--- title: "TOUGH OAKS LANDSCAPING — Landscape Contractors | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-contractors/tough-oaks-landscaping-pfvwus-pf~1738985200 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1738985200.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "TOUGH OAKS LANDSCAPING" category: ["Landscape Contractors"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/51b3b9f20938bb5d_5237-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "Barrie, Ontario L4M2M6, Canada" latitude: 44.3631 longitude: -79.6118 phone: "(705) 606-9450" website: https://toughoakslandscaping.com/ rating: 5 review_count: 13 best_of_houzz_awards: 5 followers: 5 last_updated: 2026-09-07 --- # TOUGH OAKS LANDSCAPING Original Houzz profile: [TOUGH OAKS LANDSCAPING](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-contractors/tough-oaks-landscaping-pfvwus-pf~1738985200) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Landscape Contractors - **Location:** Barrie, ON - **Serves:** Angus, Barrie, Essa Township, Innisfil, Midhurst, Minesing, New Listowel, Oro-Medonte, Shanty Bay, Simcoe County, Snow Valley, Springwater, Thornton - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (13 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 5 awards (2018–2026), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Recommended on Houzz - 250 Ideabook Saves - Locally owned - Eco-friendly - Budget friendly 5 Star, award winning, top-rated Barrie landscaping company, TOUGH OAKS Ralph J Young offering 5 yr warranty on hardscape landscaping Barrie & area services: curb appeal, stunning landscape design & solid built steps, outdoor kitchen, patio, walkway, interlocking installation experts (surpassing the 1 yr warranty set by Landscape Ontario). Located in Barrie, ON Canada with 30 years experience specializing in hardscape landscaping, this family owned & operated local business creates one of a kind, custom front yard, & backyard landscape design & garden design, site excavation, proprietary developed procedural preparation & skilled stone cutting handcrafted, with artistic placement to last the test of time. Go green with the added benefits of interlock pavers as a welcome alternative to toxic asphalt driveways. With hands on installation by the "A" team on all our projects we ensure the highest quality control & total customer satisfaction. All of our clients have always been over joyed with their final master piece. Design & build landscape company for Simcoe County, ON, Barrie, ON, Midhurst, ON, Minesing, ON, Snow Valley, ON, Springwater, ON, Angus, ON, New Listowel, ON, Thornton, ON, Innisfil, ON ### Services Provided - Landscape Construction - Hardscaping - Landscape Maintenance - Patio Construction - Garden Design - Paver Installation - Outdoor Kitchen Construction - Mulching - Landscape Design - Driveway installation - Interlocking Driveway & walkway installation - Professional stair installation - Stair installation - interlocking design & installation - outdoor kitchen design - professional driveway installation - professional step installation ### Areas Served - Angus - Barrie - Essa Township - Innisfil - Midhurst - Minesing - New Listowel - Oro-Medonte - Shanty Bay - Simcoe County - Snow Valley - Springwater - Thornton ### Typical Job Cost CAD 10,000 - CAD 200,000 CAD 10,000 - CAD 200,000 ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | TOUGH OAKS LANDSCAPING | | Address | Barrie, Ontario L4M2M6, Canada | | Phone | (705) 606-9450 | | Website | https://toughoakslandscaping.com/ | | Followers on Houzz | 5 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https:/www.facebook.com/LandscapingBarrie/ - X (Twitter) — https://twitter.com/ToughOaks - LinkedIn — www.linkedin.com/in/toughoakslandscaping-ralph-j-young/6086bb122 - Blog — https://www.toughoakslandscaping.com/ ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [TOUGH OAKS LANDSCAPING](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-contractors/tough-oaks-landscaping-pfvwus-pf~1738985200) - **Website:** https://toughoakslandscaping.com/ - **Phone:** (705) 606-9450 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - Best of Houzz 2026, 2025, 2020, 2019, 2018 Service Awards - 2025 Winner of Communities Choice Landscaping Barrie - Trusted Pros Top Landscaping Award Barrie 2018, 2016 - Top Rated Barrie Landscape Company, Three Best Rated - 5 Star Rated by reviews, Trusted Pros Barrie, Google - Communities in Bloom Barrie Aw - **Best of Houzz:** 5 awards (2018–2026), for Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 13 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 50.0 - Communication: 50.0 - Value: 50.0 ### Reviews **★★★★★ — Marlene Marchand, July 2026** > I couldn't be happier with the incredible transformation Ralph and Cynthia at Tough Oaks Landscaping created for my front entrance. They took my dated, tired-looking entrance and completely transformed it into a beautiful, welcoming space that has exceeded all of my expectations. > What really sets them apart, though, is the kind of people they are. Ralph and Cynthia are genuinely kind, honest, and caring. They made the entire experience enjoyable and stress-free, and I truly looked forward to our conversations throughout the project. It felt like working with friends who genuinely cared about making sure everything was perfect. > I've received so many compliments from neighbours and friends, and I couldn't be more grateful for their hard work. If you're looking for a landscaping company that delivers outstanding quality while treating you with warmth, respect, and professionalism, I wholeheartedly recommend Tough Oaks Landscaping. Thank you, Ralph and Cynthia, for