Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! We are always growing and excited to add new customers to our team.  We can send someone over shortly to provide a free plan and quote for your new service.   Our calendar can become booked at certain times of the year but we have a priority service list that can usually add new accounts within 2-3 weeks or less.

Yes, you can! Contact us today to discuss your needs and budget.

Common lawn pests in Vancouver include:

European Chafer Beetles: These grubs feed on grass roots from late summer through spring. Signs include brown patches and disturbed turf from birds and animals digging for grubs. Control with nematode applications in July/August when soil temperatures are warm.

Crane Fly Larvae (Leatherjackets): These feed on grass roots in fall and spring. Look for thin, patchy areas and birds feeding on your lawn. Apply beneficial nematodes in early fall for best control.

For both pests, maintaining a thick, healthy lawn through proper fertilization, aeration, and overseeding is your best defense. Our integrated pest management program uses environmentally responsible methods to control these common Vancouver lawn pests.

Fall aeration, overseeding, and a final fertilizer treatment are key. Keeping leaves off your lawn also helps prevent mold and moss buildup during the rainy season.

Our mild, wet climate is perfect for moss growth, especially in shaded or compacted areas. Regular aeration, overseeding, and balanced fertilization help your grass outcompete moss naturally.

Spring and fall are ideal. A slow-release fertilizer in early spring helps grass recover after winter, and a fall application strengthens roots before the colder months.

Maintaining a new lawn is very important.  The first step is to mow it as soon as it is at the height you want to maintain it.  Do not let it grow 5-6 inches tall and then mow it down to 1.5 inches, this is very unhealthy for the grass plants.  First tug at the corners of the sod that has been laid.  It should be slightly rooted (attached) to the soil beneath after about 7 days (during the growing season).  Once it is starting to root you should mow the grass but only trim off the very tips of the grass blades.  The rule for cutting is never remove more than 1/3 of the grass blade.  New grass will grow very aggressively in the summer so it may require mowing more than once per week.  Also watering will be very important.  Water daily until the roots are established and then slowly reduce the frequency (and increase the duration).  When watering it is important to water deeply into the soil beneath the turf.

There are different benefits to both options.  With sod, there is more immediate solution, and it can be installed year-round.  Seed is a little more cost effective; however, does not give the reliable instant results that pre grown turf would provide.  If you plan on using seed, the lawn will need daily attention for several weeks to water the new seeds.  Plan on being patient for the seed to come in, gentle on it as it first establishes and water it daily.  Seed would not be recommended if you lawn is to be heavily trafficked by pets, pedestrians or other use while it is becoming established.

What makes West Coast Lawns different from other lawn care companies in Vancouver?

West Coast Lawns stands out in Vancouver's lawn care industry through our:

Local expertise: Our team has extensive knowledge of Vancouver's unique climate, soil conditions, and grass varieties that thrive in our region.

Customized approach: We don't offer one-size-fits-all packages. Each lawn receives a personalized care plan based on its specific conditions and your goals.

Sustainable practices: We emphasize environmentally responsible methods that build long-term soil and lawn health while minimizing ecological impact.

Comprehensive services: From installation to ongoing maintenance, we handle every aspect of lawn care with our own trained staff (no subcontractors).

Transparent communication: We provide detailed service reports, regular lawn assessments, and clear pricing without hidden fees.

Satisfaction guarantee: We stand behind our work with a commitment to your complete satisfaction on every service we provide.

Choose West Coast Lawns for a healthier, more beautiful lawn and an exceptional service experience from a company that truly understands Vancouver lawns.

Yes. In addition to regular mowing and care during spring and summer, we offer fall cleanups to prepare your yard for winter and spring services to get your garden and lawn ready for the growing season. Pairing this with our lawn maintenance ensures your property looks great all year long.

Absolutely. Whether your yard just needs light upkeep or a complete makeover after being neglected, our team can clear out overgrowth, trim back hedges, and restore your outdoor space to a healthy, maintained condition. If you’re tackling bigger projects, you may also benefit from our garden and yard maintenance services.

Yes, we bring all the professional tools, equipment, and supplies needed to complete the job. You won’t need to worry about providing anything. For more specialized care, such as hedge trimming, we also bring the proper tools to ensure precise, safe work.

Most clients choose weekly or bi-weekly visits during the growing season to keep things tidy, while monthly or seasonal cleanups work well for those who just need occasional help. We can customize a plan based on your property’s needs. If your focus is mainly the lawn, our lawn maintenance service might be a great fit.

The best lawn alternatives depend on your specific region and site conditions. The lawn care specialists at West Coast Lawns and Gardens can suggest which lawn alternative will work best for your property.

The most successful transitions happen gradually rather than all at once. Begin by carefully removing existing sod from your test area, then prepare the soil properly—this typically involves adding compost to improve soil structure and nutrients.

