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Landscaping Your New Home

Plan and execute your first landscaping project with this beginner-friendly guide for new Ontario homeowners.

Landscaping for Beginners — Where to Start

Garden Answer · 2M+ views

What This Video Covers

How to plan your landscape design from scratch
Choosing the right plants for your climate zone
Basic hardscaping techniques for walkways and patios
Low-maintenance landscaping tips for new homeowners

Safety Warnings

Call Ontario One Call (1-800-400-2255) before digging. Underground utilities (gas, electric, telecom) can be lethal if struck.
Wear gloves, eye protection, and sturdy footwear when landscaping. Use sunscreen and stay hydrated during summer work.
For retaining walls over 3 feet tall or projects near property lines, check municipal bylaws and consider hiring a professional.

Step-by-Step Guide

Assess your yard and climate zone

Ontario spans USDA zones 3-7. Know your zone to choose plants that survive winter. Note sun exposure (south-facing = full sun, north = shade), soil type, drainage patterns, and existing trees or structures.

Create a simple landscape plan

Sketch your yard on graph paper. Mark existing elements (house, driveway, trees, utilities). Plan zones: entertaining, garden, play area, privacy screening. Start with the bones (hardscape and trees), then fill in plants.

Start with the lawn

For new homes, you need to establish a lawn. Ontario grows cool-season grasses best: Kentucky Bluegrass, Perennial Ryegrass, or Fescue blends. Seed in early September or mid-May for best results. Keep new seed consistently moist.

Add foundational plantings

Plant shrubs and perennials along the house foundation and property lines. Choose native Ontario plants when possible: Red Osier Dogwood, Serviceberry, Black-Eyed Susan, Coneflower. Native plants require less water and maintenance.

Install basic hardscaping

Start with practical hardscaping: a front walkway, patio, or garden edging. Interlocking pavers are durable and DIY-friendly for small projects. For large patios or retaining walls, hire a ProScore-verified landscaper.

Plan for drainage

Grade soil away from your foundation (minimum 2% slope for the first 6 feet). Ensure downspouts direct water at least 4 feet from the house. Poor drainage causes basement flooding and foundation damage.

Mulch and maintain

Apply 2-3 inches of mulch around plantings to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Maintain a 3-inch gap between mulch and your house siding. Water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth.