Why November is the Best Month to Start Your Spring 2026 Landscape Design
As we settle into late November in Toronto, the days are getting shorter and the patios are packed away. Naturally, looking at your backyard right now probably inspires more thoughts of hibernation than renovation.
But here is the industry secret that separates homeowners who enjoy their new garden in May from those who are still waiting for permits in August: The best backyards are built in the spring, but they are designed in the winter.
If you are dreaming of a transformation for next year, understanding the landscape design timeline in Toronto is critical. Here is why starting the process right now—before the holiday season fully hits—is the smartest investment you can make for Spring 2026.
The Myth of the "April Call"
There is a common misconception among homeowners that the landscaping process begins when the snow melts.
The reality? By the time the ground thaws in April, top-tier design/build firms are often already booked through mid-summer. If you wait until the first warm weekend of spring to pick up the phone, you are likely looking at a construction start date of September or October.
Booking landscapers for Spring 2026 needs to happen now. By securing your spot in the design queue in November, you utilize the "downtime" of winter to handle the paperwork, maximizing the construction season for actual building.
The "Hidden Timeline" of a Luxury Build
A high-end landscape renovation isn't just about digging a hole and planting a hedge. It is a construction project that requires engineering, city compliance, and material fabrication.
Here is what the timeline actually looks like for a standard Toronto backyard renovation:
1. The Design Phase (4–8 Weeks)
Timing: December – January Great design is iterative. We need to survey your property, create 3D renderings, and refine the layout to fit your lifestyle. Doing this in the winter allows us to take our time without the pressure of a construction crew waiting in your driveway.
2. The Permit Bottleneck (6–12 Weeks)
Timing: January – March This is the biggest variable in the landscape design timeline in Toronto. Depending on your property, you may need:
Tree Protection Permits: If you (or your neighbor) have a mature tree, we need to establish Tree Protection Zones (TPZ).
Zoning Certificates: For structures like pergolas or cabanas.
Committee of Adjustment: If you want to exceed lot coverage limits. City of Toronto offices often experience backlogs. Submitting your applications in January puts you at the front of the line before the spring rush hits City Hall.
3. Material Procurement & Fabrication (4–8 Weeks)
Timing: March – April At Tekton, we specialize in custom metalwork and specific natural stones.
Custom Metal: Our Corten steel planters and privacy screens are made to measure. They require lead time for laser cutting and fabrication.
Natural Stone: Specific cuts of limestone or flagstone are often quarried to order. By ordering these materials in late winter, we ensure they are sitting in our yard, ready to go, the moment the frost leaves the ground.
The Financial Benefit of Winter Planning
Beyond just timing, backyard renovation planning in November offers financial clarity.
Material prices often increase annually in the spring. By finalizing your design and signing a contract in the winter, you can often lock in 2025 pricing for 2026 materials. Furthermore, it gives you months to plan your finances accurately, rather than making rushed decisions on expensive finishes in the heat of the moment.
The Goal: Construction Start in May, Enjoyment by July
If you start the design process today, here is your projected schedule:
Nov/Dec: Consultation and Concept Design.
Jan/Feb: Final Design Approval and Permit Submission.
March/April: Material Fabrication and Scheduling.
May: Construction Begins.
If you wait until March to start? Shift that whole timeline back four months. You would likely be breaking ground in September, leaving you with a construction zone for the entire summer.
Don’t Wait for the Thaw
Your backyard should be your sanctuary, not a source of stress. By starting the conversation now, you ensure that when the warm weather finally returns to Toronto, you’ll be ready to break ground.
Ready to beat the rush? Contact Tekton Landscapes today to book your November consultation and secure your slot for a Spring 2026 build.