Question 1

What areas do you serve?

Accepted Answer

We serve Oakville, Burlington, Mississauga and Hamilton. If you're nearby and unsure, give us a call.

Question 2

Are you licensed and insured?

Accepted Answer

Yes. NorthStone Landscaping carries full liability insurance and WSIB coverage. Documentation is available on request before any work begins.

Question 3

Do you offer free quotes?

Accepted Answer

Every project starts with a free, no-pressure consultation. We walk the property, talk through ideas, and follow up with a clear itemised quote — usually within 48 hours.

Question 4

How quickly can you start a project?

Accepted Answer

Small jobs (gutter clean, junk removal, pressure wash) often book within the same week. Larger landscape and patio builds book 2–6 weeks ahead during peak season — earlier in spring and fall is best.

Question 5

What plants and materials do you use?

Accepted Answer

Hardy zone-appropriate plants from trusted local growers, premium nutrient-dense soils, real natural stone, quality interlock and proper aggregates. We never cut corners on what goes into your property.

Question 6

Do you do work for property managers and builders?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We coordinate with builders, designers and property managers across the GTA on new-build yards, ongoing maintenance contracts and one-off repairs.

Question 7

How do payments work?

Accepted Answer

Deposit on scheduled larger projects, balance on completion. Small visits are billed on completion. E-transfer, credit card and cheque accepted.

Question 8

What's included in a spring or fall yard clean-up in the GTA?

Accepted Answer

Our Toronto and GTA spring and fall clean-up services cover full bed weeding, leaf removal, perennial cutbacks, light pruning, edge re-cutting, lawn debris clearing and a final blow-down of every hard surface. Everything is bagged and hauled away — your property is ready for the next season the day we leave.

Question 9

When should I book a spring clean-up in Toronto, Mississauga or Vaughan?

Accepted Answer

Most GTA homeowners book between late March and early May once the snow is off. Spots fill quickly across Mississauga, Vaughan, Markham, Oakville and Burlington — booking 2–4 weeks ahead locks in your preferred window.

Question 10

How much does a fall clean-up cost?

Accepted Answer

Pricing depends on lot size, leaf volume and tree canopy. Typical Toronto and GTA residential fall clean-ups range from a few hundred dollars for compact lots to more for large heavily-treed properties. Every quote is itemised and provided up front — no surprises.

Question 11

Do you haul away all the leaves and debris?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We never leave bagged debris on the curb. Leaves, branches, weeds and bed waste are loaded and removed in the same visit, so your driveway and street stay clean.

Question 12

Do you design garden beds from scratch?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We design and install full garden beds across Toronto and the GTA — bed shape, soil prep, plant palette, mulch finish and aftercare guidance. Plants are matched to your light, soil, exposure and architectural style.

Question 13

What plants work best in Toronto and GTA gardens?

Accepted Answer

We rely on hardy zone 5–6 perennials, native pollinators, structural evergreens, ornamental grasses and four-season shrubs. We also adapt for shade gardens (common in Lorne Park, Roseland, Westdale), deer pressure (Richmond Hill, Oak Ridges) and exposure (lakefront Burlington, Stoney Creek, Port Credit).

Question 14

Can you replace existing tired plantings?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Most of our garden design work is replacing dated or overgrown beds with cleaner, more intentional planting plans. We remove the old material, rebuild the soil, plant fresh and finish with mulch.

Question 15

How long does a garden install take?

Accepted Answer

Most residential garden installs in Mississauga, Vaughan, Oakville and Markham wrap in 1–3 days on site once design is approved. Larger estate designs may run longer and are scheduled as a coordinated build.

Question 16

Do you deliver mulch, soil and gravel across the GTA?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We deliver premium triple-mix, garden soil, screened topsoil, natural and dyed mulch, decorative stone, gravel and base aggregates across Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Vaughan, Markham, Richmond Hill, Oakville, Burlington, Milton, Hamilton, Aurora, Stouffville and Barrie.

Question 17

How much mulch or soil do I need for my garden?

Accepted Answer

A standard 2-inch mulch refresh on garden beds works out to roughly one cubic yard per 160 square feet. We'll measure your beds from photos or a quick site visit so you don't over-order — or we'll install it for you.

Question 18

Can you spread the mulch or soil after dropping it off?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Choose drop-off only or full installation. Our crew levels, spreads and finishes the same day, then blows the driveway and walkways clean before leaving.

Question 19

Do you carry coloured mulch and decorative stone?

Accepted Answer

We do — natural cedar, black, brown, river rock, pea gravel, limestone screenings and more. Tell us the look you want and we'll match it to your home and beds.

Question 20

How long does sod take to establish in the GTA?

Accepted Answer

Fresh sod knits to the soil in 2–3 weeks with consistent watering, and is ready for normal foot traffic at around 4 weeks. Across Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton and Vaughan we install premium thick-cut sod that establishes quickly when watered properly.

Question 21

Do I need to remove old grass before laying new sod?

Accepted Answer

Yes — laying sod on top of failed turf almost always fails. We strip the old sod, fix the grade, top up with fresh soil and install new sod on a clean prepared base for an even, healthy lawn.

