Do they subcontract work or do it in-house?

They do not subcontract. Ralph and Cynthia handle every detail themselves because they care about their reputation.

Will they come back after the job is done?

Yes. Ralph returns to check on settlement and durability, and one reviewer mentioned he said he would come back in spring to inspect his work.

How detailed is their estimate and contract?

Very detailed. One client received a quote listing nine specific steps, price, timeframe, warranty, and terms for additional work; the contract is emailed for review before work starts.

Landscaping Barrie, TOUGH OAKS Ralph J Young

Updated 2026-08-16 · 21,432 reviewed · 1,236 listed · Scored from 40 Google reviews · How we rank ›

5.0(40) 86 composite score See reviews on Google ✓ Google-verified

Lawn Care & MaintenanceHardscaping & InterlockingLandscape Design & InstallationTree ServicesLicensed & InsuredEco-Friendly & Organic PracticesSnow Removal

Landscaping Barrie, TOUGH OAKS Ralph J Young

Services: Lawn Care & Maintenance, Hardscaping & Interlocking, Landscape Design & Installation
Reviews: 40

What recent reviews say

Reviewers consistently highlight exceptional stonework and design paired with hands-on service from Ralph and Cynthia themselves. They arrive on time, explain their work clearly, source materials cost-effectively, and return to check on finished projects. Their attention to slope, drainage, and edge details is notable; multiple reviews mention Ralph's meticulous base preparation and protective measures during installation. Clients value their transparency in contracts and willingness to suggest design improvements. The five-star record across 40 reviews and their claim of 35 years in business reflect a strong reputation for durability and customer care.

Praised for

attention to detail and craftsmanship
responsive communication
reasonable pricing for quality
handle work in-house, no subcontracting
follow-up and aftercare

punctualreliableskilled-crewattention-to-detailgreat-resultsresponsiveprofessional-crewgood-valuequality-materials

Best for: Homeowners seeking long-lasting hardscaping and design who value transparency, hands-on craftsmanship, and detailed follow-up.

Strengths

Do all work themselves, no subcontracting
Meticulous base preparation and slope work for proper drainage
Return visits to monitor settlement and durability
Transparent detailed contracts and upfront communication

Worth knowing

Ralph and Cynthia do all work themselves and never subcontract
Ralph returns after completion to monitor settlement and check for frost or water issues
Base preparation includes layered crushed rock and screenings, tamped thoroughly for drainage
Ralph used protective tarps and a hair dryer to manage polymeric sand in cold, wet weather conditions
One multi-year client had them restore sinking pavers on a porch, restore stone at the home's front, repair drainage, and later replace a deck with a 15 x 16-foot patio with upgraded foundation
They arrange utility checks before starting work and handle utility locates themselves
They suggest design improvements and work around existing features like trees to avoid damage

What reviews say by service

Hardscaping & Interlocking: Reviewers repeatedly praise pavers set evenly despite natural stone variation, proper slope for drainage, and long-term durability with detailed base work.
Landscape Design & Installation: Clients describe design vision being understood, creative suggestions offered, and integration of plants and stone features together with strong visual results.
Tree Services: One reviewer noted Ralph ensured patio work around a tree safely to avoid damage and preserve shade.
Licensed & Insured: Their website states they are licensed and insured; one review confirms they arrange utility checks and handle bylaw compliance.

How it compares

Rated 5 against a 4.7 average across the 510 landscape design & installation businesses listed here.
Has more Google reviews than 73% of the businesses in this directory.

How we scored this

Scoring Method

Star rating 91

Review volume 70

Review recency 100

Review sentiment 81

Profile completeness 100

Verification 30

Rating breakdown

Common questions

Do they subcontract work or do it in-house?: They do not subcontract. Ralph and Cynthia handle every detail themselves because they care about their reputation.
Will they come back after the job is done?: Yes. Ralph returns to check on settlement and durability, and one reviewer mentioned he said he would come back in spring to inspect his work.
How detailed is their estimate and contract?: Very detailed. One client received a quote listing nine specific steps, price, timeframe, warranty, and terms for additional work; the contract is emailed for review before work starts.