Landscape design in Manotick and the rural edge

Once you are past the Greenbelt the rules change as much as the lots do. Properties in Manotick, Greely, North Gower and Osgoode are frequently half a hectare to several hectares, on private well and septic, and the design constraints come from the septic system and the tree cover rather than from a setback.

Locate any septic system and its working area early. Ask a qualified professional how the proposed planting, access and grading relate to the system before choosing a patio, driveway or building location.

Tree requirements can depend on the property and proposed work. Check current rules with the City and consult an arborist before planning removals or excavation on a treed rural property.

The practical upside is scale and machine access. A rural lot will take a full-size excavator to the back of the property, which makes earthworks, ponds, armour stone and long driveways proportionally cheaper than the same work on a narrow city lot. The offset is travel time, material haul distance and the fact that the nearest three-phase power for lighting may be a long way away.