but the invisible preparation matters just as much. A well-executed project must shed water and support its intended use without creating areas that move or retain moisture.

A retaining wall is recommended when a project needs to hold a grade difference, create levels, stabilize a slope, or structure a yard. It can also improve appearance and make the site more functional. A wall must be planned with its base, drainage, and soil pressure in mind. Water is a major factor: if it remains trapped behind the wall, it can affect stability.

A driveway or parking area in pavers must be planned around traffic flow, vehicle dimensions, slope, drainage, snow, borders, and the connection with the street or pedestrian areas. Pavers are especially suitable for driveways because interlocking blocks handle vehicle weight and freeze-thaw cycles well. Whatever finish is selected, the base, grading, and water evacuation protect the result over time.

The price of a paver driveway depends on the area, paver type, base preparation, and site conditions. A paver driveway is a durable investment: its interlocking blocks handle vehicle weight and freeze-thaw cycles well. For a fair price, we provide a personalized quote after visiting your property.

The price of a retaining wall varies depending on height, length, block type, required drainage, and the nature of the soil being retained. A well-designed wall must include a solid base and adequate drainage to remain stable over time. Because every situation is different, we evaluate your property before preparing a precise quote.

Yes. It is often preferable. Steps, borders, walkways, terraces, and circulation areas should work together to avoid awkward level changes, water accumulation, or impractical routes. A coordinated plan creates a yard that is more coherent, safer, and more pleasant to use every day.

Pools and spas

A pool or pool-surround project requires precise planning: excavation, access, levels, drainage, circulation area, safety, materials, and integration with the patio or yard. The pool should not be treated as an isolated feature. The surrounding ground must be planned for real use: relaxing, circulation, maintenance, furniture, spa, planting, and water management.

Around a pool or spa, water must be directed in a controlled way. Splashing, rain, snowmelt, and site slopes can create pooling if the project is not properly graded. Good drainage helps protect surfaces, bases, circulation areas, and nearby landscaping.

Yes, an outdoor kitchen or outdoor fireplace can be integrated into a landscaping project when circulation, distances, surfaces, levels, and use are properly planned. These features are best considered from the start because they influence the terrace, gathering areas, lighting, materials, and sometimes base preparation.

Sod, planting, and finishing

Sod gives a much more durable result when the soil is well prepared: even levels, proper slope, clean surface, and coherent drainage. Sod installed over poorly graded ground can quickly reveal defects underneath. Grading also helps direct water to the right place and makes the yard easier to use and maintain.

Garden beds and planting should be planned around sun exposure, drainage, available space, volumes, maintenance goals, and the relationship with hard surfaces such as patios or walkways. Good integration keeps planting from interfering with circulation, borders, retaining walls, or areas that need to remain easy to maintain.

A clean landscape finish around a patio, walkway, driveway, or retaining wall requires clean transitions: borders, slopes, compatible materials, and water management. These details create a more professional look, but they also protect surfaces and reduce erosion, mud, and difficult maintenance areas.

Pavers and slabs that are well installed require little maintenance. It is recommended to keep joints filled with polymeric sand, clean the surface as needed, and watch water flow. Simple, regular maintenance extends the life and appearance of your landscaping, especially in Quebec’s climate.

Need help

Bring your project to life

Ready to transform your outdoor space? Whatever the scope, we manage every step from planning to completion so you can move forward with confidence.