90 Minuk Acres Toronto, Ontario M1E 4Y6
(416) 757-3218
Office Hours: 7AM - 4PM
Request a Quote
Hank Deenen Landscaping

Blog and News

This is where you can find all the latest landscaping and horticultural news and tips, certification updates, and company and employee milestones.

Hank Deenen LandscapingBlog and News
23 Jun 2023
0 Comments By hank_admin Gardening, Landscaping, Renovation

What Commercial Landscaping & Gardening Services Entail

What Commercial Landscaping & Gardening Services Entail

When it comes to commercial properties, first impressions matter. The outdoor spaces surrounding a business can significantly influence how customers, clients, and employees perceive the brand and its overall atmosphere. That’s where commercial landscaping and gardening services come into play.

The team at Hank Deenen Landscaping Limited goes over commercial landscaping and gardening services and discusses what makes up a landscape in a commercial setting.

Commercial Landscaping

Commercial landscape design refers to the process of arranging plants, outdoor structures, lighting, and furniture around a commercial building. It aims to create visually appealing and functional landscapes that enhance the overall appearance of the property and provide various benefits to businesses and their customers.

What Makes Up Commercial Landscaping

Commercial landscaping is made up of various components such as:

Hardscaping

Commercial landscaping primarily focuses on permanent features and construction elements. Some examples of hardscaping features in commercial landscaping include:

  • Walkways and sidewalks – These are constructed paths that guide people through the outdoor space, providing safe and convenient access to various areas of the commercial property.
  • Retaining walls – These structures are used to hold back soil and create different levels in the landscape. They can be both functional and visually appealing, adding dimension to the outdoor space.
  • Paved patios – Paved patios are solid surfaces made of materials like concrete, stone, or pavers. They are designed for outdoor seating, dining, and entertainment purposes, providing a functional and comfortable area for customers or employees to enjoy.
  • Decks – Decks are elevated platforms typically made of wood or composite materials. They are commonly used for outdoor seating or recreational areas, often connected to buildings, or overlooking the surrounding landscape.

Greenery

Gardens are all about the idea that being closer to nature makes people happier. It’s important for both indoor and outdoor spaces, especially in cities where there’s a lot of concrete and asphalt. By including plants and gardens in the design, you can create a landscape that reduces stress and tiredness, while boosting mood and imagination.

Additional Furnishings

Furnishings give a finishing touch to a landscape as well as providing employees and customers with a comfortable and functional area for eating, relaxing, or working. These furnishings could include:

  • Picnic tables
  • Umbrellas
  • Benches
  • Planters
  • Grills
  • Bike racks

Looking for Landscaping and Gardening Services in the Greater Toronto Area?

At Hank Deenen Landscaping Limited, we take pride in offering top-notch commercial landscaping and gardening services throughout the Greater Toronto Area. Our team of skilled landscapers is dedicated to delivering quality results and transforming outdoor spaces into beautiful and functional landscapes.

Interested in a quote? Simply reach out to us and inquire!

19 Jun 2023
0 Comments By hank_admin Landscaping, Renovation

Why Hiring Snow Removal Experts is Worth It

Why Hiring Snow Removal Experts is Worth It

When it comes to commercial snow removal, having the right skills, expertise, and experience is essential for effective handling. While some may perceive snow removal services as an unnecessary luxury, it’s important to consider the significant advantages of hiring a professional contractor for your commercial property.

Snow removal services provide numerous benefits for businesses and property owners. Here Hank Deenen Landscaping Limited goes over reasons to hire professional snow removal services in Scarborough.

Removing Snow Yourself Can Be Dangerous

Performing snow removal yourself in freezing temperatures can be risky and unsafe if you’re not familiar with the right methods. Plus, it can lead to health issues for certain individuals. By hiring the services of a reliable snow removal company, you can prevent accidents and injuries effectively.

Easy Access to the Property

By hiring a professional snow removal service for your commercial property, you can be confident that a skilled and experienced team will come equipped with the proper tools and equipment to get the job done. They will efficiently clear away snow and ice from the entryway, parking lot, and any other high-traffic areas.

