Landscaping Services in Town of Riverview
Riverview's established 1960s-1990s housing stock on the Petitcodiac's south bank features mature landscapes that are ready for renovation — overgrown foundation plantings, aging retaining walls on the hilly terrain, and lawns that have compacted over decades of use. The slopes along Findlay Boulevard and Pine Glen create natural drainage challenges that need professional grading solutions, while Riverview Heights offers some of the area's most attractive properties for full landscape makeovers.
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About Town of Riverview Homes
Development Era
1947-present
Peak building: 1970s (23.9% of all housing)
Typical Styles
- Split-entry / bi-level (dominant, 1960s-1980s)
- Bungalows (1950s-1970s)
- Side-split and back-split variations
- Two-storey detached (1990s-2000s)
- Contemporary infill (2010s+)
Average Home Size
1,100-1,800 sq ft
Riverview's split-entry homes are perfectly adapted to the town's hilly terrain — the mid-level entry with living space above and finished basement below tucks naturally into slopes without requiring extensive grading or retaining walls. This is why the split-entry became the dominant form here during the 1970s building peak. For landscaping, the split-entry creates a distinctive challenge: the front entry sits above grade on one side and at grade on the other, requiring creative foundation planting that addresses both elevations. Rear yards on downhill lots often have walk-out basements opening onto steeply sloped ground that needs terracing or retaining walls to create usable outdoor space.
Area History
Riverview's development is a textbook case of post-war suburban growth. The area was farmland and three small villages — Bridgedale, Gunningsville, and what became Riverview Heights — until Byron Dobson built 49 homes in 1947, sparking a residential boom. By his own account, Dobson Construction built roughly 80% of the early homes in Riverview Heights. The 1953 designation as a local improvement district formalized the growing community, and incorporation as the Town of Riverview followed on July 9, 1973, amalgamating the three original communities with a population of 14,177. The 1970s were the defining decade: nearly a quarter of all Riverview homes were built during those ten years, giving the town its characteristic split-entry and bungalow landscape. The 1968 Petitcodiac River causeway created a calm headpond lake that made Riverview's waterfront desirable for recreation and property investment — until the 2010-2021 restoration project removed the causeway and returned the river to its tidal state, dramatically changing the waterfront landscape for roughly 480 homes.
Foundation Types in Town of Riverview
Riverview's dominant housing era (1960s-1980s) spans the transition from concrete block to poured concrete foundations. Homes built before approximately 1970 often have concrete block (CMU) foundations that are more susceptible to lateral earth pressure on hillside lots — exactly the conditions common in Riverview. Homes from the 1970s onward typically have poured concrete. On Riverview's slopes, the downhill side of foundations is often partially or fully exposed, making exterior waterproofing and proper landscape grading especially important. Any retaining wall or landscape work near exposed foundations should ensure water is directed away rather than toward the wall.
Common Issues to Address
- Lateral earth pressure on hillside concrete block foundations causing horizontal cracking and inward bowing
- Exposed downhill foundation walls vulnerable to moisture infiltration without proper landscape grading
- Aging clay weeping tile (pre-1985) blocked by root intrusion from decades of mature tree growth near foundations
- Frost heave on retaining walls where original gravel drainage has silted up over 40-50 years
- Surface water concentration at the base of slopes where multiple uphill properties drain toward a single downhill lot
Town of Riverview Landscaping Profile
Soil Type
Glacial till over Carboniferous bedrock (variable — clay in valleys, sandy-loam on ridges)
Growing Zone
Zone 5b-6a (Canadian) — approximately 126 frost-free days
Typical Lot Size
5,400-8,500 sq ft (established suburbs) — larger in West Riverview and Lower Coverdale
Common Landscaping Challenges
- Steep terrain throughout the town creates erosion, drainage, and access challenges for landscape equipment — many Riverview backyards cannot be reached by standard machinery
- Mature Acadian Forest canopy (red maple, sugar maple, birch, pine) shades lawns heavily — grass species must be shade-tolerant, and some areas may be better converted to shade gardens than maintained as struggling turf
- Aging timber retaining walls from the 1970s-1980s are reaching end-of-life across the town — pressure-treated lumber walls typically last 20-30 years before rot compromises structural integrity
- Clay-heavy valley soils drain poorly and create seasonal wet zones at the base of slopes, while ridge-top soils are sandier and dry out faster — a single property can have both conditions
- Petitcodiac River restoration removed the headpond lake, changing waterfront conditions for approximately 480 homes — former lakefront properties now face tidal mudflats and adjusted groundwater levels
Seasonal Notes
Riverview's growing season is approximately 126 frost-free days from late May to late September — slightly shorter than sheltered inland locations due to river valley frost pooling. North-facing slopes and valley bottoms can experience frost several days earlier in fall and later in spring than south-facing slopes, creating microclimate variation across a single property. Spring is the critical season for slope management — snowmelt concentrates on hillside lots and can cause significant erosion if not controlled with retaining walls, terracing, or strategic ground cover plantings. Fall leaf cleanup is especially important on sloped lots where accumulated wet leaves create a slippery, compacted mat that suffocates turf and promotes snow mold.
