All Posts

The best time to plant trees and shrubs in Dufferin County is early fall (mid-September to late October) or early spring (late April to late May). Fall planting allows roots to establish before winter dormancy, while spring planting takes advantage of moist soil and mild temperatures before summer heat. According to the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, trees planted during these windows have up to 30% higher survival rates than those planted in summer.

You’ve decided you want to make a difference. You’ve seen the headlines about pollinator decline - perhaps you even heard that Ontario honey bees suffered a staggering 50.4% winter loss this past year - and you're ready to turn your yard into a haven for local wildlife. So you search for "native plants for bees," and you're met with lists. Long lists.

There’s a unique kind of quiet that settles over Dufferin County in the winter. A fresh blanket of snow muffles the world, and our evergreens - the steadfast cedars, pines, and boxwoods - stand as proud sentinels against the grey sky. But that beautiful, harsh winter can take its toll.

Picture this: a perfect summer evening in Orangeville. You’re on your interlock patio, the grill is going, and you're surrounded by friends and family. It’s the centerpiece of your backyard. Now, fast forward to spring. As the last of the snow melts, you notice something isn’t right. One stone rocks under your feet, the gap between the two others seems wider, and a small section near the downspout has sunk.

To prepare your lawn for winter in Southern Ontario, apply a late-fall fertilizer between mid to late October with 0.5 kg of nitrogen per 100m², raise mowing height to 2.5-3 inches, remove fallen leaves regularly, overseed bare patches by mid-September, and aerate compacted soil before the ground freezes. This five-step process ensures your grass develops deep roots, stores essential carbohydrates for winter survival, and achieves up to 40% better spring green-up compared to

Choose sod installation if you need an instant lawn within 2-14 days and can afford $1 to $2 per square foot, or select lawn restoration through overseeding if you have 2-8 weeks to wait and want to save 70% with costs of $0.04 to $0.18 per square foot. 

If you’re trying to protect your landscape in Amaranth or Orangeville, you’ve likely found yourself lost in a sea of conflicting advice. One site recommends a harsh chemical spray, while a forum user swears by a homemade concoction. The information is fragmented, often fails to address our specific seasons, and rarely considers pests, diseases, and weeds as parts of a single, interconnected system.

Choosing the Best Hardscape Materials for Patios and Walkways Selecting the best hardscape materials for patios and walkways hinges on factors like durability, aesthetics, maintenance, budget, and climate. Among the most popular materials are concrete pavers, natural stone, brick, gravel, and wood - each offering unique benefits.

Whether you need a permit for landscaping in Amaranth depends on the scope of your project.

High-ROI Landscape Features: A well-thought-out landscape can dramatically increase a home’s value, enhancing both curb appeal and livability. So, what landscape features add the most value to a home? Let's explore some standout upgrades.

As the last autumn leaves fall, a familiar sense of urgency sets in for every Ontario homeowner. It’s not just the dropping temperatures; it’s the knowledge of what’s coming. The heavy snow, the biting winds, and the relentless freeze-thaw cycles that can undo a season’s worth of hard work in your garden. Yo u’ve invested time, effort, and resources into creating a beautiful outdoor space. Now, the critical question is: how do you protect that investment from the uniquely har

You've invested time, effort, and hope into your garden. You picture lush flower beds, strong trees, and healthy shrubs framing your home. But translating that vision into reality can feel like a constant battle against the seasons. You find yourself wondering: "Am I pruning at the right time? Is this the right fertilizer? Why do my neighbour's plants look vibrant while mine are struggling?" This uncertainty is common. Many homeowners in Dufferin and Peel find themselves piec

“Supporting a food drive is deeply important to us because it reflects our core values of community and compassion,” says Steve Prins, owner of Shady Oaks Landscaping. “As a business, we believe in giving back and ensuring that no one in our community goes hungry. A food drive allows us to make a visible and meaningful impact, bring people together for a common cause, and help create a stronger, more supportive environment for everyone.