Professional Landscaping Services
What Is Professional Landscaping?
Professional landscaping is more than just planting a few flowers and laying some sod. It is a comprehensive approach to designing, building, and maintaining your outdoor space so it looks great, functions well, and holds up to the demands of Ontario's climate. A properly landscaped property enhances your daily quality of life, increases your home's curb appeal, and adds measurable value to your real estate investment.
At Dawn Till Dusk Landscaping, we take a whole-property approach. That means we consider everything — how water drains across your lot, where the sun falls at different times of day, what your soil needs to support healthy plant growth, and how you actually want to use your outdoor space. Whether you need a full backyard transformation, a front yard refresh, or targeted improvements like drainage correction or garden bed installation, we design solutions that work for your property and your budget.
Ted, our owner and Certified Horticulturist, has been landscaping properties across Scarborough and North York for over 15 years. He grew up in Scarborough and understands the unique challenges of landscaping in this area — the heavy clay soils in Woburn and Agincourt, the sandy bluff-side conditions in Guildwood and Birch Cliff, the shade challenges in neighbourhoods with old-growth tree canopies, and the salt exposure along busy roads. That local knowledge translates into landscapes that thrive in the real conditions of your specific yard, not just on paper.
Every project starts with a free on-site consultation. We listen to what you want, assess what your property needs, and put together a plan that makes sense. There is no pressure, no hard sell — just honest recommendations from someone who has been doing this for a long time and takes pride in every property we touch.
What We Offer
Complete landscaping solutions from initial design through installation and ongoing care.
Custom Garden Design
Personalized layouts for flower beds, borders, and feature plantings that suit your home and lifestyle
Planting & Garden Beds
Trees, shrubs, perennials, and annuals selected for Ontario's climate and your yard's specific conditions
Mulching & Soil Prep
Weed prevention, moisture retention, and soil amendment to create healthy growing conditions
Sod Installation
Premium Kentucky Bluegrass sod for an instant green lawn, properly graded for drainage
Hardscaping Elements
Interlocking patios, walkways, retaining walls, and decorative stonework that anchor your landscape
Drainage Solutions
French drains, grading corrections, catch basins, and water management systems for problem yards
Landscape Lighting
Low-voltage pathway and accent lighting that extends the enjoyment of your outdoor space into the evening
Property Grading
Leveling, slope management, and proper water flow direction to protect your foundation
Our Landscaping Process
From consultation to completion — here is how we bring your landscaping vision to life.
Free On-Site Consultation
We visit your property, listen to your vision, and assess the space — including soil conditions, drainage patterns, sun exposure, and existing plantings. You receive a detailed written proposal with pricing within 48 hours. No obligation and no pressure.
Custom Landscape Design
Our team creates a tailored landscape plan that fits your style, budget, and Scarborough's growing conditions. We select plants rated for Zone 6a that will thrive in your specific yard, choose materials that complement your home's architecture, and plan for year-round visual interest.
Professional Installation
Our experienced crews handle everything — soil preparation and grading, drainage corrections, hardscaping elements, planting, sodding, and mulching. We use quality materials, proven techniques, and treat your property with care throughout the process. Most residential projects are completed in 1 to 5 days.
Aftercare and Ongoing Maintenance
After installation, we provide detailed care instructions for your new landscape. We offer seasonal maintenance plans to keep your investment looking pristine year after year — including pruning, fertilization, mulch top-ups, and seasonal cleanups.
Benefits of Professional Landscaping
Increased Property Value
Quality landscaping consistently ranks as one of the highest-return home improvements. A well-designed front yard can increase your home's perceived value by 5-15%, and outdoor living spaces like patios and garden features are highly attractive to potential buyers.
Curb Appeal That Stands Out
Your front yard is the first thing visitors, neighbours, and potential buyers see. Professional landscaping with thoughtful plantings, clean edging, and well-maintained turf creates a polished first impression that sets your property apart on the street.
Usable Outdoor Living Space
A landscaped backyard becomes an extension of your home — space for entertaining, relaxing, gardening, or watching your kids play. Proper design turns an unused yard into an outdoor room you actually enjoy spending time in.
Drainage and Foundation Protection
Professional grading and drainage solutions direct water away from your foundation, preventing moisture damage, flooding, and the erosion that undermines walkways and patios. This functional benefit alone can save thousands in future repair costs.
Year-Round Visual Interest
Strategic planting with a mix of evergreens, deciduous trees, perennials, and ornamental grasses ensures your landscape has colour and texture through every season — not just a few weeks in summer.
Reduced Maintenance Burden
A well-designed landscape actually reduces your long-term maintenance needs. Proper plant selection, mulching, and soil preparation mean fewer weeds, less watering, and plants that thrive without constant intervention.
