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Structural Pruning Workshop

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May 25, 2026 - City of Edmonton worked with Landscape Alberta to offer members a structural pruning demonstration workshop.  This has been an annual event for several years, but this year was described as 'best yet' by one attendee.  The site this year include diversity of tree form and age to allow for fulsome conversation about how contractors and nurseries can support the urban forest as an asset for generations to come.    Several times Landscape Alberta member nurseries were commended for their excellent on farm pruning practices and how that has led to an overall improvement in the quality of trees being planted across the city.
This is a wonderful example of a decade of effort to have meaningful conversation between our members and stakeholders like the City of Edmonton.  The common ground forged over time has worked to create more value in Alberta grown trees, less pruning work by contractors and less rejections and/or replacements at CCC and FAC.
If you were unable to attend or misplaced your handouts please see the meeting guide here.   If you have ideas for topics where we can connect policy and practice in a meaningful way please send your thoughts to joel.beatson@landscape-alberta.com.

Spring Economic Update 2026

Spring Economic Update 2026: What It Means for Nursery & Landscape Businesses

Source: Department of Finance Canada – Spring Economic Update 2026: Key Measures (April 27, 2026) [canada.ca]

Overview

The federal government’s Spring Economic Update 2026 outlines major investments focused on housing, infrastructure, skilled trades, nature conservation, and affordability. While not sector‑specific, several measures are expected to directly influence demand, labour availability, and future funding opportunities for the nursery, greenhouse, landscape construction, and landscape maintenance industries.

Key Impacts for the Nursery & Landscape Sector

  1. Housing Acceleration Will Drive Landscaping Demand

The federal government is advancing housing construction through:

  • Accelerated regulatory approvals and modernized building codes
  • Over $7 billion in low‑cost CMHC financing to advance rental and housing projects
  • Support for modular and factory‑built housing

Industry implications

  • Higher housing starts typically lead to increased demand for trees, shrubs, sod, perennials, and landscape installation services.
  • Faster construction timelines may shorten landscape installation windows, increasing pressure on labour, scheduling, and plant availability.
  • Opportunities may grow for nurseries able to supply uniform, pre‑approved, and climate‑resilient plant material at scale.
  1. Skilled Trades Expansion – Opportunity and Competition

The Team Canada Strong initiative aims to recruit and train 80,000–100,000 skilled trades workers by 2030–31.

Industry implications

  • Landscape construction and maintenance employers may benefit from expanded training pipelines, immigration pathways, and credential recognition.
  • At the same time, competition for labour is expected to intensify as housing, infrastructure, and major projects scale up.
  • Employers may need to focus on retention strategies, training partnerships, and productivity improvements.
  1. Nature Strategy Supports Green Infrastructure & Plant Demand

The Update reinforces Canada’s Nature Strategy, including the goal to protect 30% of lands and waters by 2030 and to mobilize capital for nature‑based solutions.

Industry implications

  • Strong alignment with:
    • Native plant production
    • Ecological restoration
    • Urban forestry and green infrastructure
  • Potential growth in public procurement and private investment tied to biodiversity, climate adaptation, and natural asset management.
  • Nurseries producing native, climate‑resilient, and restoration‑grade stock are well positioned.
  1. Infrastructure & Major Projects Create Long‑Term Opportunities

The federal government is launching:

  • A Canada Strong Fund (sovereign wealth fund)
  • A Major Projects Office advancing 21 nation‑building initiatives

Industry implications

  • Large infrastructure projects often include:
    • Site remediation and restoration
    • Urban greening and streetscaping
    • Long‑term landscape establishment and maintenance
  • Early engagement in planning discussions may create opportunities for sustainable landscape solutions to be embedded from the outset.
  1. Affordability Measures – Modest Cost Relief

Short‑term measures include:

  • A temporary pause on the federal fuel excise tax until Labour Day
  • A reduction in the base CPP contribution rate effective January 1, 2027

Industry implications

  • Fuel tax relief may provide temporary, limited cost savings for transportation‑intensive operations.
  • CPP rate reduction offers small but permanent payroll savings for both employers and employees beginning in 2027.

What to Watch Next: Provincial Programs & Funding

While the federal update sets the direction, many supports will flow through provincial and territorial governments over the coming months.

