7 Landscaping Problems in Ontario and How to Deal with Them

For Ontario homeowners, landscaping typically involves so much more than simply planting flowers and mowing lawns.

With humid summers, freeze-thaw winters and heavy clay soil to contend with, landscaping can be quite a challenge, particularly for those with no real experience; even if you know what you want, achieving it under regional conditions can be tougher than it looks.

That's why it can be immensely helpful to work with experienced landscape contractors in London Ontario, who can help you deal with the 7 common landscaping concerns listed below:

Poor Drainage

Ontario gardens are usually comprised of heavy clay soil, which has a tendency to drain very slowly. When this is combined with the melting of snow in spring, and downpours in summer, it can cause:

• Standing water
• Waterlogged garden beds
• Erosion of soil
• Water accumulating near foundations

What's the solution?

Plan for the following at the design stage, and you can avoid drainage problems:

• Proper grading during landscape installation
• Installation of weeping tile systems or French drains
• Installation of permeable pavers
• Strategic use of swales and catch basins
• Raising of garden beds for healthier roots

Health Problems with the Lawn

Lawns in Ontario often face the following challenges at different times of the year:

• Grubs and chinch bugs
• Soil compaction
• Crabgrass and broadleaf weeds
• Fungal diseases

What's the solution?

A professional landscape gardener will carry out the following to keep your lawn healthy all year round:

• Overseed with hardy grasses
• Integrate pest management
• Aerate the core to alleviate compaction
• Topdressing with good quality compost
• Reduce the size of your lawn and swap for low-maintenance garden beds

In some London homes, reducing the amount of turf can help enhance the landscaping visually and reduce the cost of long-term maintenance.

Freeze-Thaw Damage

Thanks to repeated freezing and thawing during the winter, Ontario hardscaping can suffer from the following:

• Cracked stone
• Heaving steps and walkways
• Lifted pavers
• Shifting retaining walls

What's the solution?

In most instances when hardscaping fails, the issue lies with the installation, and not the materials used. Here are some essential tips for dealing with freeze-thaw damage:

• Prepare the base properly
• Use only aggregate foundation of a high quality
• Use edge restraints for pavers
• Use materials suited to the local climate
• Work with professionals who use the most effective techniques

Drought Stress

With summers in London becoming hotter and drier every year, drought and water restrictions can lead to:

• Brown lawns
• Wilting plants
• Stressed trees

What's the solution?

To counteract more frequent water restrictions, a professional landscaper will turn to these solutions:

• Selecting plants that are tolerant to drought
• Using drip irrigation systems
• Mulching to lock in moisture
• Using plant species that are native and adapted

Wrong Plant Selection

A little research will tell you what plants work best for the local climate, and by choosing these, you can avoid these problems:

• Salt damage
• Winter burn
• Rapid swings in temperature

What's the solution?

These design choices made when landscaping can help resolve the issues above and avoid costly replacements further down the line:

• Choosing trees and shrubs that are suited to the regional climate
• Proper planting depth and preparation of soil
• Protecting young plants during winter

Clay Compaction & Soil Quality

Unfortunately, clay soil:

• Compacts easily
• Drains poorly
• Restricts root growth

What's the solution?

Nothing makes a landscape healthier quicker than healthy soil, and you can combat the issues associated with clay soil by:

• Installing proper base layers under hardscaping
• Fixing soil with compost
• Not over-tilling
• Constructing raised beds for more sensitive plants

Storm Damage

Extreme weather events and storms are growing in frequency across Canada and the world, bringing with them:

• Heavy rainfall
• High winds
• Hail
• Tree damage and fallen branches

What is the solution?

A proactive response to extreme weather is needed, with the following included in any good landscape design:

• Structural pruning of trees
• Strategic placement of trees
• Adequate drainage systems that can handle intense rainfall

Ultimately, although successful residential landscaping in London Ontario is best achieved by following the guidance above and seeking professional help, homeowners can also choose a low-maintenance design to reduce the effort required to keep the landscape at its best for years to come.