July 11, 2024
Elevated standards for 2025 Awards of Excellence program
For over 50 years, Landscape Ontario’s Awards of Excellence program has recognized the outstanding work of some of the top landscape professionals in Ontario. The members-only competition highlights the breathtaking design, skill and craftsmanship in landscape construction, maintenance, design, interior plantscaping, lighting and irrigation projects.

Entries for the 2025 Landscape Ontario Awards of Excellence are open from July 1 to Oct. 1 via LOawards.com. On the newly redesigned website you will find entry criteria, rules and regulations, a complete list of categories to enter, plus a list of changes to the program.

Based on valuable feedback and the exceptional quality of work achieved to date, the Awards Committee is pleased to announce it is time to raise the standards for entries as Landscape Ontario members continue to advance the industry and set new benchmarks.

“The awards program should reflect this upward trajectory and with this progression in professionalism our awards program must also evolve,” read a statement by the Awards Committee. “The outstanding quality and sheer volume of submissions we received last year are a testament to the remarkable talent within our community. Your landscapes inspire us all. The creative prowess required to transform given spaces and overcome challenges has resulted in breathtaking outdoor environments that are true masterpieces. This year, the standards will be more stringent, and winners will be those who not only meet but exceed expectations.”

New for 2025

  • Scores between 90-100 per cent will receive an Award of Excellence.
  • Scores between 80-89 per cent will receive an Award of Merit.
  • A project can only be entered into a maximum of two categories.
  • Judges Score Sheets have been updated.
  • Judges may deduct points for entries that include: dead plants, untidy work site, appearance of company logo, etc.
  • Marketing category has been removed.
  • Green Stamp component has been removed from the Construction Score Sheet.
  • New criteria for the Design Program to better align with the National Awards of Landscape Excellence.

Entry criteria

  • Only Landscape Ontario member companies may enter.
  • Up to 15 digital images of the project.
  • Project summary that describes the goals and challenges of the project as well as any unique elements.
  • Chart indicating which elements were completed by subcontractors outside the company.
  • Authorization form signed by both the member company and client.
  • Payment fee of $150 per entry.

Winning an Award of Excellence is a great marketing tool to potential clients that verifies you have the skill, knowledge and expertise to design, build or maintain the property of their dreams. It's also a great boost for your team that validates their countless hours of hard work, attention to details, innovation, problem solving and passion for what they do.

Winners will be announced live at the awards ceremony to be held Jan. 7, 2025 in conjunction with the Congress 2025 trade show and conference. Ticket information will be available later this fall.

All winners receive a special plaque and are recognized in Landscape Ontario magazine and on the awards website. To see past winners, entry criteria or enter, visit LOawards.com.