Articles
Our approach to landscape design, hardscape construction and getting the most out of your project.
Design considerations
A Landscape You Will Actually Use
We design your landscape to support the way you actually want to use your yard. Everything starts by asking the simple question "how do you want to use your yard?"
Making a Master Plan for Your Yard
Before you do any major landscaping, you need an overall plan for your yard. We can help you think that through.
Mistakes Homeowners Make in Landscape Planning
Landscaping work on your yard can easily end up haphazard and much more expensive than it needs to be. Here are some common errors to avoid.
If You Can't Predict the Future, Make Your Landscape Adaptable
It can be stressful trying to make landscape design choices, partly because we cannot perfectly predict what will work for us, now and in the future. One solution is to make your landscape adaptable.
Decks vs Patios – How to Choose
Decks and patios play a similar role in landscapes. This article helps you compare the two options.
3D Drawings for Landscaping Projects
Before turning over any soil in your landscaping project, you need a drawing. We use 3D rendering for this.
Construction and engineering
The Stone Base is the Most Important Aspect of Patio Durability
Most of the strength of a concrete paver surface comes from the base beneath the pavers. Learn about our approach to depth, materials and techniques for patio base construction.
Interlocking Bricks Adapt to Ground Movement
Winnipeg soil shifts a lot with the changing of seasons and the changing moisture levels within a season. The solution for hardscapes such as patios is to build with a flexible interlocking paver system.
Why Does Winnipeg's Ground Shift so Much?
Organic materials in the ground, like clay, absorb water and therefore expand. Given some time without rain, these same materials will dry out and shrink. In the winter the moisture freezes and expands.
Polymeric Sand: A Secret Ingredient for Nearly Maintenance-Free Patios, Walkways and Driveways
Weeds growing between paver joints or stones can be a drawback to paver or brick surfaces. Polymeric sand almost entirely solves this problem.
Geotextiles in Landscaping
Geotextiles have a long history in construction and have four main functions in modern landscaping: separation, filtration, reinforcement and drainage.
What Landscaping Fabric Does Under Your Patio
It's important to keep soil from mixing in with the base stone on a patio. For this, we use geotextiles, also known as landscaping fabrics.
Why Winnipeg's Soil is the Way It Is
Winnipeg sits on land that was once the bottom of the vast glacial Lake Agassiz. This has left a lasting legacy on the region's soil composition, significantly influencing modern construction, from roadways to patios.
Comparing Roman Roads to Concrete Pavers Used in Landscaping
Concrete paver systems used in landscaping are essentially a modernized version of what Roman engineers did 2000 years ago.
How Much Weight Can Concrete Pavers Support?
Concrete pavers are a robust and versatile solution for paving driveways and patios, especially well-suited for Winnipeg. A key aspect of their functionality is their ability to support significant weight.
Origins of Interlocking Paver Systems
The concept of an interlocking brick system dates back thousands of years. It's been refined ever since, resulting in the easy-to-install paving method common in landscaping today.
The Importance of Proper Yard Grading for Drainage
Grading is an essential part of landscaping. Done poorly it can lead to water damage to your house, problems with grass and a less usable yard.
Building a Patio on Disturbed Soil
Recently disturbed soil will settle for many years, causing problems for patios and walkways built on top of it. Learn how to identify areas of your yard that might have been disturbed recently and how we deal with it as landscaping contractors.
DIY Paver Patio Construction in Winnipeg
A guide to professional quality brick patio building for the DIY weekend warrior of Winnipeg.
Tempting Shortcuts You Do Not Want Your Landscaper to Take
This article explains some shortcuts that are very tempting in patio or walkway installation but cause problems years later if taken.
Materials
Choosing the Right Surface Material for a Patio in Winnipeg
Limestone, slate, concrete pavers, concrete slabs are all options for patio surfaces. Learn how to choose the right surface material for your Winnipeg landscaping.
What Are Concrete Pavers?
What are concrete pavers, how do they compare to other bricks and what are they used for?
Concrete Pavers vs Concrete Slabs for Winnipeg Landscaping Projects
Slab material cost is less per square foot, but paver installation labour cost is less, and paver durability is greater. We have this discussion with close to half of our customers. This article explains it all.
Pros and Cons of Concrete Pavers for Patios, Walkways and Driveways
This article explains why we love concrete pavers for landscaping in Winnipeg, and also acknowledges some of their downsides compared to other materials.
We Only Use Barkman Concrete Pavers
We've been working with the same great Winnipeg supplier of concrete pavers since we opened our doors in 1998.
Walkway Materials
This article is a run-down of your options for surface materials for your walkway: concrete pavers, slate, limestone and more. We can build with anything. All choices have their pros and cons for a walkway in Winnipeg.
What Stains Concrete Pavers
Concrete pavers are mostly a worry-free material, but some things can stain them.
History of Paving Stones
From Roman Roads to cobblestones to modern concrete pavers, paving stones have been around for thousands of years for good reason.
