How May We Help?

MacIntosh Landscaping has been serving clients for 56 years. We started as MacIntosh Lawn Service in 1965 and incorporated in 1976.

Truro, Bible Hill and Brookfield. For larger jobs, we will travel between Pictou County and Elmsdale.

We stand behind our workmanship. Plant material is guaranteed to be true to name and in good health when installed.

There are so many plants to choose from, how do I know which ones are suitable for my location? Choosing the right plant for the right space will ensure the best health for the plant and allow the plant the space it requires to flourish and provide you with many years of enjoyment. Remember when choosing plants there are many things to consider:

• First you should consider the type of plant you want.
  • Annual: These plants are usually referred to as flowers. The plants provide seasonal color and will only last one season and must be replanted each year.
  • Perennial: Herbaceous plants that provide color and texture to a garden but usually die back each year and comes up again the following season.
  • Deciduous Plants: This group of plants shed their leaves each season. Common plants in this group include a vast array of trees and shrubs of various sizes , form and color
  • Broadleaf Evergreens: These are plants such as rhododendrons that normally have showy flowers at some time during the growing season, produce a showy fruit in the fall and retain their leaves (and sometimes fruit) through the winter.
  • Evergreen: This group if plants will keep their foliage year-round and include some of the commonly known plants such as pine, spruce, fir, etc.
• Does the plant require sun or shade?
• How tall does it get?
• How wide does it get?
• What type of soil does the plant prefer?
• What climatic zone that the plant suited for?
  • Every plant on the planet will fall into a climatic hardiness zone between 1-10. Zone 1 are the hardiest plants for our locations and zone 10 plants are tropical in nature and are NOT suitable for our 4-season climate. The plant hardiness zone for our region is between 5-6. This means you should choose plants between zone 1-6.
• What is the use for the plant?
  • Shade
  • Wind screen
  • Flower colour
  • Fragrant flowers
  • Privacy
  • Focal point/accent plant

Once you choose the plant you will need to install it in the proper growing media and provide it with adequate nutrients and moisture to ensure the best health for the plant so the plant can provide you with the beauty and functionality you desire.

MacIntosh landscaping can offer assistance in choosing the right plant for the right place and also provide installation and maintenance services so all you have to do is sit back and watch the plant grow while enjoying the new space the plant creates.

Yes, we offer a full range of design and build services. Design services involve a consultation, site analysis and scaled CAD drawings. Pricing is based on the scope of the project.

There are four things you can do to help improve your soil:

• A Soil Test provides a baseline for soil nutrient requirements. Laboratory Services will conduct an analysis of your soil to let you know exactly what your soil is lacking in your garden, lawn, flowerbeds and fields. Samples can be dropped off at the Harlow Institute on the Dalhousie Campus, College Road, Bible Hill. They can provide with soil test boxes. There is a small charge for each sample.
• Balancing PH by addition of limestone as verified by soil test.
• Improving the soil structure by cultivation of soil (without disturbing tree and shrub roots) and adding soil amendments such as quality compost, peat moss, sand or other amendments.
• Apply a good quality mulch that encourages natural nutrient cycling and water infiltration.

We can build fences, shade structures, timber walls and small decks. Deck projects and shade structures are often included as part of a complete back yard project.

Yes, you should you should apply a premium (preferably clear) wood preservative or water sealer to your project according to manufacturer's specifications. Most manufactures suggest seasoning the wood for one year before applying.

Not necessarily, you can have a beautiful walk either way, however, one major advantage to a brick paver walk is that if you get heaving or settling (which is a common occurrence in our climate) a concrete walk may crack and repairs can be difficult. On the other hand, a brick walkway that heaves/ settles can simply have the bricks removed the base repaired and the bricks put back in place.

Yes, now a days, pavers come in various styles which are suitable for driveways. Having the proper base preparation and choosing pavers that are a min of 80mm in thickness are recommended for vehicles.

No, our price will include supply and installation. We supply all materials and equipment to perform a completed project.

The most common include:

• Small ponds
• Streams
• Dry streams and
• Rain Gardens

A dry stream is a landscape feature that is designed to catch overflow water during specific times of year when runoff is a problem.

More simply, it is a trench that is lined with fabric and rock. Ideally a dry stream is designed to look like a natural stream. Placing larger boulders and softening with plants creates a beautiful addition to a landscape.

A few ideas include:

• Retaining walls
• Walkways
• Patios
• Accent rocks (Boulders)
• Steps
• Benches
• Tables

As a rule, yes. Many stone products are imported, making shipping costs high. Natural stone often needs to be handled by hand, so it is more labor intensive to install. It is often inconsistent in thickness, adding to the increased labor costs. This material can be made easier to handle by having it precut, adding to the cost of the stone making.

PROS:

• Most types of stone will last a lifetime.
• Colour does not fade with time.

CONS:

• More expensive to buy.
• More labor intent to install.
• Inconsistent thickness.
• Some stone is slippery when wet and careful consideration should be given to its intended use.

Retaining walls are outdoor walls that, as the name implies, hold something back—namely, soil. In a yard, they are often somewhere around 2 to 4 feet tall, but the height can vary depending on the purpose and structural needs.

• To prevent erosion
• To alter the landscape by allowing for a grade change to provide more flat space in a yard that can be used for a lawn, garden, parking area, install a patio / deck or a pool, etc.)
• To create different levels or terraces on a slope for aesthetic purposes, a tiered garden, etc.
• To divert water runoff
• To replace a failing retaining wall that's cracking, bulging, or leaning
• To add a seating area to your outdoor entertaining space

Retaining walls can be constructed of natural stone, wood, concrete or manufactured retaining wall blocks. Each of these products come in a vast array of colors and sizes that are suitable for individual applications. Retaining walls can be used for structural and aesthetic applications.

A retaining wall is commonly used to retain soil and depending on how high the wall needs to be will determine the product that is best suited to the project. Wood retaining walls are generally the lowest-cost material, but they tend to be the weakest and have the shortest lifespan. Whichever material you choose, there will be plenty of options for designing the look of your retaining wall, between all the types of wood, stains, and many types of natural and veneered stone.

Proper base preparation, planning and choosing the right product for the wall application are the keys to a successful wall.

We can tailor a maintenance program to suit your needs and budget. Set up an appointment to discuss your needs and we compose an itemized estimate for services. Services can be a one-time visit or regular scheduled visits throughout the growing season.

Yes, mowing contracts normally run from May – October on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. Weekly contracts start as low as $60.00 per week.

Aeration services are usually completed during our spring clean-up period and can be combined as a package with other services to suit your budget.

Yes, we offer lawn health programs which include regular fertilizing and liming of your lawn. Seasonal packages are available.