Landscaping Recommendations
For Riverview's shaded lots, transition struggling lawn areas under dense canopy to shade-tolerant ground covers (pachysandra, periwinkle, or native wild ginger) rather than fighting to grow grass in deep shade. When replacing retaining walls, upgrade from timber to interlocking concrete block or natural stone — these materials handle Riverview's freeze-thaw cycles far better and can last 50+ years with proper drainage behind the wall. On steep slopes, consider terraced planting beds with deep-rooted perennials and shrubs that stabilize soil while adding visual interest — cascading groundcovers like creeping juniper, rockspray cotoneaster, and native bearberry thrive on Riverview's slopes. Install stepped pathways with proper footing (crushed stone base, non-slip treads) rather than continuous slopes that become hazardous when wet or icy.
Typical Project Costs
- Retaining Wall Replacement: $4,000-$15,000 (per wall section)
- Slope Terracing: $5,000-$18,000
- Lawn Renovation: $2,000-$5,000
- Mature Tree Pruning: $300-$1,200 per tree
- Drainage Correction: $2,000-$6,000
- Shade Garden Conversion: $1,500-$4,500
Soil & Drainage in Town of Riverview
Soil Type
Glacial till (variable texture — clay to sandy loam)
Water Table
Variable — higher in valley bottoms and near the Petitcodiac, deeper on ridges and hilltops
Riverview's soil reflects its geology: glacial till averaging 0.5 to 2 metres thick over Carboniferous sedimentary bedrock (sandstones, mudstones, and shales). The till varies significantly by position — ridges and upper slopes have sandier, better-draining till where glaciers climbed obstacles, while valleys and lower slopes collected finer sediments with higher clay content that drains poorly. This means a single Riverview property on a slope can have well-drained sandy soil at the top and heavy wet clay at the bottom, requiring different planting strategies for different zones. The soil is naturally acidic (pH 4.5-5.5) throughout, and the NB Department of Agriculture recommends lime application of 50-100 kg per 100 m² for lawn establishment.
Drainage: Slope drainage is Riverview's defining landscape challenge. Surface water from rain and snowmelt flows downhill, concentrating at the base of slopes where multiple properties' runoff converges on lower lots. Homes at the base of hills often receive water from several uphill neighbours. French drains, interceptor drains across slopes, and proper retaining wall drainage (free-draining gravel backfill with weeping tile at the base) are not luxuries in Riverview — they are essential infrastructure. Properties near the Petitcodiac have additional considerations following the 2021 river restoration, as seasonal water table levels have adjusted.
Investment Potential in Town of Riverview
Average Home Price
$350,000-$435,000
Landscaping Upgrade ROI
10-15% value improvement on established properties
Rental Suite Potential
Growing demand — Riverview attracts retirees and families seeking established neighbourhoods
Riverview offers a middle ground in Greater Moncton's housing market — more established and spacious than Dieppe's newer subdivisions, more affordable than Rothesay's premium market, and less urban than downtown Moncton. Average home prices range from $350,000 to $435,000, with wide variation based on condition and location. In this price range, landscape condition is a significant factor in buyer decisions: a Riverview home with a well-maintained yard, updated retaining walls, and clean hardscape consistently outperforms a comparable home with an overgrown, neglected landscape. RE/MAX identifies Riverview as one of the most desirable neighbourhoods in the region heading into 2026.
Landscaping Considerations for Town of Riverview
Assess retaining wall condition before any other landscape investment — a failing retaining wall on a Riverview hillside can undermine everything above and below it, making it the priority repair in any landscape renovation plan
Have an arborist evaluate mature trees before planning new plantings — Riverview's established canopy of maple, birch, and pine may need selective thinning to restore sunlight to areas where you want to grow lawn or garden plants
Retaining walls require a building permit through the Fundy Regional Service Commission — this applies to new construction and replacement of existing walls, so factor permitting time into project schedules
Design landscape beds that work with Riverview's slopes rather than against them — terraced beds with deep-rooted perennials provide erosion control while adding visual interest, and cost less long-term than constantly fighting to maintain lawn on steep grades
Any work within 30 metres of the Petitcodiac River or its tributaries requires a Watercourse and Wetland Alteration Permit from the NB Department of Environment — this includes grading, planting, and retaining wall construction along the waterfront
Budget for drainage infrastructure as part of any hillside landscape project — skimping on drainage behind retaining walls or across slopes leads to premature failure and expensive repairs within 5-10 years
Permits & Regulations
Retaining walls and fences in Riverview require building permits through the Fundy Regional Service Commission, which handles building inspection services for the town. Development permits apply to accessory structures up to 55 m². As of May 2025, all new applications are reviewed under the National Building Code of Canada 2020. Any landscaping work within 30 metres of a watercourse or wetland also requires a provincial Watercourse and Wetland Alteration Permit. Contact the Fundy Regional Service Commission or the Town of Riverview for specific requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions: Town of Riverview Landscaping
My retaining wall in Riverview is leaning — how urgent is this?
