Frequently Asked Questions

Weekly mowing for an average NB lot runs $35-$65 per visit. Seasonal contracts covering May through October typically cost $800-$2,000 depending on lot size, terrain, and whether trimming is included. Larger rural properties and commercial lots will be higher.

Late August through mid-September is ideal for NB. Soil is still warm enough for germination (above 10°C) but cooler air reduces stress on new grass. Spring seeding works from late May once soil consistently reaches 10°C, but you'll compete with weeds. A blend of 60% Kentucky Bluegrass, 20% Fine Fescue, and 20% Perennial Ryegrass performs best here.

Most NB lawns benefit from 4 seasonal applications: early spring (late April), late spring (June), summer (July), and fall (September). A full fertilization program costs $250-$500. Fall fertilizer with high potassium is especially important — it helps grass survive NB's harsh winters.

If your soil is compacted (common in NB's clay-heavy river valley areas), core aeration once a year makes a big difference. Late August is ideal — follow it with overseeding for best results. Aeration costs $100-$250 for an average lot. Sandy coastal soils near Shediac or Miramichi may not need it.

NB is mostly Zone 4-5, so choose plants rated for at least one zone colder than your location. Reliable perennials include hostas, daylilies, echinacea, black-eyed Susans, and native ferns. For shrubs, consider hydrangeas (paniculata types), lilacs, and dogwood. Avoid warm-season plants like Bermuda grass or crepe myrtle — they won't survive our winters.

After the last frost — mid-May for Saint John and Moncton, late May for Fredericton, early June for Bathurst and northern areas. Annuals go in after last frost. Perennials, trees, and shrubs can be planted from late April through October, with June being the peak planting month.

A professional garden design plan runs $300-$1,500 depending on complexity. Installation of a 100 sq ft perennial garden costs $500-$2,000 including plants and soil prep. Foundation plantings for an average home run $1,500-$5,000. Costs are lower in NB than national averages.

Almost certainly. Most NB soil is acidic (pH 4.5-6.0) and benefits from lime to raise pH toward the 6.0-7.0 range that lawns and most plants prefer. Clay-heavy soils in the Fredericton and Saint John River valley need organic amendments for drainage. Sandy coastal soils need organic matter for water retention. A $20 soil test from your local garden centre tells you exactly what you need.

Interlocking paver patios cost $18-$30 per square foot installed in NB. Natural stone runs $25-$45 per square foot. A typical 200 sq ft patio costs $3,600-$6,000 for pavers or $5,000-$9,000 for natural stone, including base preparation, materials, and labour.

Frost heaving is caused by inadequate base preparation. NB's frost depth is 1.2-1.5 metres, and we get 100+ freeze-thaw cycles per year. A proper patio needs a minimum 12-inch compacted gravel base with proper drainage. Skimping on base prep is the number one cause of patio failure in the Maritimes.

Retaining walls in NB cost $35-$65 per square foot of wall face, installed. A 20-foot long, 3-foot high wall runs roughly $2,100-$3,900. Walls over 4 feet typically require engineering and a building permit. Proper drainage behind the wall is critical — without it, water pressure will push the wall over.

Standard patios and walkways typically don't require permits in most NB municipalities. However, retaining walls over 4 feet, structures like pergolas or gazebos, and work that changes grading affecting neighbours usually do. Always check with your local municipal office — bylaws vary between Moncton, Saint John, Fredericton, and other communities.

Start in April once the ground firms up — but wait until it's not soggy or you'll compact the soil and damage grass roots. Rake thatch, clean up debris and branches from winter, and do your first soil test. Pre-emergent herbicide goes down when forsythia blooms (usually early May in southern NB), which indicates soil has reached about 10°C.

September: apply fall fertilizer (high potassium), overseed bare patches, plant spring bulbs. October: final mowing at 2.5 inches, thorough leaf cleanup (don't smother the lawn), wrap tender shrubs, and winterize irrigation systems. Late October: apply winter mulch to garden beds and protect roses. Don't pile salt-laden snow on garden beds in winter.

Absolutely — this is non-negotiable in NB. Irrigation lines must be blown out with compressed air before freeze-up (late October). Burst lines from unblown systems are one of the most expensive spring surprises. Professional winterization costs $75-$150 and saves you from thousands in repairs.

Seasonal residential snow removal contracts in NB run $600-$1,500 depending on driveway size and frequency. Per-visit plowing costs $35-$75. Many landscapers offer combined lawn care + snow removal year-round contracts, which is usually the best value.

Rates vary by service. Weekly mowing runs $35-$65/visit. A full seasonal lawn care program costs $800-$2,000. Garden design and installation ranges from $500-$5,000 depending on scope. Hardscaping (patios, walls) costs $18-$45/sq ft. We connect you with local landscapers who provide free quotes for your specific project.

For maximum impact on a budget: overseed and fertilize your existing lawn ($150-$300 DIY), add 2-3 inches of mulch to garden beds ($50-$150 DIY for an average yard), and plant a few container gardens on your patio. A simple spring cleanup by a pro ($200-$500) can transform a neglected yard.

Seed is much cheaper upfront — $100-$200 per 1,000 sq ft for overseeding, versus $2.00-$3.50 per sq ft installed for sod. But sod gives you an instant lawn and works better on slopes where seed washes away. For NB's short growing season, sod installed in June gives you a usable lawn by August. Seed sown in late August won't be fully established until the following spring.

DIY is fine for mowing, basic fertilizing, mulching, planting annuals, and simple weeding. Hire a professional for hardscaping (patios, retaining walls — improper base causes heaving), tree removal (safety hazard), irrigation systems (pressure calculations and winterization), drainage work (affects foundations), and large-scale garden design (plant selection expertise saves money long-term).

Most standard landscaping — planting, lawn care, mulching, garden beds, patios, walkways — does not require permits. You typically need permits for: retaining walls over 4 feet (engineering required), fences (height limits vary by municipality), structures like pergolas and gazebos, grade changes affecting neighbours, and work near watercourses under NB's Watercourse and Wetland Alteration Regulation.

On your own private property, you can generally remove trees without a permit in most NB municipalities. Exceptions: trees in heritage districts, trees on city property or easements, and trees near watercourses (provincial regulation applies). Some municipalities like Fredericton have tree preservation bylaws in specific zones. Always check with your local office first.

Fence regulations vary by municipality. Generally: backyard fences can be up to 6 feet, front yard fences are limited to 4 feet, and corner lot fences have sight-line requirements. You typically need to stay within your property line, and some municipalities require a permit. Good practice is to talk to your neighbour before building and confirm your property boundaries.

Requirements vary by municipality. Most NB municipalities allow fire pits under certain conditions — typically they must be a minimum distance from structures (usually 3 metres/10 feet), below a certain height, and used only for recreational fires. Check your local fire department's open-air burning bylaws before installing.