creating a front entrance that I'll enjoy for years to come! **★★★★★ — Diane Forsyth, April 2026** > Tough Oaks Landscaping is reasonably priced and they are very knowledgeable and good at communication. Ralph and Cynthia were a pleasure to work with. They were good at communication and had creative ideas. I highly recommend them. **★★★★★ — HU-475834968, Nov. 2025** > If you are looking for competent professional stone landscaping services, Ralph and Cynthia at Tough Oaks is your choice. > I wanted to replace a chipped stone step and re-seal our walkway. > They provided me with great options and went above and beyond my expectations. They even threw in some mulch to make things look even better! > Save yourself time, hassle, and money. > You won't be sorry choosing Tough Oaks. > > Carl Nowlin **Comment from TOUGH OAKS LANDSCAPING:** > Thank you for choosing Barrie Landscaping services through Tough Oaks Landscaping for interlock restoration, re-set and relay services bringing quality, safety, value and beauty back to your interlock steps and walkways. It was truly a pleasure to complete this project for such a responsible and caring homeowner as yourself. **★★★★★ — Debbie Roberts, July 2025** > About three years ago, I hired Tough Oaks to replace the basic builder block and path at the front of my house with a custom stone porch, steps, garden, and walkway (a picture of this is posted on this review forum). From the start, they impressed me with their detailed quote and the care they put into every aspect of the project. They went above and beyond my expectations and delivered a front porch and steps I love so much that I wrote then I wouldn’t trust anyone else with hard landscaping. > This year, true to my word, I called Tough Oaks again when it was time to replace my small, broken wooden backyard deck with a patio. Once again, they exceeded my expectations in every way. They tore down the old deck, removed all debris and concrete footings, and excavated nearly 12 inches down for the 15 x 16-foot patio—then added an extra foot to accommodate a gazebo I only casually mentioned wanting. > They wheeled in tons of crushed rock aggregate and built the foundation layer by layer, tamping each one until it was rock solid. To save me space, they suggested raising the patio height to eliminate the need for a step, improving both function and appearance. They laid high-performance bedding for proper drainage and precise grading and even corrected an old grading issue near the house, carefully measuring to create a very subtle slope that directs water away from the foundation and off the patio. > Their craftsmanship continued with the installation of interlocking pavers, which they double sealed to maintain their durability, and they upgraded the patio with beautiful decorative stone. Every piece was painstakingly set so the surface remains even and safe—despite the stones’ natural variation—making it practical for shoveling in winter and safe for foot traffic. They even went so far as to remove a useless old vent, bricking over the hole left behind so well that you’d never know it was ever there, except that their work was neater than the original bricklaying! And they did all of this within the original contract—never cutting corners, always doing what’s best for the client and the project. > Tough Oaks never subcontracts their work. They handle every detail themselves because they care deeply about their reputation and the quality of what they build. They are true artisans—refusing shortcuts, even when I offered them to do what was easiest for them. Their integrity, skill, and commitment to customer satisfaction are remarkable, and for the level of craftsmanship they deliver, their pricing is very reasonable. > Tough Oaks builds landscapes to last. Whatever you hire them to do, you’ll enjoy it for years and likely see a return on your investment when it comes time to sell. And best of all, they’re genuinely wonderful people. > I can’t recommend Tough Oaks highly enough. If you want the job done right the first time, this is the company you want to hire. **Comment from TOUGH OAKS LANDSCAPING:** > It is our aim to please our clients, and make a positive change in their world. Thank you for your trust in our landscaping services at Landscaping Barrie, Tough Oaks Ralph J Young. We hope that the new custom backyard raised patio that we created for you will bring you years of enjoyment of outdoor living, entertainment, and fond memories with family, friends and loved ones. As a repeat client we can't thank you enough for your support of our landscaping team and the art of hardscape stonework landscaping in the Simcoe County, Barrie, Ontario area. We look forward to posting upcoming photos of your unique decorating style now that you have your platform canvas to work on. **★★★★★ — Terry and Carlene Noseworthy, Dec. 2024** > Thanks so much to Ralph and Cynthia for the great work you did in repairing the stonework at the front of our house including removing, cleaning and reinstalling as much of the stone as possible, reinforcing the structure as needed, and adjusting the slope of the walkway to ensure better drainage and less erosion due to buildup of water and ice. Ralph also installed a better draining system from the downspout at the side of the house and did an excellent job installing new stone between the walkway and our paved driveway. We’re so pleased with the maintenance work that it makes us wish that we had known them in 2006 because we’re sure that if they had done the original work, none of the subsequent maintenance and adjustments would have been necessary. We highly recommend them to anyone looking for landscaping