Industry should closely monitor:

  • Provincial skilled trades funding, including expanded apprenticeships, wage subsidies, training grants, and employer supports
  • Infrastructure and housing programs that include landscape, urban forestry, or green infrastructure components
  • Climate, conservation, and natural infrastructure funding, where nurseries and landscape firms may be eligible suppliers or project partners
  • Regional workforce strategies aimed at addressing seasonal labour shortages

As details are finalized, provinces are expected to roll out targeted programs tailored to local labour market needs, creating opportunities for businesses that are prepared, informed, and engaged.

Temporary Federal Fuel Tax Suspension – What Landscape industry businesses need to know

The federal government plans to temporarily suspend the federal fuel excise tax on:

  • Gasoline
  • Diesel fuel
  • Aviation fuels

This means the federal portion of the fuel tax will drop to $0 per litre for a limited time. Provincial governments may follow suit in short order.

Timing

  • Starts: April 20, 2026
  • Ends: September 7, 2026 (Labour Day)
  • Returns to normal: September 8, 2026

Normal rates being suspended

  • Gasoline & aviation gasoline: 10¢ per litre
  • Diesel & most aviation fuel: 4¢ per litre

Bottom Line for your business

✅ Expect modest fuel cost relief from late April to early September 2026
✅ Useful for transportation-heavy and fuel-intensive operations
⚠️ Businesses using fuel surcharges should actively review and adjust them
📅 Be ready for fuel taxes — and fuel costs — to rise again after Labour Day

Skills Alberta Returns

After several years without fielding a team in Alberta, we are excited to announce that we are once again preparing to compete in the Skills Canada provincial event. This year, not only have we assembled a team of age‑eligible competitors, but they are also being supported by instructors from the Landscape Horticulturist Apprenticeship Program at Olds College, along with an exceptional group of industry coaches.
The team will hold regular training sessions throughout February and March, leading up to the final competition, which will take place in the Landscape Pavilion at Olds College on March 28–29.
We invite industry partners to attend the competition days to gain a deeper understanding of the Skills movement and to help build support for future participation. We are also seeking donations of materials and supplies, as well as financial contributions to help cover catering for the team and coaches. If you’re interested in supporting the Skills Alberta team, please contact Lisa Brick at lisa.brick@landscape-alberta.com.
Team Alberta will compete at the national Skills Canada event in Toronto, ON from May 27–29. With this renewed momentum, our goal is to return permanently to the main Skills Alberta competition each year in early May. While timing can be challenging for our industry, the opportunity to connect with more than 10,000 youth who are exploring careers in the skilled trades is invaluable. Being present at this annual event ensures we are represented as a trade of choice for youth and parents alike.
Our industry offers incredible career pathways and meaningful, rewarding work—we simply need to help teachers, parents, and young people connect the dots. Skills Alberta (Skills Canada) is a powerful way to do this. We encourage you to get involved; together, we can be the strongest ambassadors for our industry.

City of Calgary Water Updates: 2026

April 2, 2026

Stage 4 water restrictions have been lifted!

There will be a planned pipe inspection from April 9 to 11, where a mechanical device called a pipe diver will be placed in part of the feeder main to assess its condition. Crews will have to briefly stop water flow to remove the pipe diver, and then conduct water quality testing before restarting the pumps.

Because of the short duration of this work, the City does not expect water restrictions to be needed. However, this could change if unexpected issues arise.

Even though the reinforcement work is complete, there is still a risk of failure until the new parallel pipe is in place. There will also be another planned feeder main shutdown this fall as the City brings the new replacement pipe online.

Timelines for the planned shutdown have not yet been confirmed. As planning continues and schedules are finalized, we will share information as early as possible so there is time to prepare.

We would like to thank the City of Calgary for engaging with Landscape Alberta ahead of the planned spring repairs and for considering our recommendations on the shutdown timeline to help minimize impacts on our industry. We look forward to continuing this collaborative approach as planning moves ahead for the fall shutdown, working together to establish a timeline that results in the least possible disruption to our industry.

March 30, 2026

Water demand status

  • Water demand has been consistently in the green zone, under 500 million litres (ML) each day.
    • Yesterday, demand was 500 ML, even as approximately 12 ML was used to refill the feeder main. This reflects continued strong water saving efforts by residents, businesses and neighbouring communities.
  • As crews move through the final steps to return the feeder main to service, the system remains constrained and continued water conservation is still essential.

