A landscaper designs, installs, and transforms outdoor spaces — building patios, planting gardens, grading land, and creating usable backyard environments from scratch. A lawn care company, by contrast, maintains what is already there: mowing, fertilizing, and treating grass. If you are planning a new outdoor project, you need a landscaper. If you just want your existing lawn kept in shape, a lawn care company may be enough. Knowing what does a landscaper do — and what a lawn care company does not — helps you hire the right professional and avoid costly mistakes.
What Homeowners Need to Know About Landscapers
The term “landscaper” gets used loosely, but a professional landscaping contractor covers a broad range of outdoor construction and design services. In Canada, many landscape contractors are trained horticulturalists or hold certifications through associations like Landscape Ontario and the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association (CNLA).
Understanding what does a landscaper do begins with recognizing two distinct categories: landscape construction (building and installing features) and landscape maintenance (ongoing upkeep). Some companies offer both; many specialize in one or the other.
If you are exploring landscape design and build options in your city, knowing these categories upfront will save you from calling the wrong professional — or underpaying for work that goes well beyond basic mowing.
What Does a Landscaper Do? A Full Breakdown
A professional landscaping contractor can take on a wide variety of projects, typically grouped into three areas:
Design and Planning
- Site assessment and grade analysis
- Landscape design plans and renderings
- Drainage solutions and grading
- Irrigation system planning
- Plant selection for Canadian climate zones
Construction and Installation
- Patios, retaining walls, and interlock driveways
- Garden bed creation and planting
- Sod installation and lawn establishment
- Outdoor lighting installation
- Decks, pergolas, and outdoor structures (often in coordination with a carpenter — see our guide on deck building guidelines)
- Water features such as ponds and fountains
Landscape Maintenance (Offered by Many Full-Service Companies)
- Seasonal cleanup — spring and fall
- Mulching, pruning, and fertilizing
- Weed control and pest management
- Irrigation system startup and winterization
In short, a landscaper is an outdoor construction and design professional. However, basic weekly lawn mowing is usually outside a landscaper’s typical scope — and that’s where the comparison with lawn care companies becomes important.
Landscaper vs. Lawn Care Company: What’s the Difference?
| Service | Landscaper | Lawn Care Company |
|---|---|---|
| Design and Planning | Yes | Rarely |
| Patio / Retaining Wall | Yes | No |
| Sod / Grading | Yes | Sometimes |
| Weekly Mowing | Rarely | Yes |
| Fertilizing | Sometimes | Yes |
| Weed Treatments | Sometimes | Yes |
| Seasonal Cleanup | Yes | Yes |
Therefore, the right answer depends entirely on what you are trying to accomplish. A new backyard project calls for a landscaping contractor. An ongoing maintenance plan for an existing lawn calls for a lawn care company. Many homeowners eventually need both — a landscaper to build, a lawn care company to maintain.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring a Landscaper
Hiring a Lawn Care Company for a Landscaping Project
One of the most common errors homeowners make is calling a lawn care company when they actually need a landscaping contractor. In addition to causing delays, this leads to scope mismatches — lawn care crews are not equipped for grading, retaining walls, or irrigation.
Not Checking Credentials and Insurance
Landscaping is a significant investment. Always verify that your contractor carries general liability insurance and, where applicable, Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) coverage. Review our full guide on how to choose a contractor you can actually trust before signing anything.
Choosing the Lowest Bid
Landscape construction requires skilled labour, quality materials, and proper drainage planning. A bid that seems too good to be true almost certainly cuts corners on one or more of these elements. As a result, poor grading can lead to drainage issues that damage your foundation.
Skipping a Written Contract
No matter the scale of the project, insist on a detailed written contract that specifies scope, materials, timelines, and payment terms. A contract protects you if disputes arise. Learn the red flags of unreliable contractors in our article on 10 signs your contractor is bad news.
Cost Considerations for Landscaping Projects in Canada
Landscaping costs in Canada vary widely based on scope, materials, and region. However, here are general benchmarks to help you plan:
- Basic sod installation: $1.00–$2.50 per sq ft installed
- Interlock patio (mid-range): $15–$30+ per sq ft
- Retaining wall: $25–$50+ per sq ft depending on materials and height
- Full backyard redesign: $10,000–$50,000+ for larger properties
- Seasonal cleanup: $200–$600+ per visit
Note that permits may be required for certain structures like retaining walls above a specified height, depending on your municipality. A qualified landscaping contractor will advise you on local requirements before construction begins.
