Frequently Asked Questions

Ottawa sits in USDA zone 5a/5b. Cool-season turfgrasses dominate here: Kentucky Bluegrass, Fine Fescue, and Perennial Ryegrass are the proven performers. Shaded areas benefit from fine fescue-dominant blends. The right grass for your specific lawn depends on sun exposure, soil type, and how you use the space — we assess all three during your free estimate.

Four applications per year, timed to the seasons: early spring (April/May) to wake the lawn up, late spring (June) for sustained growth, early fall (September) — the single most important application of the year — and late fall (October/November) as a winterizer to fuel root growth until the ground freezes. We use slow-release, regionally appropriate blends, not generic big-box products.

Yes. A four-season garden relies on structure, not just blooms. We use evergreens (dwarf spruce, yew, boxwood), ornamental grasses left standing through winter, plants with persistent seed heads (echinacea, sedum), and hardscape elements (stone walls, boulders) to create gardens that read as intentional even when nothing is flowering. Winter interest is built into every design from the start.

Most residential landscape transformations take 1–3 weeks depending on scope. A front-yard overhaul with new sod, garden beds, and walkway typically takes 5–8 working days. Larger projects involving regrading, retaining walls, and full planting plans run 2–4 weeks. Every project gets a detailed timeline before we start so there are no surprises.

Sod gives you an instant lawn in one day — walk on it that evening, though roots need 2–3 weeks to establish. Seed is cheaper but takes 6–10 weeks until the first mow and a full season to look established. The right choice depends on your timeline, budget, and property conditions. Late August through mid-September is the ideal seeding window in Ottawa; sod can be installed from spring through fall.

If your property has a slope steeper than about 15 degrees, you're seeing soil erosion or washout, or you want to create a flat usable area on sloped land, a retaining wall is the solution. Walls also create visual structure — terracing a sloped backyard into two flat levels with a wall between them turns unusable space into two functional zones. A free on-site assessment will tell you what's possible on your specific property.

In Ottawa, retaining walls over 1 metre (about 3'3") in height typically require a building permit and engineered drawings. Walls under 1 metre generally don't require a permit but still need proper drainage and setback compliance. We handle the permit process end to end — from engineered drawings to city submission to approved permits — so you don't have to navigate it alone.

A properly installed interlock driveway — with 12–18 inches of compacted granular base, geotextile fabric, and polymeric sand joints — lasts 25–40 years in Ottawa. That's 2–3 times the lifespan of an asphalt driveway. The base structure is permanent. Individual pavers can be replaced if damaged, a 30-minute job. Compare that to asphalt, which typically needs replacement every 12–18 years.

The #1 cause is inadequate base preparation. When a contractor skimps on base depth (using 6 inches instead of 12–18), skips compaction between lifts, or leaves out the geotextile fabric, the base settles unevenly under vehicle weight and freeze-thaw cycles. Every sinking driveway we've repaired had the same root cause: the base was never built right in the first place. A proper fix requires full removal, base rebuild, and reinstallation — surface patches don't work.

Natural stone (bluestone, limestone, granite) is quarried and unique — every piece has natural variation in colour and grain, and it lasts 50–100+ years. Premium concrete pavers from Unilock or Permacon are manufactured for consistency and last 30–50 years. For a front walkway or entrance, natural stone is worth the premium for the smaller area. For a large backyard patio, today's high-end concrete pavers look outstanding. We bring samples to every estimate so you can see and feel the difference on your actual property.

Only if the wrong method is used. We match the technique to the surface: hot-water pressure washing (3,000–4,000 PSI with a surface cleaner) for concrete and interlock driveways, low-pressure soft washing (under 500 PSI) for vinyl siding, cedar decks, and painted surfaces. We've never damaged a surface because we never use high pressure on anything that can't handle it. Our zero-damage track record spans 25+ years and hundreds of properties.

Often, yes. Most grey, weathered decks have perfectly sound wood underneath — what you're seeing is oxidation, mildew, and UV damage on the surface layer. We clean with a sodium-percarbonate-based wood cleaner (oxygen bleach, not chlorine bleach) and rinse at 500–800 PSI with hot water. The original wood tone comes back. If the structural framing is solid with no rot, restoration brings it back at a fraction of what replacement would cost. We'll tell you honestly which route makes sense after inspecting your deck.

Ottawa's climate — wet springs, humid summers, and road-salt winters — means most properties benefit from annual cleaning. Driveways: every 1–2 years. Decks and fences: every 2–3 years (more often if surrounded by trees). Vinyl siding: every 2–4 years. Properties near wooded areas or with heavy shade may need more frequent washing due to faster algae and moss growth.

No. We use biodegradable, plant-safe cleaning solutions. Before starting, we pre-soak surrounding landscaping, tarp sensitive plants, and divert runoff away from garden beds. In 25+ years, we've never had a single incident of landscape damage — it's a core part of our zero-mess guarantee.

We serve Ottawa and the surrounding region: Kanata, Barrhaven, Orleans, Manotick, Rockcliffe Park, the Glebe, Westboro, Stittsville, Nepean, Alta Vista, Riverside South, and Cumberland. If your neighbourhood isn't listed, contact us — we'll let you know if we can help.

Yes. We carry full liability insurance and WSIB coverage. Every crew member is covered, every project is protected. We're happy to provide certificates on request — it's a standard part of every contract package.

The simplest way is to fill out the free estimate form on our website or call (613) 519-4006. We'll schedule an on-site visit, walk your property with you, discuss what you want to achieve, and deliver a detailed written estimate — usually within 24–48 hours of the visit. The estimate is free and comes with zero pressure.

Yes, every estimate is free and comes with no obligation. We walk your property, listen to what you want, and provide a written estimate with line-item detail — so you see exactly what you're paying for and can compare it clearly with any other quotes you're considering.

Most projects can start within 2–4 weeks of estimate approval, depending on the season and our current schedule. Spring and early fall are our busiest periods. If you're planning ahead, booking early locks in your preferred start date.