Follow Municipality Regulations

In certain cities and areas, there are significant fines for neglecting to remove snow from your lot and sidewalks. To steer clear of these penalties, the ideal solution is to enlist the services of a professional snow-clearing company in Toronto.

A Professional Job

Hiring snow removal services guarantees a professional job as they have the expertise and experience in handling snow removal efficiently. Their trained crew members are skilled in using the right techniques and equipment to clear snow effectively without causing damage to the property. You can have peace of mind knowing that the job will be done thoroughly and professionally, leaving your property safe and accessible.

Quick Snow Removal

Rather than spending a lot of time and working in shifts to clear the snow from the property, you can opt for a much faster and easier solution by hiring a professional snow removal crew. These experts will swiftly and efficiently remove the snow, saving you time and effort.

What to Take into Account

When hiring a snow removal company, there are important things to keep in mind to ensure you receive a high-quality service. Firstly, consider your budget and inquire about rates or explore their website for available packages that suit your needs. It’s crucial to choose a company that is insured to avoid any complications in case of accidents. Communication with the professionals from the snow removal company in Scarborough is key to ensuring your specific requirements are met. Remember to select a reputable and fully insured contractor for your snow removal needs and discuss your needs in detail while obtaining a written agreement to avoid any surprises.

Hank Deenen Landscaping Limited Provides Commercial Snow Removal Services in Scarborough

Get professional and reliable snow-clearing services in the Greater Toronto Area. Contact our team for a quote!

13 Jun 2023
0 Comments By hank_admin Landscaping, Renovation

Landscaping Ideas to Increase Staff Well-Being & Productivity

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the significance of green spaces in promoting people’s mental well-being. As a landscaping services provider experiencing high demand this spring, we recognize the strong desire for daily connections with nature. While enhancing curb appeal has always been advantageous for attracting customers and staff, it is now crucial to prioritize green spaces for the sake of employee productivity and overall health. Encouraging staff to return to the corporate office, even on a part-time basis, requires addressing concrete work environments.

Here, we at Hank Deenen Landscaping Limited go over a few useful landscaping additions that can not only give your business a facelift but also increase the well-being and productivity of your staff.

An Outdoor Patio

As we approach the warmer months of the year, your staff may want to spend some time outdoors and soak in as much sun as possible. Installing outdoor patios and eating areas can significantly boost staff well-being and productivity. Incorporate shaded spaces to provide employees with an inviting outdoor environment. These areas offer a great escape from the confines of the office, allowing for relaxation, socializing, and increased exposure to natural elements. This can help rejuvenate employees, promoting their overall happiness, health, and motivation within the workplace.

A Walking Path

Installing walking paths around gardens as well as increasing the number of trees can have a profound impact on staff well-being and productivity. These paths offer opportunities for employees to engage in physical activity, connect with nature, and enjoy moments of tranquillity. It’s a great way to motivate employees to get outside and enjoy the weather during their lunch breaks. The presence of trees fosters a habitat for birds and beneficial insects, promoting an ecosystem and adding to the overall allure of the workplace environment.

Rooftop Garden

Putting in a rooftop garden can have a remarkable effect on staff well-being and productivity. This green oasis provides employees with a rejuvenating escape amidst the urban environment. The garden offers a serene space for relaxation, socialization, and even outdoor meetings. The presence of plants improves air quality, reduces stress, and enhances overall job satisfaction, leading to increased productivity and a happier workforce. If a rooftop garden is not possible in your building, it can always be installed at the ground level.

Site Furnishings

Site furnishing can be installed in any commercial, institutional, or multi-level property. This could include installation such as benches or stone fixtures. Not only do these additions create an inviting space for staff to take their breaks but can also be used as an area for meetings. Offering a range of seating options and designated areas for relaxation promotes a sense of community and encourages social interaction, ultimately boosting productivity in the workplace.

We Provide Landscaping Services in the Greater Toronto Area! If you need professional landscaping and hardscaping installation services, you can trust our team to rejuvenate the look of your property. Contact us today to request a quote!

06 Jun 2023
0 Comments By hank_admin Gardening, Landscaping, Renovation

How to Keep Your Landscape in Picture-Perfect Condition

Maintaining a immaculate landscape requires a combination of knowledge, effort, and effective strategies. Luckily, our team at Hank Deenen Landscaping Limited offers some tips and techniques in this blog to help you preserve the beauty of your outdoor space, ensuring it remains a picturesque haven.