Progress update

  • We are now entering the final stages of this work.
  • Crews successfully finished filling the feeder main and teams are sampling and testing the water today to ensure it meets all regulatory standards.
  • While reinforcement work improves stability in targeted sections, the existing feeder main remains an aging asset and will continue to carry risk until a replacement pipe is in place.
  • There is increased risk during upcoming pressure changes as pumps are restarted and water flow is gradually increased, which is expected to begin tomorrow morning.
  • People across the water system may notice temporary cloudiness in their water. This is expected, and the water remains safe to drink.
  • If system performance remains stable, water restrictions could be lifted as early as Thursday, April 2.
  • Site restoration is continuing, with concrete curb work complete and paving beginning today.

Looking ahead

  • As part of planning for the new replacement pipe, an inspection is scheduled for April 9 -11 to assess a steel section of the feeder main. We will use a mechanical inspection device called a pipe diver, and will need to shut down the flow of water to the feeder main temporarily to retrieve the pipe diver once the inspection is complete.
  • This work is expected to proceed without water restrictions, though there remains a possibility that temporary restrictions could be required on short notice if conditions change.

For awareness

  • Rain barrel rebate program: As we move into spring, Calgarians may wish to consider options like rain barrels to reduce outdoor water use. The City’s rain barrel rebate program opens Wednesday, April 1, offering up to $50 off an eligible purchase. Details are available at calgary.ca/rainbarrel.

March 27, 2026

Repair status and schedule

  • The project continues to progress as planned.
  • Surface preparation work for paving is underway, including base gravel installation for roads, berms and concrete curbs, with minimal impact from recent weather. \Traffic changes remain in place near active work areas. Drivers should continue to follow posted signage, expect delays and plan ahead when travelling through the area.

 Looking ahead

  • Filling activities on additional sections of the feeder main are planned to begin tomorrow, followed by water quality sampling, testing and regulatory clearance before reconnection to the system.
  • Paving at reinforcement work sites is expected to begin next week, weather permitting.
  • Preparatory work for the long-term replacement of the Bearspaw South Feeder Main is planned to begin next week along 16 Avenue N.W., with single lane closures in place during that work.
  • The next media availability is planned for Monday, March 30.

Key messages

  • Stage 4 Outdoor Water restrictions remain in effect, and we continue to ask everyone to reduce their indoor water use while reinforcement work continues.
  • Keeping overall water use in the “green zone”, below 500 million litres per day (MLD), remains critical until crews fully complete the reinforcement work.
  • We’re asking residents to continue saving water by focusing on a few simple, high impact actions:
  • Keep showers to three minutes or less
  • Flush toilets only when necessary
  • Run dishwashers and washing machines only with full loads.

March 12, 2026

Water demand status  

  • Yesterday, total water demand was 489 million litres, once again putting us in the Green Zone where the drinking water system can meet demand with the feeder main out of service.
  • We thank everyone for their great work so far and ask them to continue water saving measures until the feeder main is back in service.

Repair status and schedule

  • Excavation continues across all work areas to prepare pipe segments for reinforcement.
  • Crews are installing trench boxes around exposed sections of pipe.
  • Draining water from one final section of pipe is planned to continue into the weekend.
  • Reinforcement construction continues to be on schedule.  

Looking ahead 

  • Continued water conservation is critical to maintain system stability while relying primarily on the Glenmore Water Treatment Plant.
  • Daily monitoring and updates will continue as excavation progresses and reinforcement work ramps up.

Stage 4 Outdoor Water restrictions are currently in effect and we’re asking everyone to reduce their indoor water use while reinforcement work is underway on the Bearspaw South Feeder Main.  

March 9, 2026

Stage 4 Survival Guide for Landscapers
This guide is to offer suggestions for what you can do as a business owner to plan for expected and unexpected restrictions.

Landscape Alberta - Stage_4_Survival_Guide

March 2, 2026

Message from City of Calgary:

The City of Calgary is moving forward with planned reinforcement repairs to support the stability of the current Bearspaw South Feeder Main (BSFM). This work will target up to nine segments of the existing pipe to support operations and stability.

Due to the critical condition of the BSFM and its importance in Calgary’s drinking water system, the City is reinforcing sections of pipe that are experiencing enhanced levels of deterioration. These reinforcements are intended to support continued operation of the BSFM until the new parallel steel pipe is completed and can take over service from the current line.

