How do I find a landscaper in my Ontario city?

Pick your city from the list below to see landscaping businesses serving that area, along with their phone number and website where available.

Do landscapers in Ontario need a licence?

General landscaping does not require a provincial licence in Ontario. Landscape Ontario is the voluntary industry association. Any pesticide application, however, requires a licensed exterminator under the Pesticides Act.

How to Hire a Reliable Landscaper in Ontario

General landscaping is not a licensed trade in Ontario, so insurance, a written contract, and references do the work that a licence would in other trades. This checklist is written for Ontario homeowners.

Licensing in Ontario

There is no provincial licence legally required to offer general landscaping services in Ontario. The main industry association is Landscape Ontario, and membership is voluntary rather than a licence, though it can signal professionalism. Because there is no mandatory registry, references, insurance, and a clear written contract carry more weight when choosing a landscaper.

Some specific tasks are regulated. Applying pesticides for hire requires an exterminator licence under Ontario's Pesticides Act, and work such as tree removal, grading, or building retaining walls and decks may require a municipal permit. Confirm which parts of your project, if any, need a licensed applicator or a permit.

1. Confirm liability insurance and WSIB coverage

Because landscaping is not a licensed trade, insurance is your main protection. Ask for proof of liability insurance and WSIB coverage before any crew works on your property.

2. Get a detailed written contract

Landscaping disputes usually come from vague scope. Put materials, plant sizes, timeline, cleanup, and payment schedule in writing before work begins.

3. Check whether any part of the job needs a licensed applicator

Applying pesticides for hire requires an exterminator licence under Ontario's Pesticides Act. If your project includes pest or weed treatment, confirm the applicator is licensed.

4. Check for required municipal permits

Tree removal, grading, retaining walls, and decks can require a permit depending on your municipality. Ask who is responsible for pulling any permit your job needs.

5. Get itemized written quotes from at least three companies

Compare materials, plant quality, labour, and cleanup in writing. A much lower quote often means smaller plants or excluded site preparation.

6. Read recent reviews and ask for local references

Look for recent reviews in your own city and ask for two local references for a project similar to yours.

Ready to start? Browse landscapers by Ontario city and use this checklist when you call.