Lawn care and maintenance covers the recurring work that keeps a yard looking presentable through the season: mowing, edging, trimming, fertilizing, weed control, aeration, dethatching, and fall or spring cleanups. Some companies also handle overseeding, grub control, and basic shrub trimming as part of a maintenance package. It's different from landscaping design or hardscaping, which involves one-time construction work like patios, retaining walls, or planting beds. Most homeowners in Ottawa hire lawn care on a weekly or biweekly contract from April through October, then bring in a separate crew (or the same one) for spring and fall cleanups.
We're tracking 88 companies offering this service across Ottawa, ranging from one-truck operators to larger crews running multiple routes. Quality varies more than people expect. A cheap mowing service that scalps the grass or shows up whenever it feels like it will cost you more in reseeding and repair than paying a bit more for a company that shows up on schedule and adjusts blade height for the weather.
When you're comparing companies, look at how they handle scheduling and rain delays, whether they carry liability insurance, whether pricing is per-visit or seasonal contract, and how they handle fertilizer and pesticide applications (Ontario has restrictions on cosmetic pesticide use, so legitimate companies use approved products and methods). Ask if they own their own equipment or subcontract, since subcontracted crews are harder to hold accountable.
Our ranked guide to the best lawn care and maintenance companies in Ottawa scores every business on factors like responsiveness, consistency of service, and how they handle complaints, not just star ratings. The full scoring approach is explained on our methodology page if you want to see how we weigh each factor.