work to be done. **Comment from TOUGH OAKS LANDSCAPING:** > Thank you for choosing Tough Oaks Landscaping, and Thank you for taking the time to leave a review of your experience with our landscaping team. With you taking on the role of the responsible homeowner and completing important home maintenance, your beautiful structure was restoration worthy. We are happy to offer the landscaping service of Interlock repair work of significant existing stonework, because it is satisfying to revitalize the structure and curb appeal of important areas for safety such as steps and walkways, knowing that our team is making it safe again & improving the longevity & endurance of the design. At landscaping Barrie, Tough Oaks, Ralph J Young team we find it is an important service to be able to offer as an alternative to starting new, when it is logistically possible to do so. We customize our work, as you discovered by working with our landscaping team, we offer the best solution for each individual issue at hand. With our more than 30 years of interlock building experience of steps, walkways, patios, garden bed retaining walls & interlock driveways, our precision based team at Landscaping Barrie, TOUGH OAKS Ralph J Young have the know how and expertise to be able to complete interlock repairs of even complicated curving interlock features, & improve the diversion of water run off. **★★★★★ — macinsu, July 2024** > Thank you Ralph and Cynthia! This dynamic duo did an amazing job on my front porch. They listened well and understood my vision and even enhanced it with some well thought out suggestions. They work hard and great together! (I could never work with my husband!) Everyone just loves the stonework and steps and I truly enjoy sitting and having my early morning coffee on it. My 1960's backsplit has been transformed beautifully. Thank you! **★★★★★ — Karen Elliott, Jan. 2024** > Tough Oaks Landscaping transformed the front steps and walkway of my home. Ralph and Cynthia are meticulous and their attention to detail was incredible. They collaborated with me so they understood what the look I wanted and offered valuable suggestions and design options. I can't say enough positive about them and their work. Absolutely amazing. **Comment from TOUGH OAKS LANDSCAPING:** > Thank you for choosing our landscaping team. Having the opportunity to be your landscape contractors, allowed us to be active participants in the journey of your home's transition into the beautiful retreat that it now is. Your kindness and co-operation truly inspired us to go above and beyond. It was a pleasure to work for you and a joy to get to know you. **★★★★★ — HU-400580449, Jan. 2021** > We hired Ralph and Cynthia to replace our wooden back stairs with stone steps and an enlarged patio. We were more than satisfied with the results. Their design was artistic and well conceived, they worked long hours with meticulous attention to detail, consulting with us frequently to ensure that they were in accord with our intention for the project. We have no hesitation in recommending Tough Oaks, they have integrity, vision, and a deep commitment to their craft. > Michael Peterson and Joy Packham, Barrie, ON **Comment from TOUGH OAKS LANDSCAPING:** > Thank you. It was an honour & a pleasure to complete these majestic stone steps, & patio for such kind people. **★★★★★ — Nicholas Smith, July 2019** > Fantastic experience with Ralph and Cynthia. They were diligent, informative, knowledgeable, and kept us apprised of everything throughout the entire project. They were fair and honest with costs and given the final result, we are incredibly happy we chose them to take on this project for us. The curb appeal of our home has undoubtedly increased thanks to Tough Oaks. Would absolutely recommend them for any landscaping project. **Comment from TOUGH OAKS LANDSCAPING:** > Thank you. It was a pleasure creating this landscaping project for you and your family. **★★★★★ — Shannon MacIntyre, May 2018** > Ralph and his team were awesome! > From the initial meeting through to subsequent meetings, Ralph listened to what I wanted in design and on budget. Although he recommended certain things, they were not insisted on, only suggested. > The entire Tough Oaks team was courteous, transparent, honest and friendly. The job site was tidied up every night and during construction, the material was contained and piled neatly. > Ralph took extra care when I had questions and always took the time to communicate with me and make sure that I was comfortable. > as a result of this job, I have asked Ralph to quote on my backyard next ;) > I would highly recommend Tough Oaks. **Comment from TOUGH OAKS LANDSCAPING:** > Thank you. We were happy to be of service for your landscaping, front entrance, patio, steps, & walkway project. **★★★★★ — Matthew Ruttan, July 2017** > Tough Oaks did a job for us in our backyard. From out of the gate, Ralph was professional, explained things in a way I could understand, and did first class work. My wife and I were super happy with them, and we'll definitely call on them for our next project. **Comment from TOUGH OAKS LANDSCAPING:** > Thank you. It was an honour to complete your landscaping project for you and your family. **★★★★★ — Laura Ruttan, July 2017** > Ralph from Tough Oaks Landscaping oozed professionalism from our very first meeting. As soon as we contacted him, he quickly came for a no pressure quote. We knew right away that Ralph was someone we could trust to get the job done. He fulfilled all his promises in terms of quality of work, time lines and budgets. Ralph worked hard; we felt the price he charged was very reasonable. We would hire Ralph again in