Trimming Your Hedges

Trimming your hedges is like giving them a special grooming session. It’s way easier to shape them a few times a year than waiting for them to overgrow and have to chop them down. When you regularly sculpt them, you can spot the cuts you made last time and just trim them back to the same height. Taking care of your hedges regularly saves you time down the road and keeps them looking sharp.

Shape Your Shrubs

When shrubs start growing and getting all bushy, it’s a great opportunity to give them a makeover for more flowers or berries. Early spring, before the leaves come out, is usually the best time to prune them. However, some shrubs form their flower buds in the previous season, like lilacs and forsythia. If you trim them too early in spring, you’ll end up cutting off this year’s beautiful blossoms. It’s a good idea to do some research and find out the right times and methods to prune the specific shrubs in your yard.

Remove Dead Flowers

To maintain the vibrant blooming of your plants, it is advisable to engage in the practice of deadheading your perennials, annuals, and flowering shrubs. This process entails delicately removing the faded flowers manually, trimming the exhausted stems a few inches below, or systematically shearing off multiple spent blooms. The primary objective is to preserve the aesthetic appeal of your garden plants while stimulating their prompt reflowering.

Weed and Prevent Weeds

When it comes to maintaining the condition of your yard, there are two tasks at hand: preventing invasive weeds and weed removal. While we may attempt to evade it, weeding is an important aspect of landscape management. Fortunately, various strategies exist to minimize the need for weed control, such as applying a layer of mulch to your garden, cultivating ground covers to shield exposed soil, and making sure your lawn is healthy.

Water When You Need To

Efficiently watering your plants is the key to a thriving lawn. When watering your garden, it’s recommended to do so in the morning to reduce evaporation. Install a timed sprinkler system to allow for precise watering. If it’s raining, skip watering them to prevent overwatering your plants. It’s also a good idea to group plants based on their water needs, such as grouping drought-tolerant plants together. This enables targeted watering to areas where it is most needed in your garden.

Do You Need Landscaping Installation, Grounds Maintenance, or Snow Removal in Scarborough? We can take care of your needs! If you live in the Greater Toronto Area, contact our team at Hank Deenen Landscaping Limited to request a quote on our services.

30 May 2023
Landscaping services
0 Comments By hank_admin Landscaping ,

5 Easy Landscape Upgrades

At a glance, upgrading your landscape can seem like a somewhat daunting task, especially if you are not a green thumb. However, you do not have to perform a complete overhaul of your landscape to change it and upgrade it. There are a number of simple things you can do that are easy and will help you put the best face on your yard.

As one of the leading commercial landscaping services in Toronto, the team from Hank Deenen Landscaping Limited has collected five easy landscape upgrades here that even the novice can do.

1. Freshen up Your Deck, Sidewalks, or Fence

One relatively easy way to breathe new life into your landscape is by giving some of its hardscaping features, like decks, sidewalks, or fences, a facelift. If you have peeling paint or sagging areas on your deck or fence, these can be easy cosmetic repairs that can do wonders for your landscape’s appearance. Staining your deck or a simple pressure washing may be all it takes to bring your landscape up to date.

2. Pruning Trees & Shrubs

Like most things around the property, your plants and shrubs will require occasional maintenance to look their best. Pruning and trimming overgrown plants and shrubs will help your landscape look less cluttered and more well-maintained. Doing so will also help encourage new growth. However, if you are unsure about caring for your plants on your own, consulting with a landscaping expert can be helpful.

3. Implement a Landscaping Program

Many landscaping companies, Hank Deenen Landscaping Limited included, offer year-round, personalized landscaping programs to help keep your property at its best. Implementing a landscape maintenance program can ensure that your grass is aerated when needed, your plants and shrubs are pruned and properly maintained, and more.

4. Add Some Perennials

Planting new additions to your property’s garden during the spring can be a fun, easy way to add colour and new features to your landscape. Planting perennials is often a good idea because not only do they add colour to your landscape, but can attract pollinating insects that will also help gardens and other features thrive all year round.

