How to Hire a Landscaper in Ontario
To hire a landscaper in Ontario, ask for a current WSIB clearance certificate and proof of liability insurance. There is no general provincial licence for landscaping, but anyone applying pesticides for a company needs an exterminator licence, and the company an operator licence. Make sure someone requests utility locates before any digging: it is the law, and it is free. Ask whether a retaining wall over one metre needs a building permit, and get the price in writing.
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. ProScore matched 409 of them (20%) to the WSIB register by business name. A business that is not matched may still be covered, so ask any landscaper you are considering for a current WSIB clearance certificate.
Counted from ProScore's current listings, refreshed daily. How ProScore scores
Hiring Checklist
What Ontario's rules say
- 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
- 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
- Submit the locate request at least 5 business days before digging, through Ontario Dig Authority (formerly Ontario One Call). Ontario Dig Authority
- Ontario's cosmetic pesticide ban covers lawns, gardens, patios and driveways: only pesticides on the province's Allowable List may be used there, and products containing 2,4-D, diazinon or glyphosate may not. Government of Ontario
- In Ontario, unless exempt, anyone who applies pesticides commercially on property they or their employer do not own needs a pesticide exterminator licence, valid for 5 years. 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
- If an estimate is part of your contract, Ontario's Consumer Protection Act bars the contractor from charging more than 10% above it unless you agree to new work or a new price and sign a change to the contract. Government of Ontario
Red Flags to Watch For
No design plan or drawings
Professional landscapers provide scaled drawings showing plant placement, hardscape layout, and drainage plans.
Cannot identify plants by name
A professional landscaper knows plant species, sun/shade requirements, and Ontario hardiness zones.
No discussion of drainage or grading
Water management is fundamental to landscaping. If they do not mention it, they may create foundation problems.
Quotes without a site visit
Soil conditions, sun exposure, drainage patterns, and access all affect landscaping plans and pricing.
No warranty on plant material
Reputable landscapers offer a 1-year warranty on plant material. No warranty means no accountability.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
“Can I see examples of similar projects you have completed?”
“How will you handle drainage and grading?”
“What plants do you recommend for my conditions?”
“What base material do you use for patios and walkways?”
“What warranty do you provide?”
Licensing: None required
Ontario does not require a specific licence for landscaping work. However, Landscape Ontario membership indicates a commitment to industry standards and ongoing education. For any landscaping project, verify insurance, WSIB, and review past work on ProScore.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do landscapers need a licence in Ontario?
No. Landscaping is not a licensed trade. Landscape Ontario membership and a strong portfolio are the best indicators of professionalism.
How much does landscaping cost in Ontario?
Garden bed installation runs $500–$2,000 per bed. Interlock patios and walkways cost $15–$35 per square foot. A full front yard design and build runs $5,000–$15,000; a full backyard $10,000–$40,000.
When is the best time to start a landscaping project?
Spring (April–May) for planting and fall (September–October) for hardscape. Book popular landscapers 2–3 months in advance.
What should a landscaping contract include?
Design drawings, plant species and sizes, hardscape materials and dimensions, drainage plan, timeline, payment schedule, and warranty terms.
Compare landscapers in your city
Sources
- City of Toronto, When do I need a building permit?. Accessed October 19, 2026.
- Government of Ontario, Ontario Underground Infrastructure Notification System Act, 2012. Accessed October 19, 2026.
- Ontario Dig Authority, Ontario Dig Authority. Accessed October 19, 2026.
- Government of Ontario, Pesticides: home lawns and gardens. Accessed October 19, 2026.
- Government of Ontario, Pesticide licences and permits (Updated June 2, 2026). Accessed October 19, 2026.
- Government of Ontario, Pesticide licences and permits (Updated June 2, 2026). Accessed October 19, 2026.
- Government of Ontario, Your rights when starting home renovations or repairs (Updated August 6, 2026). Accessed October 19, 2026.
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