Question 22

What's the best time of year to install sod in Toronto?

Accepted Answer

Spring (April–June) and early fall (September–mid October) are ideal — cooler temperatures and reliable moisture help sod root quickly. Mid-summer installs are possible but need more watering.

Question 23

Can you fix a patchy, weed-filled lawn?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. We assess whether you need overseeding and topdressing or a full sod replacement, then prep the soil and lay premium sod with tight seams and clean edges.

Question 24

Do you build interlocking and natural-stone patios in the GTA?

Accepted Answer

Yes — patios, walkways, landings, steps, raised planters and retaining features in interlocking pavers, flagstone, natural stone and concrete. We build across Toronto, Oakville, Burlington, Vaughan, Hamilton, Mississauga and surrounding GTA.

Question 25

How long does a backyard patio build take?

Accepted Answer

Most residential GTA patios take 5–10 working days from excavation to final jointing, depending on size, drainage and material. We give a realistic timeline up front and stick to it.

Question 26

What base do you use under a patio?

Accepted Answer

We excavate to the right depth, add a compacted crusher-run or HPB base, geotextile where needed and bedding sand. Proper base prep is what keeps a patio level for decades — we never skip it.

Question 27

Do you build retaining walls?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Hamilton, Richmond Hill, Burlington and other GTA properties with grade changes regularly need segmental block or natural-stone retaining. We design for proper drainage behind the wall and a clean finished face.

Question 28

How often should my garden be maintained?

Accepted Answer

Most Toronto and GTA gardens look their best with a visit every 2–4 weeks through the growing season. Estate maintenance programs in Oakville, Vaughan and Mississauga often run weekly. We match frequency to the level of finish you want.

Question 29

What does a garden maintenance visit include?

Accepted Answer

Weeding, edge re-cutting, deadheading, perennial cutbacks, light pruning, mulch touch-ups, plant health checks and a full blow-down of hard surfaces. Green waste is bagged and removed.

Question 30

Can I book seasonal garden care without a long contract?

Accepted Answer

Yes — we offer one-time refresh visits and flexible seasonal programs. Many GTA homeowners start with a single tidy and continue once they see the finish level.

Question 31

Do you offer ongoing maintenance programs?

Accepted Answer

We do — weekly, bi-weekly and custom schedules across Toronto and the GTA. Programs include garden care, mulch refresh, lawn cutting and seasonal clean-ups bundled at a season rate.

Question 32

What surfaces can you pressure wash?

Accepted Answer

Driveways, walkways, interlock and stone patios, decks, fences, siding, soffits, garage floors and pool surrounds. We calibrate pressure and detergent to the surface — strong enough to lift years of grime, gentle enough to protect finishes.

Question 33

Will pressure washing damage my interlock or pavers?

Accepted Answer

Not when it's done right. We use the correct nozzle, distance and pressure for the surface and re-sand joints afterward if needed. We've cleaned thousands of interlock driveways and patios across Toronto and the GTA without lifting joints.

Question 34

How often should I pressure wash my driveway?

Accepted Answer

Most Toronto, Mississauga, Vaughan and Brampton homeowners pressure wash once a year — typically late spring — to lift winter salt, oil and biological growth. Heavily treed lots and shaded surfaces may need it twice.

Question 35

Do you do soft washing for siding and roofs?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Siding, soffits and roof shingles need a low-pressure soft wash with the right detergents to kill algae and moss without damaging the surface. We adjust the system for every surface type.

Question 36

How often should gutters be cleaned in Toronto and the GTA?

Accepted Answer

Most GTA homes need gutter cleaning twice a year — once in late spring after seed-drop and once in late fall after leaves are down. Heavily treed lots in Lorne Park, Westdale, Roseland and Oakville often need a third visit.

Question 37

What happens if I don't clean my gutters?

Accepted Answer

Backed-up gutters push water under fascia, into basements, behind siding and onto walkways, freezing into ice dams in winter. The damage often costs ten to fifty times more than the cleaning that would have prevented it.

Question 38

Do you flush downspouts too?

Accepted Answer

Yes — every visit. We clear the gutter line, flush each downspout to confirm flow, photograph any damage and bag all debris before we leave.

Question 39

Can you reach two- and three-storey homes?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We carry the ladders and safety equipment for two- and three-storey residential homes across the GTA and inspect the roofline while we're up there.

Question 40

Do you offer seasonal snow removal contracts?

Accepted Answer

Yes — flat-rate seasonal contracts across Toronto and the GTA covering every qualifying snowfall from November through April. One winter price, no per-storm invoicing.

Question 41

When do you arrive after a snowfall?

Accepted Answer

Driveways and walkways are cleared after every qualifying snowfall (typically 2 cm+), with heavy storm priority response. We monitor every storm and dispatch automatically — no calling required.

Question 42

Do you salt the driveway and walkway?

Accepted Answer

Yes, salting and eco-friendly de-icer are available as an add-on or built into the seasonal contract. Front steps and walkways are kept safe between visits.

Question 43

When does snow removal need to be booked?