A leaning retaining wall on a Riverview hillside is a serious issue that should be addressed promptly. When a wall begins to lean, it means the lateral earth pressure from the slope behind it is exceeding the wall's structural capacity — this typically happens when original drainage (gravel backfill and weeping tile) has silted up over decades, allowing water to build hydrostatic pressure behind the wall. Once leaning starts, it accelerates. A failing retaining wall can undermine the slope above it (affecting your yard or your neighbour's) and dump soil and debris below. Contact a qualified retaining wall contractor for assessment — repair or replacement should be prioritized over cosmetic landscape improvements.
What grass will grow in shade under Riverview's mature trees?
For moderate shade (3-4 hours of filtered sunlight), use a fine fescue blend — creeping red fescue and chewings fescue are the most shade-tolerant lawn grasses for New Brunswick's climate. Mow higher (3-3.5 inches) to maximize the blade surface area available for photosynthesis. For deep shade under dense maple or pine canopy (less than 3 hours of light), grass will not sustain itself regardless of species. In these areas, transition to shade-tolerant ground covers — pachysandra, periwinkle (vinca minor), or native wild ginger. These provide year-round green cover without the constant battle of trying to grow grass in conditions where it simply cannot thrive.
How did the Petitcodiac River restoration affect Riverview waterfront properties?
The 2010-2021 Petitcodiac restoration project dramatically changed the waterfront landscape. The 1968 causeway had created a calm headpond lake that roughly 480 homes bordered, making the waterfront desirable for recreation and property investment. When the causeway gates were opened in 2010 and the causeway was fully replaced by a bridge in 2021, the lake drained and tidal flow returned. Former lakefront properties now face tidal mudflats at low tide rather than calm water. The province offered compensation to affected homeowners, though many described it as inadequate. For landscaping, this means waterfront properties should focus on naturalized, salt-tolerant plantings suited to the restored estuary environment — trying to maintain a manicured lawn to the water's edge is fighting a losing battle against the tidal reality.
Why does water pool at the bottom of my Riverview yard?
This is Riverview's most common landscape problem, and it is directly related to the town's hilly terrain. On sloped lots, surface water from rain and snowmelt flows downhill and concentrates at the lowest point — which is often the base of your yard, your patio area, or worse, near your foundation. The clay-heavy soils common in Riverview's valley bottoms drain slowly, so the water sits rather than infiltrating. The solution involves intercepting water before it reaches the low point: install a French drain or interceptor drain across the slope to redirect water to a safe discharge point, ensure your retaining walls have proper drainage gravel and weeping tile behind them, and direct downspouts away from slopes. If you are at the base of a hill receiving runoff from multiple uphill properties, you may need a catch basin and dry well system to manage the volume.
Should I remove mature trees to improve my Riverview lawn?
Before removing any tree, consider selective pruning first — a certified arborist can thin the canopy to increase sunlight by 30-50% without sacrificing the tree's health, privacy screening, or property value. Mature trees in Riverview are significant assets: they provide shade that reduces cooling costs, protect slopes from erosion with their root systems, and add thousands of dollars to property values according to appraisal research. If a tree is genuinely hazardous (dead limbs, trunk decay, root damage), removal is warranted. But for healthy trees that simply shade your lawn, consider converting the shaded area to a shade garden rather than removing a mature specimen that took 40-60 years to grow and cannot be replaced in your lifetime.
About Town of Riverview
Riverview offers the appeal of an established, mature community just minutes from Moncton's urban amenities via the Gunningsville Bridge. The town's tree-lined streets, spacious lots, and family-friendly reputation make it one of Greater Moncton's most desirable addresses — RE/MAX identifies it among the region's top neighbourhoods heading into 2026. The established character that makes Riverview attractive also defines its landscape market: this is a community of renovation and rejuvenation rather than blank-canvas new construction. Homeowners here want to honour the mature character of their properties while updating tired elements, and the best Riverview landscape projects blend updated hardscaping and fresh plantings with the existing mature tree canopy and established terrain features that give the town its distinctive personality.
