"Landscaping" covers a lot of ground -- literally and figuratively. A company that mows lawns and trims hedges is a very different hire than one that designs and builds a backyard from scratch, and figuring out which one you actually need is the first step to a good outcome.
Know whether you need maintenance or design
Lawn care companies focus on mowing, fertilizing, and seasonal cleanup -- recurring, predictable work. Landscapers handle design, planting plans, and larger property changes, often one-off projects. Some companies genuinely do both well; others are stronger at one than the other. Be clear about which you need before you start collecting quotes, since it changes who you should even be calling.
Ottawa's growing season is shorter than you'd think
Spring cleanup typically can't start in earnest until the ground thaws, often not until April, and the productive outdoor season effectively wraps up by late fall. That compressed window means good landscapers book up fast, especially for spring work -- if you're planning a project for this year, reaching out earlier rather than later genuinely matters here in a way it might not in a milder climate.
For design projects, ask to see real past work
Photos of a landscaper's past projects tell you more than almost anything else about whether their style and quality match what you're picturing. Ask for examples of work similar in scope to yours, not just their single best project ever.
Get a written contract for anything beyond routine mowing
For a one-time seasonal lawn care contract, a simple written agreement covering visit frequency and cost is enough. For a design-build project -- new plantings, hardscaping, a full yard redesign -- get a proper written contract specifying materials, plant varieties, timeline, and payment schedule tied to project milestones, not just a deposit and a final bill.
Ask what happens if plants don't survive
Plant survival isn't guaranteed, especially through an Ottawa winter for anything newly planted. Ask upfront whether there's any warranty or replacement guarantee on plantings, and for how long it applies -- this varies a lot between companies and is worth knowing before you commit.
Seasonal lawn care vs. one-time cleanup
If you're mainly looking for ongoing lawn health -- fertilizing, weed control, overseeding -- ask about a seasonal program rather than booking one-off visits. It's usually more cost-effective and means someone's actually tracking your lawn's condition across the season rather than reacting to whatever you called about that week.
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