Irrigation and outdoor lighting get grouped together because the same crews usually handle both, and the work overlaps: trenching, low-voltage wiring, backflow prevention, and tying everything into a controller or smart timer. In Markham, that means designing a sprinkler system around clay-heavy soil and freeze-thaw winters, or running lighting along interlock walkways and gardens so it holds up outdoors year-round without becoming a maintenance headache.
What the work actually covers
A typical irrigation job includes zone design (how many heads per zone, drip vs. spray for garden beds vs. lawn), pipe and valve installation, a backflow preventer to meet local code, and a controller that can be adjusted or run on wifi. Lighting work covers transformer sizing, cable runs, fixture placement for paths, steps, trees, and architectural features, and making sure everything is rated for Markham's winters. Spring start-up and fall winterization (blowing out the lines with compressed air) are recurring services, not one-time jobs.
What to check before hiring
Ask whether the company pulls permits where required, who handles the backflow test (some municipalities require a certified tester), and what the warranty covers on both parts and labor. Get a zone map or lighting plan in writing, not just a verbal quote, so you know exactly what's being installed and where.
How we score these companies
Our ranking weighs the practical stuff: response time, clarity of quotes, licensing and insurance, workmanship on past jobs, and how they handle seasonal service like winterization. Full detail on how we weight each factor is on our methodology page. For the complete ranked list across all landscaping categories in the area, see the best landscapers in Markham guide.