Landscaping in Scarborough: What You Need to Know
Soil Conditions
Most of Scarborough — including Woburn, Agincourt, Centennial, and Malvern — sits on heavy clay soil. Clay retains moisture and compacts easily, which creates challenges for both lawn growth and garden beds. Proper soil amendment with compost, topsoil, and organic matter is essential for successful plantings. Areas near the Scarborough Bluffs (Guildwood, Birch Cliff, Cliffside) have sandier soil that drains quickly and requires different management. We assess your soil as part of every consultation and amend accordingly.
Climate and Hardiness Zone
Scarborough falls in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a, which means winter lows typically reach -23 to -26 degrees Celsius. All plants we install are rated for Zone 5 or hardier to provide a safety margin. Lake Ontario moderates temperatures slightly for waterfront neighbourhoods, but the rest of Scarborough experiences the full range of Ontario's freeze-thaw cycles. We choose plants that handle these conditions reliably — no expensive specimens that die after their first winter.
Shade and Mature Trees
Many Scarborough neighbourhoods feature mature tree canopies that create significant shade. This affects what grass types, plants, and design approaches will work in your yard. We select shade-tolerant species where needed and can recommend strategic tree pruning to improve light conditions. In some cases, converting heavily shaded lawn areas to mulched garden beds with shade-loving plants is a more practical and attractive solution than fighting to grow grass in deep shade.
“Ted and his team at Dawn till Dusk are amazing! We've been using them for some time now and they always leave my lawn looking like Augusta National.”
Tylor Thomas
Long-time customer
Other Services We Offer
Areas We Serve
Our landscaping services are available throughout Scarborough, North York, and Pickering.
Scarborough
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Landscaping — Frequently Asked Questions
How much does landscaping cost in Scarborough?
Landscaping costs vary depending on the scope of work. A basic garden bed installation starts around $500, a lawn renovation with sod runs $2,000 to $5,000, and a complete backyard makeover including hardscaping, planting, sod, and grading can range from $5,000 to $20,000+. We provide free, no-obligation quotes tailored to your specific project and budget after visiting your property.
Do you offer free consultations?
Yes. We offer free on-site consultations for all landscaping projects. We visit your property, discuss your vision and priorities, assess site conditions like soil type, drainage, and sun exposure, and provide a detailed quote — all at no cost or obligation to you. Call (647) 893-3876 to book your consultation.
How long does a typical landscaping project take?
Most residential projects take 1 to 5 days depending on scope. A garden bed installation might be completed in a day, sod installation for a front and back yard takes 2 to 3 days, and a full backyard transformation with hardscaping, planting, grading, and sod could take 5 to 10 days. We provide a realistic timeline during your consultation and keep you informed throughout the project.
Can you work with my existing landscape design?
Absolutely. Whether you have a professional design from a landscape architect, a sketch on paper, or just ideas in your head, we can work with your vision. We also offer our own design services if you would like professional guidance. Many clients come to us with a general direction and Ted helps refine the details into a practical, beautiful plan.
What areas do you serve for landscaping?
We serve all of Scarborough and North York, including Port Union, Guildwood, Highland Creek, Agincourt, Woburn, Malvern, Rouge, Centennial, Bayview Village, Don Mills, and 30+ more neighbourhoods. We also serve parts of Pickering. Find your neighbourhood on our service areas page.
What time of year is best for landscaping projects?
Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) are the ideal seasons for most landscaping work in Scarborough. Planting establishes best during these cooler, wetter periods. However, hardscaping projects like interlocking patios and retaining walls can be done throughout the summer. Sod installation works well from May through October with proper watering. We can advise on the best timing for your specific project.
Do you provide ongoing maintenance after installation?
Yes. We offer seasonal maintenance plans that protect your investment and keep your landscape looking its best year-round. Many of our landscaping clients transition into regular lawn care and garden maintenance customers. Having the same team that built your landscape also maintain it means nothing gets overlooked.
What plants work best in Scarborough?
Scarborough sits in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a, which supports a wide range of ornamental and native plants. Reliable performers include Karl Foerster ornamental grass, Endless Summer hydrangeas, daylilies, hostas for shade, boxwood for structure, and Japanese maples for focal points. Ted is a Certified Horticulturist and selects plants specifically suited to your yard's sun exposure, soil type, and microclimate.
Can you fix drainage problems in my yard?
Yes, drainage correction is one of our most-requested services. Scarborough's clay-heavy soils often cause water pooling, foundation dampness, and soggy lawns. We solve drainage issues through proper grading, French drain installation, catch basins, dry creek beds, and strategic plantings that absorb excess moisture. Fixing drainage protects your foundation and makes your yard usable year-round.
Do I need to be home during the landscaping work?
Not necessarily. Once the project plan is agreed upon, most work can proceed without you being present. We will coordinate access to your property and keep you updated with progress photos. For design decisions that come up during the project — like exact plant placement or material adjustments — we will contact you for approval before proceeding.
Follow Our Latest Work
Check out some of our recent projects and see what we can do for your yard. Follow us on Instagram for daily updates.
