Landscaping Licensing in Quebec
No specific provincial licence is required for general landscaping. A certificate is required for applying pesticides or herbicides.
Key facts
At a Glance
Key licensing facts for landscapings in Quebec
Trade Classification
Unregulated Trade
No Licence Required
Certification
RBQ contractor licence; GCR accreditation for covered new homes
Red Seal
Not available
Permits
Generally not required
Insurance
Recommended
The details
Licensing Requirements
What it takes to qualify
Credentials, training, and coverage for this trade
- Certification: RBQ contractor licence; GCR accreditation for covered new homes
- No Red Seal endorsement for this trade
- Liability insurance is recommended
Landscaping is not a regulated trade in Quebec. No specific provincial licence is required for general landscaping work. However, a certificate for the sale and use of pesticides is required for applying pesticides, herbicides, and chemical treatments. Hardscaping work that constitutes construction may require an RBQ contractor licence depending on the scope. Some municipalities have specific bylaws for landscaping contractors. Voluntary certifications through Québec Vert and other industry associations are available.
Regulatory Body
MELCCFP for pesticide application; municipal bylaws vary by city
How to Verify
For chemical treatments, ask for their pesticide application certificate. Ask about their experience and check references.
Buyer beware
Red Flags to Watch For
Warning signs when hiring a landscaping
No written contract or design plan for projects over $1,000
Does not call Ontario One Call before digging - this is a legal requirement
No liability insurance - landscaping involves heavy equipment and potential property damage
Skips proper base preparation for hardscaping (compacted gravel base is essential)
Before you sign
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
A few minutes now saves you later
Ask these before signing any contract
- Do you carry liability insurance and WSIB coverage?
- Will you call Ontario One Call to locate underground utilities before digging?
- What base preparation will you do for hardscaping (interlock, retaining walls)?
- Do you provide a warranty on your work, and for how long?
- Can I see examples of similar completed projects?
Pricing accuracy notice
Prices shown here are planning estimates, not quotes or guarantees. Actual pricing varies by project scope, materials, site conditions, urgency, location, taxes, permits, and individual contractor pricing. Always request a detailed written quote before hiring.
Last reviewed June 21, 2026. Benchmarks use Canadian home-service market data, with Ontario data used where province-specific pricing is not available.
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Do landscapings in Quebec need a licence?
Landscaping is not a regulated trade in Quebec. No specific provincial licence is required for general landscaping work. However, a certificate for the sale and use of pesticides is required for applying pesticides, herbicides, and chemical treatments. Hardscaping work that constitutes construction may require an RBQ contractor licence depending on the scope. Some municipalities have specific bylaws for landscaping contractors. Voluntary certifications through Québec Vert and other industry associations are available.
How can I verify a landscaping's credentials in Quebec?
For chemical treatments, ask for their pesticide application certificate. Ask about their experience and check references.
What are the red flags when hiring a landscaping?
(1) No written contract or design plan for projects over $1,000 (2) Does not call Ontario One Call before digging - this is a legal requirement (3) No liability insurance - landscaping involves heavy equipment and potential property damage (4) Skips proper base preparation for hardscaping (compacted gravel base is essential)
What questions should I ask before hiring a landscaping?
(1) Do you carry liability insurance and WSIB coverage? (2) Will you call Ontario One Call to locate underground utilities before digging? (3) What base preparation will you do for hardscaping (interlock, retaining walls)? (4) Do you provide a warranty on your work, and for how long? (5) Can I see examples of similar completed projects?
Should my landscaping have insurance?
While not legally required, it is strongly recommended that landscapings carry liability insurance. Ask for proof of coverage before hiring.
Does my landscaping contractor need an RBQ licence?
In Quebec, most contractors performing construction work must hold an RBQ (Régie du bâtiment du Québec) licence. You can verify any contractor's licence on the RBQ's online Licence Holders' Registry at rbq.gouv.qc.ca. Always ask for the licence number and verify it before hiring.
How much does a landscaping cost in Quebec?
Typical pricing for landscapings in Quebec ranges from $50-$100/hour (crew rate). Property size, project complexity, material choices (natural stone vs. concrete pavers, sod vs. seed), grading and drainage requirements, accessibility of the site, whether excavation is needed, plant species and sizes, and seasonal timing. Hardscaping projects (interlock, retaining walls) are significantly more expensive than softscaping (planting, sodding). Design fees are additional for complex projects. These figures are planning estimates, not quotes or guarantees; request a detailed written quote before hiring.
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Important disclaimer
- This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal or professional advice.
- Licensing rules vary by trade and project and change over time. Always confirm requirements directly with the relevant regulator (for example ESA, TSSA, RBQ, CMEQ, CMMTQ, BSP, Skilled Trades Ontario, or PEO) before relying on this information.
- This site is not affiliated with any municipal, provincial, or federal government body.
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