For most ground covers, follow specific spacing guidelines when planting to allow for proper growth and coverage. During the establishment period (usually the first growing season), consistent watering is crucial until plants develop strong root systems. Applying a light layer of mulch between plants helps suppress weeds while your alternative ground cover fills in.

While traditional lawns typically demand weekly mowing, frequent watering, fertilization, and weed control, most lawn alternatives require significantly less attention. Depending on your chosen alternative, you might eliminate mowing entirely or reduce it to just 1-2 times per year for some ground covers.

Water requirements vary by plant type but are generally much lower than conventional grass. For example, established thyme lawns in most Canadian regions need watering only during extended dry periods, while traditional lawns often require irrigation several times weekly during summer months.

Fertilization needs also decrease substantially. Many native ground covers thrive without additional fertilizers once established. Weed management differs too—while initial establishment might require diligent weeding, most dense ground covers naturally suppress weeds once they've filled in completely. Most lawn alternatives reach a maintenance "sweet spot" after 2-3 years, when they're fully established and require minimal intervention beyond occasional attention to edges and sparse areas.

Absolutely! For high-traffic areas, consider tough ground covers like microclover, which withstands foot traffic while staying green through summer heat. Creeping thyme varieties, particularly woolly thyme and red creeping thyme, also hold up well to moderate foot traffic while releasing a pleasant fragrance when stepped on.

For households with dogs, look to sturdy options like buffalo grass or a mix of fescues and microclover, which resist damage from pet activities better than delicate ground covers.

Shady locations, which challenge traditional grass, are perfect for alternatives like sweet woodruff, barren strawberry, or various sedge species. These thrive in low-light conditions where grass struggles.

For extremely dry areas or xeriscaping projects, consider white clover, which stays green with minimal water, or ornamental grasses like blue fescue that create visual interest with almost no irrigation once established. Mixing several compatible species for challenging areas to increase resilience—if one species struggles, others can fill in to maintain coverage.

The professionals at West Coast Lawns & Gardens can help recommend the best lawn alternative for your area.

Yes. The fixtures and transformers typically come with manufacturer warranties (often 5 years or longer on LEDs). West Coast Lawns and Gardens also stands behind their installation, so you can feel confident in your investment.

Yes. All lighting systems are installed using low-voltage wiring that is safe for outdoor use and complies with electrical codes. Proper installation ensures long-term safety and reliability.

Not by much. Modern landscape lighting typically uses low-voltage LED fixtures that consume very little power. You’ll get beautiful illumination without a noticeable spike in energy costs.

West Coast Lawns and Gardens uses professional-grade, weather-resistant fixtures designed to handle heavy rain and damp conditions. The wiring and connections are also installed with waterproofing in mind, so you can count on reliable performance year-round.

The timing of hedge trimming in Vancouver, Canada varies by season and hedge type. Spring is ideal for light shaping after flowering has occurred. Summer calls for regular maintenance trimming at consistent intervals to maintain shape and control growth.

Fall is the time for heavier pruning, but it's best to complete this after October 1st to avoid stimulating new growth that won't harden off before winter. Winter trimming should be minimal and weather-dependent, as harsh conditions can damage freshly cut branches.

For specific hedge varieties, timing differs slightly: - Cedar hedges benefit from regular trimming throughout the growing season - Flowering hedges like lilac should be trimmed after they've finished blooming - Privet hedges typically need trimming twice annually, in spring and late summer - Yew hedges generally require only one annual trimming

Remember that local climate variations across Canadian provinces may require adjustments to this schedule. In coastal areas like British Columbia, the milder climate may allow for a longer trimming season than in the Prairie provinces.

First you must identify the type of hedge that you want to trim.  This will dictate your ability to cut it back and how much of a reduction is necessary.  Some plants will endure a heavy cut and others need to be treated more delicately.  Once you know what plant you are dealing with, use sharp, well maintained trimming tools to cut the plant back.  You should cut the plant back to where it has space to grow for the next year.  Then you can maintain the hedge at that size each year and keep the plant healthy by not removing too much plant material.

Different hedge varieties require specific trimming approaches to maintain their health and appearance. For cedar hedges for example, which are among the most common in Canada, trim only the soft, green growth and avoid cutting into the woody stems, as they won't regenerate. Maintain a slight taper with the base wider than the top to ensure sunlight reaches all parts of the hedge.

Yew hedges require careful handling as they're poisonous—always wear gloves and eye protection. They can be cut back more severely than cedars since they'll regenerate from old wood, making them forgiving for beginners.

For all hedge types, make clean cuts at a slight angle to prevent water from pooling on cut surfaces, which can lead to disease. Always step back periodically while trimming to ensure you're maintaining an even, balanced shape throughout the hedge.

Yes, our pressure washing solutions effectively remove moss, algae, and mildew.

Yes—we use the right pressure and techniques for safe cleaning of your home's siding. 

We clean driveways, patios, decks, siding, and more.