5. Planting Trees & Shrubs

Much like the point above, adding new trees or shrubs to your property’s landscape can be another great way to improve upon it. Do a bit of research into what native plants and shrubs will thrive in your area and then choose the ones you like best. There are a number of ornamental trees and evergreens well-suited to the Scarborough climate that, once they reach maturity, can even help you reduce your energy bills, add shade, and more.

Contact Hank Deenen Landscaping Limited today for Landscaping Services in Toronto

If you need help maintaining your commercial landscape, Hank Deenen Landscaping Limited can help. We specialize in grounds maintenance, as well as landscaping upgrades to keep your property looking its best.

Contact us online today or call (416) 757-3218 for a quote.

24 May 2023
Lawn in winter
0 Comments By hank_admin Landscaping ,

How Winter Affects Your Lawn

For those that live in colder climates such as Scarborough, once the temperature drops and the snow begins to fall, your lawn goes dormant until spring. Although the snow can act as a protective layer to the lawn in most cases, you should also be aware that winter weather can also damage your lawn.

Scarborough lawn maintenance experts from Hank Deenen Landscaping Limited go into all the details.

What Causes Winter Lawn Damage?

The winter weather can damage your lawn in a number of ways. Firstly, when your lawn is exposed to freezing temperatures and things such as ice and wind, without the coverage of snow, it can actually cause it to dry out. Additionally, when temperatures are cold enough turfgrass may even freeze, causing further damage. Snow actually helps your lawn maintain moisture during its dormant period.

Other issues that can affect your lawn during the winter include the use of road salt and sand, essential for keeping those parking lots and walkways clear, but detrimental to your lawn. Salt dries out the soil and can prohibit healthy grass growth, as well as clog roots and prevent them from receiving nutrients. Proper drainage during winter is also a necessity to avoid ice pools in grassy areas that can tear apart plant tissue.

Signs of Winter Lawn Dormancy

You may notice that when the snow thaws and the temperature rises during the winter, your property’s lawn appears brown or “burnt.” This is actually no cause for concern and only signifies that your lawn is dormant, protecting itself until the spring thaw. It’s conserving its moisture due to the more extreme climate and should return to its lush, green state come springtime.

Tips for Minimizing Winter Lawn Damage

There are some steps you can take to ensure your lawn receives the minimal amount of damage during winter such as mowing your lawn shorter before the cold sets in to protect any new growth. Also, avoid the excessive use of ice melt and rock salt. Additionally, staying off the lawn during winter as much as possible can help prevent turf damage. You can also fertilize your lawn before the first winter freeze to ensure that once it thaws and the snow melts, it will bounce back with new growth in the spring.

Contact Hank Deenen Landscaping Limited for Lawn Maintenance in Scarborough

If you want to keep your landscape in great shape all year round, the professionals from Hank Deenen Landscaping Limited can help. In addition to lawn maintenance, we also specialize in commercial grounds maintenance, landscaping and gardening services, and snow removal.

For decades businesses in the greater Scarborough area have been trusting Hank Deenen Landscaping Limited for their lawn maintenance and landscaping services. Contact us online today for a quote or call (416) 757-3218.

31 Mar 2023
Rock salt vs Ice Melt
0 Comments By hank_admin Landscaping

The PROs & CONs of Using Rock Salt vs. Ice Melt for Your Commercial Property

When it comes to snow clearing in Toronto, many commercial properties enlist the help of a reliable snow removal service to ensure their staff and clients remain safe. However, for clearing walkways and keeping them ice-free, they also might take it upon themselves to use rock salt or ice melt each day. But there are some key differences between the two products.

Here Hank Deenen Landscaping Limited, one of the leading snow removal services in Toronto, discusses some of their PROs and CONs!

The PROs & CONs of Rock Salt

PROs: Rock salt is preferred by many due to its affordability and easy availability during the winter season. It also provides a gritty, gripping surface that minimizes the chance of any slips or falls and the salt has a lower freezing point than water. So, when the ice melts, it’s less likely to freeze over again.

CONs: One of the downsides of using rock salt is that it can be harmful to some plant life. So, if your commercial property boasts extensive landscaping features that need to be protected year-round, it may not be the best option. However, it’s perfect for parking lots and pathways.