Accepted Answer

Spots fill by late October. Lock in your driveway before first snowfall — we cap routes so service quality doesn't drop on the busiest storm days.

Question 44

How often should I have my lawn cut?

Accepted Answer

Weekly through the peak growing months (May–July) and bi-weekly in cooler months. Cutting at the right height for the season keeps Toronto and GTA lawns healthier and out-competes weeds without chemicals.

Question 45

What height do you cut the grass at?

Accepted Answer

Higher than most homeowners expect — typically 3–3.5 inches through summer to shade the soil, hold moisture and choke out crabgrass. Cutting too short is the most common reason lawns thin out across the GTA.

Question 46

Do you bag or mulch the clippings?

Accepted Answer

We mulch by default — it returns nitrogen to the soil and feeds the lawn naturally. Bagging is available if you prefer or if the lawn is overgrown.

Question 47

Do you offer one-time cuts for overgrown lawns?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Whether it's a missed week or a long vacation, we'll reset an overgrown lawn in 1–2 visits, then offer a regular schedule if you want it.

Question 48

When is the best time to trim hedges?

Accepted Answer

Most cedar, boxwood and yew hedges in the GTA get a hard shape in late spring (after first flush) and a tidy in late summer. Timing protects new growth and keeps the hedge dense rather than hollow.

Question 49

Can you reshape an overgrown hedge?

Accepted Answer

Yes — many GTA hedges need a corrective season or two to come back into shape. We reduce height and width carefully so the hedge regrows densely rather than browning out.

Question 50

Do you remove hedge clippings?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All clippings are bagged and hauled away in the same visit. We blow down adjacent beds, walkways and lawn before we leave.

Question 51

Do you trim tall privacy hedges?

Accepted Answer

Yes — including tall cedars across Oakville, Mississauga, Vaughan, Markham and surrounding GTA. We carry the ladders and equipment for proper top-down shaping on tall hedge lines.

Question 52

Is soft washing safe for shingles?

Accepted Answer

Yes — soft washing uses low pressure and the correct detergents to kill moss, algae and lichen without lifting granules. High-pressure roof cleaning damages shingles and shortens roof life; soft washing protects them.

Question 53

What causes black streaks on my roof?

Accepted Answer

Black streaks are gloeocapsa magma — a hardy airborne algae that feeds on shingle limestone. It thrives on shaded north-facing roofs across Toronto and the GTA. Soft washing kills it at the root and the streaks rinse away.

Question 54

How long does a roof cleaning last?

Accepted Answer

A proper soft wash typically keeps a residential roof clear for 3–5 years. Heavily shaded properties may need a refresh sooner; we'll be honest about expected return.

Question 55

Do you clean moss off the roof?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Moss damages shingles by holding moisture against them. We pre-treat, soft-wash and clear debris from the valleys and gutter edges in the same visit.

Question 56

Can you clean interlocking pavers?

Accepted Answer

Yes — that's our specialty. We pressure wash interlock patios and driveways across Toronto and the GTA, clear weeds and moss from the joints, and re-sand the joints with polymeric sand to lock everything back in place.

Question 57

Why are weeds growing between my pavers?

Accepted Answer

Joint sand washes out over the years, leaving room for windblown seeds. Cleaning the joints and refilling them with polymeric sand stops the cycle and gives the patio a sharp finished look.

Question 58

Will pressure washing remove oil stains from my patio?

Accepted Answer

Most fresh oil and rust marks lift with the right pre-treatment and pressure. Older deep stains may not fully disappear, but typically fade enough to look uniform after cleaning.

Question 59

Do you reseal patios after cleaning?

Accepted Answer

Sealing is available as an add-on on dry days after washing. It deepens colour, repels stains and extends the life of the joint sand. We'll recommend it where it makes sense.

Question 60

What kind of junk do you haul away?

Accepted Answer

Furniture, mattresses, appliances, renovation debris, yard waste, branches, garage clean-outs, estate clean-outs, hot tubs, sheds and the random pile that's been there for years. If you point, we lift.

Question 61

Do you sort and recycle?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We donate what's usable, recycle metal and e-waste, and dispose of the rest responsibly at proper Toronto and GTA facilities — not a back-of-truck dumping job.

Question 62

How is junk removal priced?

Accepted Answer

By volume — the amount of truck space your items take up. Send photos for an upfront price; no hourly meter, no surprise add-ons.

Question 63

How quickly can you pick up?

Accepted Answer

Often same week, sometimes same day depending on schedule. Toronto, Mississauga, Vaughan, Markham and Brampton pickups are typically booked within 1–3 business days.

Everything you've wondered
about working with us.

General questions

Seasonal Property Refresh

Custom Garden Design & Installation

Soil and Mulch Delivery

Lawn Renovation & Sod Installation

Custom Patios & Stonecraft

Garden Care & Bed Maintenance

Pressure Washing

Gutter Cleaning

Snow Removal

Lawn Cutting

Hedge Trimming

Roof Cleaning

Patio Cleaning

Junk Removal

Have a question about your property?

Everything you've wonderedabout working with us.