Water restrictions will be in place beginning March 9

The feeder main will be taken out of service to complete construction. During this time, it’s critical that all Calgarians and the surrounding regions use less water. Outdoor water restrictions and indoor water conservation will be in effect starting March 9 and is expected to last approximately four weeks. No outdoor water use will be permitted during this time. We also anticipate restrictions will be needed again when we tie in the new parallel pipe.

Outside of the reinforcement work, other scenarios outside of The City’s control, including another break in the feeder main or weather-related conditions such as drought or heat waves, may necessitate implementing outdoor water restrictions at any time.

We recognize the urgency of these issues and their potential economic impact. Until the pipe is fully twinned, it remains at risk of failure. Homes, businesses and yards should be ready for Stage 4 outdoor water restrictions and voluntary indoor conservation at any time.

Bylaw Updates
Since the first break in 2024, The City has been connecting directly with industries that rely on outdoor water use to better understand the impacts of water restrictions. We heard about possible solutions that reduce reliance on treated water in construction and irrigation, and about key timing windows during which critical activities occur for these industries. In response to the concerns raised, we made updates to outdoor restrictions in 2024 to support the landscaping industry and others. Most importantly, we amended the Water Utility Bylaw in 2025 to create exemptions for watering new trees, sod and seed during their respective establishment periods from the earlier stages of outdoor watering restrictions.

Resources
• Updates on the Bearspaw South Feeder Main Improvements Project can be found www.calgary.ca/bsfmreinforcements

• For timely updates on water restrictions, please keep an eye on www.calgary.ca/savewater

• There are many ways you can conserve water without compromising safety or quality. Please check out our resource library at www.calgary.ca/savewateratwork

Read the letter here (includes links to all resources mentioned in message).

February 20, 2026

Timeline & Duration

  • Work begins: March 9
  • Duration: Approximately 4 weeks
  • Expected to last into early April
  • Restrictions anticipated to be lifted before peak watering season
  • A planned shutdown is also expected in the fall (dates TBD)
  • Final detailed plan to be released soon

Why March?

  • Scheduled for spring when river flow is high
  • High snowpack improves water availability
  • March considered the ideal time to reduce risk to the system

What’s Happening

  • The Bearspaw South Feeder Main will be shut down for reinforcement.
  • 9–10 pipe segments will receive targeted repairs, focusing on priority risk areas.
  • Up to 10 targeted reinforcements planned this spring.
  • Pipe is considered critically vulnerable and could fail at any time.
  • There is no guarantee additional breaks won’t happen.
  • Construction on the replacement pipe is underway now, including micro-tunneling, with full replacement expected by fall/December.

Water Restrictions (March 9 – Early April)

Outdoor Use

  • Region-wide outdoor water ban
  • No lawn watering, irrigation, or other outdoor water use permitted.

Indoor Use

  • Residents asked to reduce indoor use by 30%.
  • City-wide water target: 485 million litres per day.
  • Exceeding this threshold puts the entire system at risk.

Ongoing Risk

  • The feeder main is described as “critically ill.”
  • Residents should be prepared for restrictions at any time, even outside planned shutdown periods.
  • Additional emergency breaks remain possible.

Additional Updates

  • Rain barrel rebate program returns April 1 (YardSmart rain barrels)
  • Replacement construction is progressing, aiming for completion by fall 2026.

Landscape Alberta is working with City officials to answer frequent questions and will have more information available at the Leadership Forum in-person event: https://www.landscape-alberta.com/events/leadership-forum/.

 

February 18, 2026

Communication has been ongoing with the City of Calgary about the impacts of water restrictions in the 2026 season.  A task force of members met with City officials last week.  Exact timelines aren’t available at this time, but the phrase “weeks not months” was used throughout the session.  We are working with City official to answer frequent questions and will have more information available at the Leadership Forum in-person event: https://www.landscape-alberta.com/events/leadership-forum/.

 

January 16, 2026

We are pleased to inform you that the Bearspaw South Feeder Main has returned to service, and following careful monitoring, all water restrictions are now lifted effective immediately.

Over the past two weeks, The City of Calgary implemented Stage Four water restrictions to reduce water demand while crews completed the repairs.  Thanks to the cooperation and conservation efforts of all our customers, including yourself, we were able to stabilize the system safely and efficiently.