The PROs & CONs of Ice Melt

PROs: Ice melt is less harmful to plant life and pets because it’s made from a mixture of different chlorides, such as magnesium, calcium, sodium, and potassium. For those worried about plant burning or damaging their landscape features, ice melt is ideal. Additionally, it works much quicker than rock salt and is perfect for high-traffic walkways, driveways, or parking lots that required de-icing ASAP.

CONs: The only downside to ice melt is that it’s more expensive than rock salt because it’s so highly sought after in subzero temperatures.

Contact us today for snow clearing in Toronto and more!

If you need snow clearing and ice removal services, as well as deicing solutions for your commercial property, Hank Deenen Landscaping Limited can help. We can create a personalized snow removal and maintenance schedule designed to suit your business’s specific needs.

Learn more by contacting us online today or calling (416) 757-3218 today for a quote!  

17 Mar 2023
Revive a dormant lawn
0 Comments By hank_admin Landscaping

5 Tips for Reviving a Dormant Lawn

Having a dormant lawn can certainly be unsightly, especially if all the other homes in your neighbourhood have healthy, thriving yards. However, just because your lawn is dormant doesn’t mean you have to rip up your turf and start from scratch.

Here the Scarborough lawn maintenance professionals from Hank Deenen Landscaping Limited have collected some tips to breathe new life into your yard!

1. Mow on a Higher Setting

There’s a common misconception that mowing your yard with a lower mower setting is more beneficial than using a higher one, unfortunately, this isn’t true. Mowing your lawn on a higher setting will not only help protect it from weed growth but also enable it to maintain moisture and grow stronger, deeper roots. That’s why professional grounds maintenance teams always recommend setting your mower to at least three to four inches.

2. Water Infrequently & Deeply

For lawns in drier climates or those that are experiencing a drought, the best way to keep your yard healthy and thriving is by watering it deeply and infrequently. Doing so will allow all the water to seep in properly and prevent evaporation. Watering in the early morning hours before it gets too hot rather than at night will help it absorb water properly and prevent fungus growth and other diseases.

3. Mulch Your Lawn

Many think bagging and removing grass clippings is the best way to keep a lawn healthy. However, mulching has some advantages if you’re trying to bring a dormant lawn back to life because doing so provides essential nutrients for your soil and helps it retain moisture.

4. Keep Lawn Equipment Properly Maintained

One of the worst things you can do for your lawn is to mow it with dull mower blades. Rather than cleanly cutting your lawn, it will simply shred your grass, causing unnecessary damage. It takes a shredded lawn much more water to recover from such damage, so sharpen your mower blades at least twice a year.

5. Don’t Remove too Much Grass

Keep in mind while working in the yard and mowing it that you should never remove too much grass from your lawn, even if it’s overgrown. Only remove one-third of its total length at a time. This will give it the strength it needs to recover and thrive.

Contact us today for lawn maintenance in Scarborough and more!

Hank Deenen Landscaping limited can create a personalized lawn and grounds maintenance plan for you. Contact our team online today to learn more or call (416) 757-3218 for a quote!

09 Mar 2023
Commercial Snow removal services
0 Comments By hank_admin Uncategorized

What to Know Before Getting Commercial Snow Removal Service

General SM: As a professional landscaping service with almost 70 years of experience, our team of professionals helps our clients to enhance their properties. Reach out to us today to inquire about our services. #Landscaping&Maintenance #LandscapingToronto

General SM: Our certified horticulture professionals have the necessary expertise to take on any landscaping, snow removal, or maintenance project. Get in touch with us today and learn how you can benefit from our services. #Landscaping #GreaterToronto

What to Ask Before Getting a Commercial Snow Removal Service

Winter in the Greater Toronto Area can present many challenges, especially when it comes to keeping sidewalks and parking lots clear and accessible for employees and tenants, regardless of when a snowstorm hits.

At Hank Deenen Landscaping Limited, we understand that it can be overwhelming to figure out where to start when looking for a commercial snow removal contractor. We believe that by using these questions as a guide when gathering information, you will have a better chance of finding the best snow removal in Scarborough.

