How Much Does a Landscaper Cost in Ontario?
Landscaping in Ontario typically costs $2–$4 per square foot for new sod, $15–$35 per square foot for an interlock patio and $40–$80 per square foot of face for a retaining wall. A full front-yard design and build runs $5,000–$15,000, and a full backyard $10,000–$40,000. Crews that bill by the hour charge $50–$100, and a seasonal lawn-care package costs $800–$2,000.
ProScore estimate, figures as of March 20, 2026. Ontario-wide ranges compiled by ProScore — not measured from ProScore listings, contractor quotes, or a pricing survey.
Quick Cost Summary
| Service | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Sod Installation (per sq ft) | $2 | $4 |
| Interlock Patio/Walkway | $15 | $35 |
| Retaining Wall | $40 | $80 |
| Garden Bed Installation | $500 | $2,000 |
| Full Front Yard Design & Build | $5,000 | $15,000 |
| Full Backyard Landscape | $10,000 | $40,000 |
| Fence Installation (per linear ft) | $30 | $70 |
| Seasonal Lawn Care Package | $800 | $2,000 |
| Regrading (poor drainage or slope) | $2,000 | $5,000 |
| French Drain | $2,000 | $6,000 |
| Landscape Design (plan only) | $500 | $2,000 |
ProScore estimate, figures as of March 20, 2026. Ontario-wide ranges compiled by ProScore — not measured from ProScore listings, contractor quotes, or a pricing survey.
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How Ontario landscapers compare on ProScore
ProScore lists 2,048 landscapers in Ontario, and has published a ProScore for 1,770 of them. 958 of those reach Trusted (70+) or higher. Google stars alone do not separate them: 1,084 of the 1,770 scored average 4.5 stars or higher on Google, but only 958 reach Trusted on ProScore.
Counted from ProScore's current listings, refreshed daily. How ProScore scores
Fees, rebates and rules from official sources
- Job Bank puts the median wage of a landscape labourer in Ontario at $20.96 an hour (low $17.95, high $27.41; 2023–2024). That is the wage the worker is paid, not the rate a business bills. Government of Canada, Job Bank
- In Toronto, a retaining wall more than one metre high needs a building permit when it is on or next to public property, at a building entrance, or on private property the public can access. City of Toronto
- Toronto's building permit fee for a retaining wall is $12.37 per linear metre (2026). City of Toronto
- Ontario law requires anyone who digs to submit a locate request before starting, and neither the request nor the utilities' marking of their lines may be charged for. Government of Ontario
- The business itself needs a pesticide operator licence, which requires licensed exterminators and insurance and expires each December 31; operator licences issued since September 2018 can be searched on Ontario's Access Environment. Government of Ontario
- Statistics Canada's renovation price index for major landscaping projects rose 0.1% in Toronto and 4.1% in the Ontario part of Ottawa–Gatineau in the year to the second quarter of 2026. Statistics Canada
What Affects the Cost?
Hardscaping vs. Softscaping
Hardscape elements (patios, walls, walkways) cost 3–5x more per square foot than softscaping (planting, mulch, sod) but require less maintenance.
Grading & Drainage
Poor drainage or sloped lots may need regrading ($2,000–$5,000) and French drains ($2,000–$6,000) before any landscaping begins.
Material Selection
Natural stone costs 2–3x more than manufactured interlock pavers, and premium flagstone sits well above the interlock range.
Site Access
Tight side yards or rear-only access requires wheelbarrowing materials in, adding significant labour cost to any project.
Licensing in Ontario
Ontario does not require a specific licence for landscaping. However, reputable landscapers carry liability insurance and WSIB coverage. For projects involving electrical (landscape lighting) or plumbing (irrigation), those trades must be licensed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a new patio cost in Ontario?
Interlock patios typically cost $15–$35 per square foot installed. A 200 sq ft patio runs $3,000–$7,000 including base preparation and edging.
What is the best time to start a landscaping project?
Spring (April–May) and fall (September–October) are ideal for planting. Hardscaping can be done from May through November in most of Ontario.
How much does sod cost to install?
Professional sod installation in Ontario runs $2–$4 per square foot, including soil prep. A typical 2,000 sq ft lawn costs $4,000–$8,000 fully installed.
How much does landscaping cost per square foot?
Only some work is priced by area: sod, interlock patios and retaining walls (see the table above). A fence is priced per linear foot instead, at $30–$70, a garden bed per bed at $500–$2,000, and a full yard as one project.
How much does it cost to landscape a front yard?
A full front-yard design and build typically costs $5,000–$15,000, and a full backyard $10,000–$40,000. The biggest swing is hardscape: patios and walls cost far more per square foot than planting and sod.
How much does backyard grading cost?
Regrading a yard with poor drainage or a slope typically costs $2,000–$5,000, and a French drain $2,000–$6,000 installed. Grading comes first: a patio or sod laid on a badly drained yard can pool water.
How much does a landscape designer cost, and should I hire one?
For larger projects, a professional design ($500–$2,000) helps avoid costly mistakes, ensures proper drainage, and creates a cohesive look that adds resale value.
Disclaimer: All prices shown are ProScore estimates for Ontario, figures as of March 20, 2026. They are not drawn from ProScore listings, contractor quotes, or a pricing survey. Actual costs vary based on job complexity, location, materials, and contractor. Always get 2–3 written quotes from professionals before committing. ProScore is not responsible for pricing accuracy — use these figures as a starting point for budgeting.
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Landscaper Costs by City
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Sources
- Government of Canada, Job Bank, Landscape labourer in Ontario: wages (2023–2024 wages, updated November 19, 2025). Accessed October 19, 2026.
- City of Toronto, When do I need a building permit?. Accessed October 19, 2026.
- City of Toronto, Designated structures (Fee effective January 1, 2026). Accessed October 19, 2026.
- Government of Ontario, Ontario Underground Infrastructure Notification System Act, 2012. Accessed October 19, 2026.
- Government of Ontario, Pesticide licences and permits (Updated June 2, 2026). Accessed October 19, 2026.
- Statistics Canada, Residential renovation price indexes, percentage change, quarterly (table 18-10-0286-02) (Second quarter 2026, released August 7, 2026). Accessed October 19, 2026.
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