Key Points for Your Operations:

  • System Stability: Water has been tested and meets or exceeds all regulatory guidelines for safe drinking water.
  • Normal Operations Resumed: You may now resume normal water usage, including refilling processes such as pools or industrial operations, without the need to stagger or limit flows.
  • Temporary Water Quality Changes: You may notice temporary cloudiness or a stronger chlorine smell in water immediately after the feeder main return-to-service. Both are normal, safe, and should resolve with regular use. If issues persist after 24 hours, contact 311.
  • Planned Future Repairs: Additional pipe repair work is planned for this Spring and Fall, which will require further water restrictions. We will communicate early, so your operations can plan accordingly.
  • Unplanned Repairs:  If another break occurs - water restrictions will be required and we’ll need to count on your help again.

We sincerely appreciate your support in conserving water during this critical period. Your actions helped protect Calgary’s water system and ensure safe, reliable service for all residents and businesses.

For updates on Calgary’s water system, please visit calgary.ca/watermainbreak.

January 7, 2026

Calgary Water Main Break – what you need to know

On December 30th, the City of Calgary suffered another critical water main break.  Emergency repairs are underway with services to return to normal by mid-January.

Full-scale replacement of 6km of the feeder-main is set to begin in spring of 2026.  Currently there are no details on exact construction timelines, but Landscape Alberta has been in contact with the City of Calgary about next steps including additional info on timelines and impacts on industry through the 2026 season based on presumed conservation measures throughout the construction process.    Regular water updates will be provided to members as we approach spring.

Ongoing updates can be found here:  https://www.calgary.ca/emergencies/feeder-main-repair/bearspaw-water-main-break.html

Important message for the TFWP

The purpose of this communication is to remind you that, effective January 1, 2026, the Government of Canada will reinstate the requirement for employers to provide proof of advertising when submitting a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) application to hire temporary foreign workers for primary agriculture positions under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFW Program).

Currently, employers submitting LMIA applications for primary agriculture positions on, or before, December 31, 2025, are exempt from providing proof of advertising requirements.

Effective January 1, 2026, employers will be required to meet all advertising requirements, including providing proof of recruitment efforts to hire Canadians and permanent residents, including members of at least 2 underrepresented groups in the labour market, such as:

  • vulnerable youth,
  • Indigenous peoples,
  • newcomers to Canada,
  • persons with disabilities, and
  • asylum seekers with valid work permits.

Recruitment and advertising requirements differ between program streams. Records of the employers’ efforts must be kept for a minimum of 6 years.

You are encouraged to share this communication throughout your respective networks, and with any colleagues or peers who may need to be aware of this information. If you have questions on the TFW Program, please visit Canada.ca or reach out to the Employer Contact Centre.

Calgary – Watering Schedule

(originally shared by CPCIA)

City of Calgary presented updates on the Preferred Watering Days initiative and Water Managed Sites Program. These proactive measures aim to help manage the City's water system load while critical infrastructure repairs and upgrades continue.

While essential repairs to the feeder main have been completed, the City is not yet operating the line at full capacity. Until major infrastructure projects are finalized, there remains an increased risk that Stage 1 Outdoor Water Restrictions could be called if water demand exceeds system capacity.

As we enter the spring and summer seasons — our busiest period for irrigation — it’s vital that our industry leads by example. By working together, we can help reduce system strain and minimize the likelihood of formal restrictions being imposed. 

Why Water Conservation Matters Now, Reducing watering especially important when:

  • Water treatment or distribution infrastructure is under repair or upgrade;
  • Hot weather drives high demand that strains water treatment capacity;
  • River levels are lower than normal due to drought;
  • River water quality fluctuates.

Action Requested: Adopt Preferred Watering Days

To assist the City and protect the health of our landscapes, all irrigation professionals are asked to configure systems to follow the City’s Preferred Watering Days.

This is not a bylaw change — it is a voluntary industry effort to help balance demand and protect our ability to operate without restrictions.

Preferred Watering Days:

  • Odd-Numbered Addresses: Wednesday, Friday, Sunday
  • Even-Numbered Addresses: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday

By adjusting irrigation schedules accordingly during spring system start-ups, we can help the City's reservoirs replenish adequately during periods of peak use.

