Absolute Home Services Painting, Handyman & Landscaping
LandscapingBurlington
Checking owner claim…Phone and website on file
How to Hire a Landscaping Contractor in Ontario
Landscaping in Ontario is not a licensed trade, but the best contractors are members of Landscape Ontario — the industry's professional association. Ontario's climate demands contractors who understand freeze-thaw cycles, local soil conditions, and municipal bylaws for grading and drainage.
This selection shows 3 businesses. Confirm that a business offers what you need.
Ace Gardener Landscaping
LandscapingAurora
Checking owner claim…Phone and website on file
Acres Landscaping( Whitby Landscaping - Oshawa Landscaping )
LandscapingOshawa
Checking owner claim…Phone and website on file
Check the qualifications that matter for your work
Ask what qualifications, insurance and approvals are relevant to your particular job. Verify the details with the issuing organisation. Being listed here is not a licence check or an endorsement.
When to Hire a Landscaping Contractor
- Your yard has drainage problems or standing water after rain
- You want a new patio, walkway, or retaining wall
- Your lawn is more than 50% weeds or bare patches
- A tree is dead, diseased, or dangerously close to your home
- You're selling your home and want curb appeal improvements
- You want outdoor living space (deck, pergola, fire pit)
Timeline: Lawn maintenance visits take 30-60 minutes. Interlock patio installation takes 3-5 days. Full landscape projects take 1-3 weeks depending on scope.
Landscaping Costs in Ontario (2026)
Lawn Maintenance$40 — $100
per visit
Patio Interlock$3,000 — $12,000
per project
Tree Removal$500 — $3,000
per tree
Full Landscape$5,000 — $40,000
per project
Prices are approximate for Ontario (CAD). Actual costs vary by city, scope, and season. Always get 3 written quotes.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- 1Are you a member of Landscape Ontario?
- 2Do you carry liability insurance and WSIB?
- 3Will you check with Ontario One Call before digging?
- 4What is your warranty on hardscape work (interlock, retaining walls)?
- 5How do you handle grading and drainage to protect my foundation?
- 6Can I see photos of similar completed projects in my area?
- 7What maintenance will the finished work require?
Red Flags — When to Walk Away
- No insurance
- No written contract
- Demands full payment upfront
- No portfolio
Homeowner Checklist — Before You Hire
- Get at least 3 written quotes for comparison
- Verify WSIB clearance certificate (protects YOU from liability)
- Check Google reviews AND ask for local references
- Confirm they will pull all required permits
- Never pay more than 10-15% deposit upfront
- Get everything in writing — scope, timeline, payment schedule
- Verify their business insurance is current
- For regulated trades (electrical, plumbing, gas), verify their license number
Payment: 10-15% deposit, progress payments tied to milestones, 10% holdback until completion. Ontario's Construction Act provides a 10% holdback right on construction projects.
Best Time to Hire a Landscaping Contractor
springMarch — MayRelevant
Spring is peak booking season. Contact contractors in February for the best availability.
summerJune — AugustRelevant
Summer is the busiest season. Prices are highest and wait times longest. Book early.
fallSeptember — November
Fall is the sweet spot — contractors are less busy, prices drop, and you prepare for winter.
winterDecember — February
Winter is off-season for exterior work. Interior renovations get the best prices and fastest timelines.
How to Verify a Landscaping Contractor in Ontario
Frequently Asked Questions — Hiring a Landscaping in Ontario
- How are listings ordered?
- Owner-claimed listings come first, then profile completeness and name. Sponsored placements are labelled and do not change the organic order.
- Does a listing mean NSO endorses a business?
- No. Check that the business offers what you need. Ask about relevant qualifications, insurance and licensing, and confirm those details with the business or issuing organisation.
- How do I compare options?
- Read the recorded business details, ask about availability and request a quote for your actual requirements. Confirm the scope and price before booking.
- What if a business is missing or its details are wrong?
- Use Add a missing business or Claim an existing listing. These are reviewed requests; they do not automatically publish a record or verify ownership.
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Ready to Find a Landscaping Contractor?
Browse 350 listed landscaping contractors in our directory. Read the recorded business details and confirm your requirements.