a heartbeat. **Comment from TOUGH OAKS LANDSCAPING:** > Thank you. It was great to be able to complete your landscaping project. ## Selected projects - [Modern Front Entrance Steps, Bistro Patio](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-front-entrance-steps-bistro-patio-pj-vj~7883967) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 8 - [Front Entrance Steps Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/front-entrance-steps-renovation-pj-vj~7569062) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 1 - [accent border on patio](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/accent-border-on-patio-pj-vj~7569040) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 6 - [outdoor kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/outdoor-kitchen-pj-vj~7371505) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 3 - [Patio](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/patio-pj-vj~6197411) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 17 - Description: patio, Landscaping Barrie, TOUGH OAKS Ralph J Young, lakeside destination, \#landscapingbarrie, \#landscaping, \#outdoorspace - [Front Door Steps](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/front-door-steps-pj-vj~7150621) - Location: Barrie, ON - Photos: 4 - [Entrance, Front Yard, Modern Landscaping](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/entrance-front-yard-modern-landscaping-pj-vj~6699490) - Location: Barrie, ON - Photos: 3 - [Front Entrance, Modern](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/front-entrance-modern-pj-vj~6699486) - Location: Barrie, ON - Photos: 3 - [Patio](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/patio-pj-vj~6618818) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 4 - Description: patio, stone patio, Tough Oaks Landscaping, Barrie landscaping, landscaping in Barrie, Simcoe County, Ontario - [Steps](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/steps-pj-vj~6506896) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 3 - [Ernest's Steps](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ernest-s-steps-pj-vj~5970970) - Location: Barrie, ON - Photos: 10 - Description: Front yard curb appeal & safe concrete paver brick & block terraced entry steps with custom raised and accent garden beds with natural granite stone, and river rocks, Japanese Red Maple tree. Front yard landscaping before & after photos. - [Tree Ring](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/tree-ring-pj-vj~6506766) - Location: Barrie, ON - Photos: 1 - [Backyard patio destination](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/backyard-patio-destination-pj-vj~6489977) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 4 - Description: 25 foot diameter, circular patio with natural stone and firepit features designed and build by TOUGH OAKS Landscaping Barrie, Ralph J Young & team. - [Ginger's Kingdom](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ginger-s-kingdom-pj-vj~5761878) - Location: Barrie, ON - Photos: 4 - [Curving curb appeal front yard makeover](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/curving-curb-appeal-front-yard-makeover-pj-vj~2592640) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 7 - Description: Curving curb appeal stone steps, interlocking stone front landing, front entry, interlocking walkway, stone garden bed, Tough Oaks Landscaping Company Barrie. Ralph J. Young, front entrance stone walkway driveway extension, stone raised garden bed. Front yard makeover, 7 features to make your front yard landscape curb appeal matter, landscaping Innis Shore, Simcoe County landscaping, front porch steps, low maintenance front yard & garden design - [Front porch stone steps & landing, rock detail](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/front-porch-stone-steps-and-landing-rock-detail-pj-vj~2592665) - Location: Barrie, ON - Photos: 7 - Description: Stone steps, hardscape, interlocking stone front landing, front entry, interlocking walkway, stone raised garden bed, Tough Oaks Landscaping Company Barrie. Ralph J. Young, natural stone rock. colour banding, front entrance, front porch stone steps & landing, front yard landscaping makeover. - [FRONT YARD LANDSCAPING](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/front-yard-landscaping-pj-vj~2848303) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 11 - Description: Hardscape & Soft Scape. Interlocking driveway, with complicated cables running underground. Front entry, step, porch. Rock meets greenery. Display of plants, wild grass, hydrangea, topiary, weeping larch, thrift, cedars & sod. - [Lakefront Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lakefront-home-pj-vj~5074875) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 22 - [California Look](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/california-look-pj-vj~3157988) - Location: Barrie, ON - Photos: 4 - [Front Entrance](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/front-entrance-pj-vj~2547829) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 4 [See all 27 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-contractors/tough-oaks-landscaping-pfvwus-pf~1738985200) ## Ideabooks - [INCORPORATING NATURAL BEAUTY: TOUGH OAKS LANDSCAPING, Barrie, Ontario](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/88874049/list/incorporating-natural-beauty-tough-oaks-landscaping-barrie-ontario) — 4 ideas - [toughoakslandscaping's ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/87151919/list/toughoakslandscaping-s-ideas) — 2 ideas [See all 2 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/toughoakslandscaping) --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-07.*