Find a Baeumler Approved Landscaping Contractor
How to Choose the Right Landscaping Contractor
Not all landscapers deliver the same quality of work. In addition to reviewing portfolios and checking references, here is a practical framework for evaluating any landscape contractor:
Confirm Their Scope of Services
Ask specifically whether they handle design, construction, or maintenance — or all three. A full-service landscape contractor is more valuable for complex projects.
Verify Insurance and Credentials
Confirm general liability coverage and WCB compliance before any work begins. Ask for proof in writing.
Look at Past Projects
A reliable landscaper will have a portfolio of completed work, ideally with photos, client references, and details about timeline and materials used.
Get Multiple Quotes
Three competitive quotes give you a realistic price range and reveal how different contractors approach your project. Be cautious of any bid that is dramatically lower than the others.
If you are ready to start, browse vetted landscaping contractors near you through the Baeumler Approved directory.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Landscaper
- Do you carry general liability insurance and WCB coverage?
- Can you provide a detailed written quote and project timeline?
- What happens if the project goes over budget or timeline?
- Do I need permits for any part of this project?
- What is your warranty on materials and labour?
- Will you be on-site during the project, or will you subcontract the work?
- Can I speak with two or three past clients?
Red Flags When Hiring a Landscaper
- No proof of insurance or a refusal to provide it in writing
- A quote delivered without a site visit
- Requests for full payment upfront
- No written contract or scope of work
- Vague answers about subcontractors or who will actually do the work
- Suspiciously low bids with no explanation for the price difference
Why Contractor Vetting Matters for Landscaping
Landscaping is one of the most unregulated trades in Canada. In many provinces, anyone can call themselves a landscaper without formal credentials or insurance. This makes it especially important to rely on a vetting process rather than a quick Google search or a friend-of-a-friend referral.
Poor landscaping work is difficult and expensive to undo. Improper grading redirects water toward your home’s foundation. A poorly built retaining wall can collapse. Invasive plants, if installed incorrectly, can overtake your property. As a result, the stakes are higher than many homeowners realize before a project begins.
Working with a vetted contractor gives you a documented track record of quality work and accountability — before anyone sets foot on your property.
The Baeumler Approved Difference
Baeumler Approved was built on a simple premise: Good People. Good Work. Bryan Baeumler and his team know firsthand how difficult it is to find a contractor you can trust — and how costly it is to learn that lesson the hard way.
Every contractor in the Baeumler Approved network has been screened for:
- Valid insurance and licensing
- Verified client references
- A demonstrated track record of quality workmanship
- Professionalism and clear communication
For landscaping specifically, that vetting matters because the outdoor projects you invest in should last for years. Whether you are asking what does a landscaper do for the first time, or you’ve worked with contractors before and want a better experience, Baeumler Approved makes the process straightforward.
Find a Baeumler Approved Landscaping Contractor Near You
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a landscaper do that a lawn care company does not?
A landscaper designs and constructs outdoor environments — building patios, installing sod, creating garden beds, grading land, and adding hardscape features like retaining walls and walkways. A lawn care company focuses on maintaining existing lawns through mowing, fertilizing, and weed control. For new outdoor projects, you need a landscaper.
Do I need a permit for landscaping work?
It depends on the scope of the project and your municipality. Retaining walls above a certain height, irrigation systems, and some outdoor structures may require permits. A professional landscaper will confirm local requirements before starting any work.
How much does it cost to hire a landscaper in Canada?
Costs vary significantly by project and region. Basic sod installation runs roughly $1.00–$2.50 per sq ft installed. Interlock patios typically start at $15–$30+ per sq ft. A full backyard redesign can range from $10,000 to $50,000 or more depending on size and complexity. Always get at least three written quotes.
Can a landscaper also handle lawn maintenance?
Many full-service landscaping companies offer ongoing maintenance programs in addition to construction and design. However, some specialize in design-build only. Ask your contractor upfront whether they provide seasonal cleanup, mowing, fertilizing, or irrigation maintenance.
What should I look for when hiring a landscaper?
Look for proof of insurance, a portfolio of completed projects, client references, a written quote, and a clear project timeline. Avoid contractors who cannot provide these or who ask for full payment before work begins.
Is landscaping regulated in Canada?
Landscaping is largely unregulated in most Canadian provinces, which is why industry certifications and professional associations matter. Organizations like Landscape Ontario and the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association (CNLA) offer certification programs that recognize qualified professionals. Vetting through a trusted network like Baeumler Approved adds another layer of accountability.
When should I call a landscaper instead of doing the work myself?
Projects involving grading, drainage, retaining walls, irrigation systems, or significant hardscape installation are best left to professionals. Errors in grading or drainage can cause foundation damage that costs far more to repair than the original project. For straightforward tasks like planting annuals or mulching, DIY may be appropriate.