About Water Managed Sites (WMS)

A Water Managed Site (WMS) designation certifies that an irrigation system can adjust watering based on actual site needs — either by weather conditions or soil moisture levels — to maintain landscape health efficiently.

Certified WMS sites are permitted greater flexibility under Stage 1 Outdoor Water Restrictions (Schedule E).

Becoming a WMS ensures:

  • Healthier landscapes during periods of water shortage.
  • Protection of client properties.
  • Continued leadership by our industry in responsible water use.

For more information about Water Managed Site certification, please visit: Water Managed Sites

City of Calgary updates Water bylaws! 

City of Calgary updates Water bylaws! 

Following feedback from industry and the public to the City of Calgary, Council today passed updates to the Water Utility Bylaw (40M2006), including most importantly updated to Outdoor Water Restrictions as we head into the 2025 season.   These changes were defined as ‘housekeeping’ and are not a complete review of the bylaw which is planned in the coming year.  While the changes passed on March 18th do not fully address industry concerns, they do indeed go along way to providing some stability in the coming year.

Highlights include:

  • Allow watering for establishment for sod (21 days), seed (45 days), and new trees and shrubs (up to 5 years)
  • No set watering schedule in 2025.
  • Simplified watering time from 7pm to 10 am. (for setting irrigation systems)
  • Allows water use for construction and renovation (through stage 3)
  • Updates to how water managed sites are managed through various stages of water restrictions.

More details will be made available as they are published by City of Calgary.  Landscape Alberta submitted a letter of support as part of this review process along with ongoing consultations with the City of Calgary.  There is still more work to do in this area of course, but this is a great example of what your association can and will do for the collective benefit of industry.

CNLA 2024 Wage Survey

Boost Your Business with Wage Survey Data: A Game-Changer for Landscapers, Nurseries, and Garden Centres 

In today's competitive market, small businesses in the landscaping, nursery, and garden centre industries face unique challenges in attracting and retaining skilled employees. One powerful tool that can give you an edge is wage survey data. Understanding industry-specific wages in your geographic area not only helps you stay competitive but also enhances your hiring and retention strategies. 

Industry-Specific Insights
For landscapers, nurseries, and garden centres, wage survey data provides a clear picture of prevailing wage rates within your specific industry. This information allows you to offer competitive salaries that attract top talent. Whether you're hiring seasonal workers, experienced horticulturists, or equipment operators, knowing the standard wage rates helps you make informed decisions that align with industry norms. 

Geographic Relevance
Wage survey data is invaluable because it considers the geographic specifics of your business location. Pay rates can vary significantly from one region to another due to differences in the cost of living and local market conditions. By accessing localized wage data, you can ensure that your compensation packages are attractive and fair for your region. This not only helps in attracting local talent but also in making your business a desirable place to work. 

Benefits to Hiring 

  1. Competitive Offers: By leveraging wage survey data, you can craft competitive job offers that stand out to potential employees. When candidates see that your compensation aligns with or exceeds industry standards, they are more likely to choose your business over others. 
  1. Attracting Talent: Offering competitive wages helps you attract a diverse pool of skilled candidates. This is especially crucial in the landscaping, nursery, and garden centre industries where specialized skills and knowledge are essential. 

Benefits to Retention 

  1. Employee Satisfaction: Fair and competitive wages contribute to higher employee satisfaction. When your staff feels valued and fairly compensated, they are more likely to stay loyal to your business, reducing turnover rates. 
  1. Enhanced Productivity: Satisfied employees are generally more motivated and productive. By using wage survey data to offer competitive salaries, you create a positive work environment where employees are committed to delivering their best performance. 
  1. Long-Term Growth: Retaining skilled workers ensures that your business can maintain high standards of service and productivity. Experienced employees bring valuable knowledge and expertise, contributing to the long-term growth and success of your business. 

All participants in the 2024 CNLA Wage Survey have been automatically sent digital access to the full survey report.  Members that did not particpate that require a copy can do so for the preferred rate of $50, while non-members will pay $75.  For more details or to order your copy of the wage survey please visit www.wagesurvey.ca. 

Make the smart choice today and leverage wage survey data to boost your hiring and retention strategies! 🌱🌼🪴 

Six tips for photographing landscapes with your phone

Six tips for photographing landscapes with your phone

By Stuart Service, CNLA Media Coordinator

The most challenging part of landscape photography is figuring out how to translate what we see into a picture. It happens to me all the time; I walk through the forest taking a whole mess of photos, and then when I check them out later think to myself, “these just don’t show enough of what I saw.”