Landscaping Overview: Town of Riverview
Riverview is defined by its terrain — the town rises steeply from the Petitcodiac River's south bank on hills that make retaining walls, slope management, and drainage control central to almost every landscape project. The town's housing stock peaked in the 1970s (nearly 24% of all homes were built that decade), creating a dominant landscape of split-entry homes on sloped lots with mature trees, aging retaining walls, and foundation plantings that have outgrown their original design intent. The Acadian Forest canopy — red maple, sugar maple, white birch, and white pine — provides beautiful natural cover but creates shade management challenges for lawns that struggle under dense overhead growth. Riverview's established character makes it a natural market for landscape renovation rather than new construction: transforming tired 40-50 year old gardens into updated, low-maintenance designs that work with rather than against the terrain.
Our Services in Town of Riverview
Lawn Care & Maintenance
Keep your lawn looking its best year-round with professional lawn care services. From regular mowing and edging to seasonal fertilization programs, core aeration, and overseeding, our network of NB landscapers delivers reliable results. New Brunswick's unique growing season (Zone 4-5) requires specific timing for each treatment — local pros know exactly when to apply pre-emergent herbicides, when to aerate compacted Maritime clay soils, and which grass seed blends thrive in our climate.
Garden Design & Planting
Transform your outdoor space with professional garden design tailored to New Brunswick's unique growing conditions. Expert landscapers create beautiful, low-maintenance gardens using native Maritime species, perennials suited to Zone 4-5 hardiness, and strategic plantings that account for our coastal winds, acidic soils, and variable rainfall. Whether you want a cottage-style perennial border, a modern foundation planting, or a complete yard transformation, local designers understand what thrives here.
Hardscaping & Patios
Create stunning outdoor living spaces with professional hardscaping services designed for New Brunswick's challenging climate. From interlocking stone patios and natural flagstone walkways to permeable driveways and outdoor kitchens, experienced hardscape installers build structures that handle our harsh freeze-thaw cycles. Proper base preparation with 12-18 inches of compacted gravel is critical in NB's frost-prone soils — local pros know the depth requirements that prevent heaving and shifting.
Irrigation Systems
Efficient irrigation keeps your landscape healthy through New Brunswick's variable summers while conserving water. Professional irrigation installers design and install sprinkler systems, drip irrigation for garden beds, and smart controllers that adjust watering based on weather conditions. In NB, proper winterization (blowout) is essential — lines must be fully drained before our deep freezes to prevent burst pipes and damaged heads. Spring startup, mid-season adjustments, and fall blowout are all part of a complete irrigation program.
Tree & Shrub Care
Protect your property's most valuable natural assets with professional tree and shrub care. New Brunswick's trees face unique challenges — ice storm damage, salt spray in coastal areas, spruce budworm outbreaks, and heavy snow loads on evergreens. Certified arborists and experienced tree care professionals provide proper pruning (not topping!), structural assessments, targeted disease treatment, and safe removal when needed. Proper timing matters: most deciduous pruning is best done in late winter while dormant, and spring-flowering shrubs should be pruned right after blooming.
Seasonal Cleanup
Keep your property looking sharp through New Brunswick's dramatic seasonal transitions. Spring cleanup removes winter debris, thatch, and fallen branches while preparing beds and lawns for the growing season. Fall cleanup is equally critical — clearing leaves prevents snow mold, cutting back perennials at the right time protects crowns, and applying winter mulch helps marginally hardy plants survive NB's Zone 4-5 winters. Many NB homeowners combine seasonal cleanup with other services like fall aeration, overseeding, or bulb planting for a complete seasonal transition.
Retaining Walls
Manage slopes and create usable outdoor space with professionally built retaining walls. New Brunswick's hilly terrain and heavy spring runoff make retaining walls essential for many properties — whether you need erosion control on a riverbank lot, terracing for a hillside garden, or a decorative wall to define outdoor living areas. Walls over 4 feet typically require engineering in NB. Local builders work with natural stone, interlocking block, timber, and armour stone, always accounting for drainage, frost depth, and our clay-heavy soils.
Snow Removal
Stay safe and accessible through New Brunswick's long winters with professional snow removal services. NB averages 250-300 cm of snow annually, with coastal areas facing additional ice storms and freezing rain. Reliable snow contractors provide driveway plowing, walkway shoveling, salting and sanding, roof snow removal, and emergency storm response. Many NB homeowners set up seasonal contracts for worry-free winter service — your driveway is cleared before you wake up, and walkways are treated for safe footing all season long.
Why Choose New Brunswick Landscaping in Town of Riverview?
Local Expertise
We understand the unique landscaping characteristics of Town of Riverview properties, from soil types and climate conditions to local bylaw requirements.
20+ Years Experience
Our team has completed hundreds of landscaping projects across New Brunswick, including many in Town of Riverview.
WorkSafeNB Insured
Full workplace safety coverage protects you and our team throughout your renovation project.
Permits & Bylaws
We help navigate municipal permit applications and bylaw requirements for your Town of Riverview landscaping project.
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