New-Build Landscaping, Driveways & Patios in Timberlea, NS

Timberlea was originally called Nine Mile River, after the river through the centre of the community that fed several early mills, and the St. Margarets Bay Road was routed through it in the mid-19th century. It stayed semi-rural until the early 1990s, when large developments such as Greenwood Heights turned it into a mostly suburban community; the 2021 census counted 5,627 people (Wikipedia). The 13 km Beechville-Lakeside-Timberlea Trail now links Timberlea, Lakeside and Beechville (Wikipedia).

A lot of Timberlea’s housing is relatively new, and a new house is only half finished until the yard is. Here is how we approach landscaping, driveways, patios and fencing for new builds and growing neighbourhoods.

Finishing a new yard

New builds often hand over a yard that is rough-graded, with limited topsoil and no real landscaping. A good finish usually follows this order:

Grading and drainage first. Make sure water runs away from the house and off the lot without flooding a neighbour.
Hard surfaces next: asphalt installation for the driveway, paver patios and walkways.
Sod, plants and tree installations once the construction traffic is done, with low voltage landscape lighting to finish the front entrance and beds.
Fencing, decks and pergolas to add privacy and living space.

Three habits from Halifax Water’s seasonal checklist cover most basement-flooding risk: grade the ground so water moves at least 2 m (6 ft) away from the house, extend downspouts and the sump discharge that far, and install a backwater valve on the sewer line.

Driveways and asphalt

Building or widening a driveway, or changing a curb or culvert, needs a right-of-way permit under the Streets By-law (S-300). For homes with four or fewer units, a two-way driveway is generally 3–5 m wide where it meets the road. If your new home’s driveway meets the road, ask HRM about the permit and requirements before work starts. We install asphalt and can plan the surrounding grades, walkways and edges at the same time.

HRM rules worth knowing

Decks. Building or replacing a deck takes an HRM building permit. Per HRM’s deck FAQ, footings need at least 4 ft (1.2 m) of frost protection if the deck is attached to the building or sits higher than 2 ft, and the site plan should show property-line distances and watercourse buffers. Source
Fences. Fences are exempt from the Nova Scotia Building Code, but HRM’s Building By-law (B-201) regulates fences over 2 m (6.5 ft): those need a permit, community council approval and notice to neighbours. Ordinary height and setback limits come from your zone’s land-use by-law, so check before you build. Source
Retaining walls over 1 metre. A residential retaining wall taller than 1 m falls under HRM’s Lot Grading By-law (L-400): it needs a Lot Grading Permit, a professional engineer’s design and certification, and must sit entirely on your own land, footings included. Source

By-laws and permit rules get updated, so check the current version with HRM (halifax.ca or 311) before you commit to a design.

When to book

The calendar is predictable: in Nova Scotia, Google Trends shows landscaping searches building from March, hitting their high in May and fading through autumn. If your home closes in autumn or winter, get landscaping quotes early so sod and hard surfaces can go in as soon as the ground is ready.

Services we offer in Timberlea

Every project starts with a conversation and a free quote. We respond within 24 hours, and we’re available any day of the week.

ExcavationSite prep, grading and digging for new builds and installs.Asphalt installationDriveways and paved areas.Paver patios & walkwaysPatios, walkways and entrances built on a properly prepared base.Sod installationInstant lawns on properly graded soil.Plants & tree installationsShrubs, trees and garden beds.Low voltage landscape lightingLighting that shows off your beds, paths and entrances after dark.Chain link, wooden & PVC fencingPrivacy, pets and boundaries.Composite and wood decksDecks built to code, with permits in mind.

Common questions

In what order should I landscape a new build?

Start with grading and drainage, then hard surfaces such as driveways, patios and walkways, then sod and planting, and finish with fences, decks and pergolas.

Do I need a permit for a new driveway in Timberlea?

Work that connects a driveway to the street typically needs an HRM right-of-way permit under By-law S-300. See HRM’s Streets and Services permits and confirm current requirements.

Does Dunbrack’s serve Timberlea?

Yes. Timberlea is part of the Halifax Regional Municipality, which we serve in full. Call (902) 943-2526 for a free quote.

Ready to plan your Timberlea project?

Tell us about your property and we’ll get back to you within 24 hours with a free, no-obligation quote.

Get a Free Quote (902) 943-2526

Sources

Facts about this area and the rules above come from these sources. By-laws, fees and permit requirements change, so confirm with the municipality before you start.