History of Concrete
Concrete has a long and storied history. Let's take a look at how concrete, especially in the form of pavers, has evolved over the years.
Where to Get Limestone in Manitoba
Limestone, a natural marvel in Winnipeg landscaping, holds a special place due to its rich geological history and unique composition. Formed from ancient marine sediments, this stone is not just a material but a slice of the Earth's past, offering both beauty and durability. This article explains where to get limestone for Winnipeg projects.
The Marine Origins of Manitoba's Limestone
Southern Manitoba, despite being landlocked and known for its vast fields and open skies, is home to an intriguing piece of marine history: limestone.
It Pays to Buy Pavers Made in Canada
Be cautious of the "great deals" to be found at big box stores south of the border. This article explains why we recommend Canadian-made pavers for use in Winnipeg.
What's Stronger: Bricks or Concrete Pavers?
If the primary concern is strength, especially for areas with heavy usage or load-bearing requirements like driveways, concrete pavers are the stronger choice than traditional bricks.
Project planning and execution
How to Choose a Winnipeg Landscaping Company
A guide to choosing a contractor for your landscaping in Winnipeg and what you can expect from Earthworks Landscaping.
Landscaping Project Survival Check List
Seven tips to make sure any landscaping project ends with smiles all around.
How Long Does It Take a Landscaping Company to Install a Patio?
This guide helps you estimate how long your patio installation project will take a professional contractor.
How Far in Advance You Need to Book a Landscaper in Winnipeg
The demand for landscaping services fluctuates throughout the season. This article will help you get an idea of wait times for bookings in spring, early summer, late summer and fall.
Maintenance and repair
Maintaining the Stonework on Your Patio
It is very easy to keep your concrete paver or natural stone patio looking its best. Here is how.
Patios and other Concrete Paver Surfaces Can Be Repaired and Restored
Concrete pavers are one of the easiest construction materials to fix. Learn about the types of failure and how we repair them.
Weeds Don't Grow Up from the Bottom, They Settle In from the Top
It's a common misconception that weeds grow up through joints on brick or paver surfaces. In reality, they settle in from the top. Understanding this helps us know what to do if weeds have taken root and how to avoid them in the first place.
Dealing with Weeds in an Older Patio or Walkway
How we clean up an older patio or walkway that is still solid and level, but has developed a lot of weeds in the joints.
The Closest Thing to Zero-Maintenance Landscaping
There is no such thing as a yard that does not require maintenance, but you can get pretty close. Here is our recommendation for a close to zero-maintenance landscape, while still being affordable and very pleasant.
Strategies for Low-Maintenance Landscaping
Low-maintenance landscaping is about making smart choices in the planning stage and implementing strategies that reduce the need for ongoing care.
Patio Installation Mistakes We Are Hired to Fix
We get at least a couple of jobs each year from people who originally hired a cheaper contractor and are wondering if we can correct the mistakes. Here are the most common errors we fix.
How to Clean Your Patio
If the colours of your patio are looking a bit dull, or if you have an accumulation of dirt or stains, here's what to do.
Costs
How Much Does a Patio Cost in Winnipeg? (2026 Guide)
It can be hard to get ballpark price estimates out of landscaping companies. This guide will help you calculate your own estimate. Updated for 2026.
How Much Does a Brick Walkway Cost in Winnipeg? (2026 Guide)
Our price guide for concrete paver walkways in 2026. Calculate your own ballpark estimate.
Residential Patio Repair Costs in Winnipeg (2026 Guide)
The clay sub-soil found in the Winnipeg area can be challenging. The good news is that if you have problems, concrete paver patios are easily repaired.
How Our Preliminary Landscaping Estimates by Email Work
Get a reasonably accurate preliminary estimate with very little effort. Nothing to schedule. No pressure from a salesperson. All by email.
Affordable Landscaping in Winnipeg
We specialize in truly affordable landscaping in Winnipeg, not done cheaply for the short-term but instead affordable and high-value over the long-term.
Cost-Effective Project Plans
By understanding these cost dynamics and making informed choices, you can ensure your landscaping project is both stunning and budget-friendly.
Labour vs. Material Costs
Labour is often the most significant cost in landscaping projects. Learn about how it compares to the material costs.
Walkway Repair Costs in Winnipeg (2026 Guide)
How much does it cost to repair a brick walkway in Winnipeg in 2026? Calculate your own ballpark estimate using this guide.
Concrete Paver Driveway Repair Costs in Winnipeg (2026 Guide)
How much does it cost to repair a concrete paver driveway in Winnipeg in 2026? Calculate your own ballpark estimate using this guide.
Home Value
Landscaping as an Investment
How much should you spend on your yard? The stats may say you should spend quite a lot on landscaping for home value purposes, but the real answer depends on your situation.
Selling Your House? Choose the Projects with the Best Return
Whether you are selling your house this year or twenty years down the road, the right landscaping projects can be a part of the plan to increase the value of your home.
Maximizing Your Property's Value with Trees
Studies suggest that properties with well-maintained trees can see an increase in value by as much as 15-20%.