Let’s Talk About Earth (Not Just Earth Day)

Why Soil Health Is the Foundation of Great Landscaping

Each April, you’ll see businesses of all kinds posting about green goals and sustainability initiatives for Earth Day on April 22. And while that message matters, at Strathmore, we are particularly excited to talk about the earth beneath our feet. 

Because when we talk about Earth, we mean actual earth—as in soil.

It might not be as flashy of a topic as the broader sustainability messages that are typical with Earth Day campaigns, but soil health is one of the most critical, yet overlooked, factors in commercial landscaping. And it plays a major role in how your property looks, performs, and costs you over time.

Soil: The Unsung Hero of Healthy Landscapes

You can’t build a vibrant, lasting landscape on weak or compacted soil. And in the world of commercial and institutional properties—where landscaping is more than cosmetic—it’s absolutely essential.

Healthy soil supports plant vitality, improves water retention, reduces erosion, and makes for a more self-sustaining environment. It’s a base layer for the quality work we provide, which is one of the pillars of what we call the Strathmore Standard: landscapes that are not only beautiful, but intelligent, resilient, and designed to last.

Is Your Property’s Soil in Trouble?

Many commercial landscapes suffer from issues like:

• Compacted or overworked soil from heavy foot traffic or machinery

• Poor drainage and water pooling after rainfall

• Patchy, struggling turf or slow-growing beds

• Erosion or runoff in high-traffic or sloped areas

Without healthy soil, you’ll likely see increased maintenance costs, plant loss, and underwhelming curb appeal—especially as spring growth ramps up. As tenants begin to explore outside the walls of your property, Spring is the perfect time to begin looking at the health of your property’s soil.

How Strathmore Revives and Protects Soil Health

Before we plant, we take a deep look down at the soil beneath us. Our crews assess the condition of your property’s soil as part of our seasonal planning, ensuring we’re not just laying new turf or beds on a poor foundation.

Here are some of the ways that we keep your soil working for you:

• Professional Soil Testing – We analyze pH, structure, and nutrient levels to plan the right interventions and ensure the right plants can thrive.

• Soil Amendments – We add compost, sand, or organic material to improve structure and fertility.

• Aeration & Mulching – These techniques reduce compaction and encourage microbial activity that will help your property flourish.

• Root-Aware Planting – We use species that naturally support soil health and resist erosion, with a growing interest in native plants and pollinator gardens.

• Seasonal Nutrient Support – Proper fertilization schedules are established based on your specific needs to replenish what your soil requires.

Beyond Soil: Sustainability is Rooted in the Strathmore Standard

While we’re focused on soil this Earth Day, Strathmore’s environmental responsibility runs deeper. Here are some ways that we’re supporting the big round Earth:

Native & Adaptive Plants We select species that thrive in local conditions, reduce water demand, and support pollinators.

Water-Wise Irrigation Our irrigation designs prioritize efficiency, reducing waste and operating costs.

Composting Programs

Green waste is repurposed into nutrient-rich compost and mulch for your property.

Cleaner Equipment We use electric and low-emission tools, vehicles and equipment wherever possible to lower our carbon footprint.

Ongoing Training Our team is regularly trained on sustainable practices and innovations in green landscaping.

At Strathmore, sustainability isn’t a seasonal message—it’s a year-round mindset.

This is more than maintenance—it’s part of Strathmore’s proactive, long-term approach to landscape health. It’s also why we get a little excited for Earth Day!

Book a Free Soil & Landscape Health Consultation

As spring arrives in full colour—especially with our work on display at the Canadian Tulip Festival—it’s the perfect time to get your landscape back to full health, starting from the ground up.

Book a free consultation today, and we’ll assess your property’s soil condition, spring needs, and seasonal strategy.