A new yard is not finished when the crew leaves. The first twelve months decide how it looks for the next ten years.
Water, seriously
New sod, new trees and new shrubs are all working on root systems that do not yet reach far. This is the one season where consistent watering is not optional.
Expect small settlement
A few millimetres of movement in hardscape over the first winter is normal. Anything beyond that is worth a call — on our work, that is ours to fix.
Joints
Check polymeric joints after the first winter and top up anything that has worn, especially on a plowed driveway.
Do not over-fertilise
New planting does not need feeding in its first season; it needs water and time. Fertiliser pushes top growth that roots cannot yet support.
Winter one
Stake the property before the first snow, keep salt off new stone and away from new planting, and pile snow where it will not sit on beds.
Read next
Spring checklist for a GTA property
Eleven things to do between the thaw and the first cut, in the order that matters.
ReadFall checklist: what to do before the ground freezes
Nine jobs in October and November that are cheap now and expensive in May.
ReadHow winter damages hardscape, and how to prevent it
Plow shoes, salt, snow piles and the spring repair bill nobody budgets for.
ReadFree estimate
Planning something like this?
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