06 Jun 2023
Landscaping services

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

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

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

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

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

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)

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

30 Jan 2023
Snow removal mistakes

Stop Making These Snow Removal Mistakes for Your Commercial Property

Winter snowfall can be a beautiful sight, but it can also present a challenge for owners of commercial properties. Snow and ice can make pathways, driveways, and parking lots dangerous and difficult to navigate, which can be a serious liability for businesses.

To ensure that your commercial property is safe and accessible during winter weather, it’s important to avoid common mistakes when it comes to snow and ice removal. Here are some tips for making sure your property is winter-ready before the first snowfall with snow removal services in Toronto.

Trying to Delegate to Your Employees

There’s a big difference between a professional snow removal company and your employees. Don’t make the mistake of expecting your employees to shovel or salt your walkways, parking lots, and driveways. Not only is this task time-consuming and potentially hazardous for your employees, but it can also be dangerous for customers and visitors to your property.

Sacrificing Comfort for Business

When it comes to snow removal, don’t make the mistake of only focusing on the business side of things. It’s important to consider the comfort of your customers, visitors, and employees. Make sure to clear your walkways and parking lots of snow and ice, and apply a coating of deicer or sand to make sure that your pathways stay safe and accessible.

Forgetting Warehouse Entries or Side Doors

Snow and ice can cause major problems for side doors and warehouse entries. Make sure to clear these areas as well, as they are important for deliveries and business operations.

Not Using the Right Equipment

Don’t make the mistake of not having the necessary equipment for snow and ice removal. Make sure that you have the right tools such as a snowblower, shovels, salt spreaders, and deicers.

Not Being Ready for the Unexpected

Unexpected snowfall can be a surprise, but it’s important to have a plan in place in case of a storm. Make sure that you have a reliable snow removal service on call or consider signing a contract in advance.

Hank Deenen Landscaping Limited is Here for All Your Snow Clearing Needs in Toronto

Hank Deenen Landscaping Limited is a leader in snow removal in the Greater Toronto Area. We offer snow-clearing services for both residential and commercial properties, and our experienced team can clear both small and large areas.

Contact us today to learn more about our snow removal services in Toronto and the GTA and get a FREE consultation for your property.

20 Jan 2023
Sustainable landscaping

How and Why You Should Get Started with Sustainable Landscaping

Your landscape is an important part of your property. It adds to your property’s overall aesthetic and can even increase the value of your property. But traditional landscaping methods can be damaging to the environment. Sustainable landscaping is a great way to ensure your landscape is healthy and eco-friendly.

Let’s explore how and why you should get started with sustainable landscaping services in Toronto.

Sustainable Landscaping Explained

Sustainable landscaping is a way of designing and maintaining outdoor spaces that focuses on environmental protection and conservation. It involves using materials, plants, and practices that are eco-friendly and conserve natural resources. Sustainable landscaping focuses on creating a landscape that is beautiful, healthy, and low maintenance while also being beneficial to the environment.

Why is Sustainable Landscaping So Important?

Sustainable landscaping is beneficial in many ways. It helps conserve water, reduce air pollution, and reduce the amount of energy needed to maintain a landscape. It also increases the biodiversity of the area, providing habitats for birds, insects, and other animals. Additionally, it helps preserve the natural resources of the environment while also promoting a healthier lifestyle.

How to Switch to a Sustainable Landscape for Your Property

Ask the Right Questions

When you meet with a landscape professional, they’ll be able to help you make the switch to sustainable landscaping. They’ll be able to answer questions you have and provide advice on what elements may work best for your property.

Get an Assessment

Before you start making changes to your landscape, it’s best to get an assessment from a professional. They’ll be able to assess the current state of your landscape and determine what changes need to be made for it to be more sustainable during the landscape installation and maintenance process.

Choose the Elements That Suit Your Property

Once you have an assessment, you’ll need to choose the elements that will work best for your property. Consider the climate and geography of your area, as well as your personal preferences.

Do You Want Perennials, Shrubs or Flowers?

If you want to add some colour and life to your landscape, you may want to consider planting some vegetables perennials, shrubs      or flowers. Choose plants that are native to your area and require minimal maintenance.

Do You Have Erosion or Flood Zones?

If your landscape is prone to erosion or flooding, you’ll need to take steps to prevent damage. Consider planting ground cover and adding retaining walls to help minimize the potential damage.

Are There Any Issues That Need to be Solved First?

Before you start making changes to your landscape, you’ll need to make sure any existing issues are addressed. If you have drainage or soil issues, you’ll need to take steps to fix them before you make any changes.

How Can Hank Deenen Landscaping Limited Help You?

At Hank Deenen Landscaping Limited, we’re committed to helping you create a beautiful and sustainable landscape. We can provide advice and assistance on making the switch to sustainable landscaping and help you create the perfect outdoor space.

Contact us today to learn more about our sustainable landscaping services in Toronto and to get started on making your landscape eco-friendlier.

05 Jan 2023
snow-removal-contract

The Types of Contracts for Snow Clearing in Toronto

Owning a commercial property can be a lucrative investment, but it can also be a tall order when it comes to keeping it looking pristine all year round. That’s where snow removal comes in – one of the most important tasks in keeping a commercial property looking its best. There are three types of snow removal contracts for commercial properties and snow clearing in Toronto.

Pay Per-Push

When you want the most flexibility from your snow removal contract, go with a pay-per-push service. With this type of contract, you pay the snow removal company based on the number of pushes they make to clear the property. This can be a great option for businesses that only need snow removal on an occasional basis, or for properties that are smaller in size.

Seasonal Contract (2 To 3-Year Agreement)

If you want to commit to a long-term snow removal contract, consider a seasonal contract. With a seasonal contract, you agree to have the property cleared for a certain number of months each year. This can be a great option for businesses that need regular snow removal, but don’t want to commit to a specific contract length.

Full-Service Seasonal Contract (Including Pre-Treatment Services)

If you want the best snow removal possible, go with a full-service seasonal contract. With this type of contract, you receive all the benefits of a seasonal contract, plus the added benefit of pre-treatment. This means that the snow removal company will treat the property and prep it before they start removing the snow, ensuring that it’s cleared of obstructions or valuable elements of your property safely and quickly.

Hank Deenen Landscaping Limited Snow Removal Service in Toronto

No matter what kind of snow removal contract you’re looking for, Hank Deenen Landscaping Limited is the perfect choice. We offer pay-per-push, seasonal contract, and full-service seasonal contract services, so we can accommodate any needs you have. Plus, our team is experienced and certified in the use of all types of snow removal equipment, so you can be sure that your property will be cleared safely and quickly. Contact us today to learn more and get a free consultation.