If you’re finding that photos of a client’s garden don't seem to show off the beauty of what you see, here are a few tips that might help troubleshoot through this dilemma. These are also the most common smartphone-photography hiccups I’ve come across when going through the collection of photos of the projects being considered for National Awards of Landscape Excellence.

Make sure your phone’s camera is on its best settings

A brand new cell phone out of the box is usually on its default, middle-of-the-road setting. This means the photos will be a size and quality that’s probably good enough to text to a friend. However, we’ve got award-winning ambitions, and a textable pic ain’t going to cut the mustard! We need to capture photos that are big and detailed enough to show off outstanding work to multiple judges. In the example above, I found the maxed-out settings of my phone when selecting the aspect ratio, 4:3 48MP (megapixels), resulting in photos with substantially better quality and a file size ten times bigger than the default settings. Every phone has its own technical personality to contend with, so what worked for me to max out the settings might not be the same for your phone. Go into your camera’s settings and make sure it’s set to the highest resolution available so that 100% of hardware is in use.

Clean the lens

If your pictures have similar, foggy lighting as above, there’s probably a fingerprint smudging up the lens. A quick wipe with your shirt is enough to remove fingerprints and grease. The fix to this problem doesn’t need to be fancy as smartphone camera lenses are built for wear and tear and are scratch resistant.

 

Is it the right time for pictures?

       

The picture on the left was taken midafternoon during a sunny day, creating dark shadows around much of the plant material. The picture on the right was taken during a cloudy day and, although the trees are still casting some shadows, the lighting is a lot more consistent throughout this landscape, improving visibility of all the plant material and hardscaping.

The best time for photos is when the sun is just peaking over the horizon in the early morning or late afternoon, or anytime during cloudy overcast conditions. During those three moments, the daylight is diffused, softer, and less likely to create a harsh, contrasty look. Taking pictures in the afternoon might lead to disappointing results as the sun is exceptionally bright, creating too dramatic a lighting difference between the shaded and full sun areas of the garden. Another tip, especially when taking photos of gardens with lots of blooming plant material, is to take the photos in mid-July to early August when most plants are their most established.

Compose the photo before taking it, and make minor crop adjustments to refine that composition

Think of every photo as though it’s a grid of nine rectangles. Whatever you consider to be the neatest part of the landscape – and in the case of the above photo at Riverside Park in Guelph, ON, I chose that circular garden in the back – make sure that focal point is located a little to the left or a little to the right of the picture. That’s the only factor I was really paying attention to when taking the above photo, and everything else just seemed to fall right into place, with the pathways and trees leading the viewer’s eye across the photo. I cropped the photo a little bit more to align the interlock path with the bottom-third of the image because I’m fussy like that. Take lots of pictures – try the same photo in different ways. Crouch down, get low to the ground to try a different vantage point, turning the focal point this time to be the complex interlock or a nice collection of shrubs in the foreground. Then try another angle by getting up onto a stepladder or walking up a hill to get high enough to see more of the landscape in the picture.

Don’t pinch your screen – zoom in with your feet!

A cell phone camera doesn’t have that same zoom capability as certain DSLR lenses or broadcast video cameras. By pinching out on your screen to zoom in, the picture is being stretched. The above photo would look a whole lot better had I just walked 30 feet closer, instead of zooming in from where I stood, stretching out the pixels, and turning this otherwise decently composed photograph into something distractingly grainy.

Tidy up the property

Make sure the garden is looking its best by removing weeds and dead foliage from both the plants and the lawn. It's always a joy when an animal wanders into the frame while taking landscape photos though, so Muffin, my parents’ Havanese puppy, hopefully stays right where she is after I clean up the debris.

A collection of quality landscape photos is the essential step to having spectacular work considered when applying to a provincial association’s annual awards program. No matter what kind of smartphone you have currently, the potential to take a nice landscape photo is less about hardware, than it is about being mindful of composition, lighting, and cleanliness of the area. With those factors in mind, and with a little bit of practice, you’ll be well on your way to putting the best foot forward when photographing your completed landscape projects.

 

Original print Summer 2022, Green for Life magazine