  • Emergency Response Plan

Inquiring about your contractor’s emergency response plan in the case of a winter storm is crucial. It is important to be aware of the overall plan of your snow and ice management contractor, including their response time, the equipment they have available, and the number of employees they have on staff.

  • When You Will Communicate

If you’re looking for snow removal in Scarborough, ask about whether you will communicate with the contractor before, after, or during the storm. It might be helpful to have one point of contact that will give you insight into the plan, the number of visits made to the site by the contractor during a storm, and the specific services that were carried out.

  • Additional Services

Ask your snow removal company if they provide additional services on top of solely snow removal. In addition to snow shoveling, Hank Deenen Landscaping Limited also sands and salts your lot to control ice. Our Snow Clearing Division is part of our Commercial Grounds Management Department, which means that our clients can expect the same high-quality and consistent services that have made us a well-respected and reputable company in the Greater Toronto area.

  • Salt Stock

To address safety and accessibility issues, your snow removal service in Toronto must ensure that salt is available throughout the entire winter season. This helps you gauge how prepared you need to be for the winter months. It’s also a good idea to ask if they have multiple locations that can assist with salt reloads and provide extra equipment and labour. This can help to mitigate unexpected challenges such as equipment breakdowns, inaccessible roads due to accidents, and employees not showing up to work.

  • References

To evaluate a prospective snow removal contractor, it is recommended to speak with other property managers or owners of similar-sized properties to ask about their experience with the contractor and whether they met the expectations outlined in the contract.

Sign Your Contract for Snow Removal in Scarborough Now!

As a company that operates in the Greater Toronto Area, we at Hank Deenen Landscaping Limited understand how harsh and cold Ontario winters can be. That’s why we provide comprehensive commercial snow and ice clearing and removal services to ensure that your staff, tenants, customers, and the public are safe throughout the winter.

Contact us today for more information!

02 Mar 2023
Landscapping services (1)
0 Comments By hank_admin Uncategorized

How to Save Money When It Comes to Landscaping Services

Landscaping and gardening are hobbies that many people love to take on. To save time and money on landscaping tasks, it is crucial to understand the best times to perform them. That’s why here our experts at Hank Deenen Landscaping Limited talk about how you can prevent burning a hole through your wallet when it comes to landscaping and gardening services.

Do Your Fall Landscaping in the Summer

Once you and your landscape have gone through spring and life has fully returned, you can accurately assess your plant performance and garden composition. Now you have the data you need to design your garden and landscape updates over the early summer months, so you’re able to set your budgets and line up work for the fall season. By taking the time to plan, you’ll guard against wasting money on unnecessary or inadequate solutions.

Evaluate Your Landscape in the Late Spring

Wait until the end of spring to see what needs to be done in your landscape. Starting too early in the year can cause you to make major judgment calls that are often unnecessary as plants haven’t had enough time to grow post-winter. Professional landscaping and gardening services such as Hank Deenen Landscaping Limited recommend letting spring come around completely so that you can decide what landscaping projects you want to take on.

Prepare Your Yard for the Spring During the Fall

Fall is an ideal time to take advantage of the autumn rains, cooling temperatures, and plants preparing for winter. Use this time to carefully prune dead growth and prepare your gardens for spring. While doing this, be mindful of not snipping new buds that are waiting for warmer weather.

In addition, don’t rush to remove all fallen leaves and debris. Leave them in areas such as perimeter beds, around property borders, and in wooded areas where they provide valuable resources for beneficial insects and other critters.

Be Mindful of the Hardscaping Projects You Plan to Do

To get the most value for your money on hardscape projects, it is important to carefully design, plan, and budget for the job. Skimping on costs in the short term may ultimately lead to higher expenses in the future as any shortcomings will need to be fixed. Our team can help you plan out a hardscaping project that works best for your yard.

Plant in the Fall

Autumn is the best time to make changes to your landscaping, such as adding new plants or transplanting existing ones, as it reduces the risk of plant loss during the hot and stressful summer months. Transplants and new plants are more likely to survive and thrive in the cooler, less drought-prone conditions of fall, saving you money in the long run.

Get Landscaping and Gardening Services in the Greater Toronto Area!

If you’re looking into getting landscaping and grounds maintenance this spring, contact our team at Hank Deenen Landscaping Limited to learn more and schedule an estimate