Sustainable Roots - Pickering, Ontario

Souha Ezzedeen

A gardener for many years, I’ve shifted recently to native gardening, a gardening philosophy that’s less about esthetics and more about sustainability, harmony with our natural environment, and restoring depleted ecosystems. In seeking professional help to take my native gardening to the next level, I called on Sustainable Roots Ecological Restoration Inc., an independent family-owned business “dedicated to increasing local biodiversity.” Among others, their services include responsible invasive species management, pollinator garden design and installation, lawn replacement, weeding, and seasonal cleanups.

Finding owners Andy and Reid extremely knowledgeable, courteous, and professional, we went to work designing and planting the entire front yard in predominantly native and pollinator and wildlife-friendly plants and shrubs. The team placed logs to surround and contain the garden with a path of mulch crossing through the garden, adding to the natural feel of the garden. Our latest project involved removing and containing invasive species and doing another round of planting, this time in the backyard.

If you know you could use your green space in a way that honours our natural environment, don’t wait to reach out to Sustainable Roots. Their commitment to native gardening is nothing short of inspiring. They are a dynamic and energetic team, and are deeply passionate about making a difference in the world. With their help, you can too!

Jocelyn Molyneux

Andy and Reid are immensely knowledgable and experienced with both invasive species removal and replanting native alternatives. Sustainable Roots is a trustworthy company committed to regenerative practices. These guys are on the forefront of the transition to ecological landscaping!

The Victors

Our back garden needed a makeover. We were looking to eliminate many invasive plants which were taking over. We called Sustainable Roots and they provided us with a plan for garden maintenance and a list of the species they were considering to plant.

Our garden was transformed in mid-September and we are now looking forward to seeing our new garden bloom again in the spring. Andrew and Reid were very professional and knew exactly what was best suited for our garden and plan to stop by in the spring to see how the garden is progressing.

We would highly recommend their services.

Jamie Kacor

I attended a workshop with Sustainable Roots on "Working with Invasives". The focus of the workshop was specifically on Garlic Mustard though we learned about so many other plants as well.
We met at the magical Humber Arboretum, talked deeply about the plant, went for a walk around the forests, and learned how to identify & harvest Garlic Mustard. Then we all created a completely delicious pesto using the plant!! (we also were able to sample other foods they had created using invasive plants!!!)
"Sustainable Roots" provided so many resources around invasive plants such as recommended books, visuals and an extremely informative presentation. They answered all our questions with excitement. Their passion is evident in everything they do!
I have a much deeper connection now with invasive plants, in particular Garlic Mustard.
I highly recommend Sustainable Roots, their workshops and services. The company is evidently a labour of love and its obvious in everything they do. Thank you for such a professional, illuminating and enjoyable experience!

Bryce Beckett

Reid led a really thoughtful and informed plant identification walk what was very well facilitated, interactive and holistic in its approach to the very concept and purpose of plant identification. She created an engaging and accessible workshop the me and our group really got a lot out of.

James Williamson

Sustainable Roots transformed two of my gardens into BEAUTIFUL pollinator gardens and already we're seeing more butterflies on the property! They were very professional, tidy, and efficient! I can't wait to have them back for some more garden work.

Sara-Lynn Francis

We previously had an arborist In this year To try to help rid our yard of invasive buckthorn. Despite significant expense the problem was not mitigated. Andy promptly assessed the situation and gave us a
Choice of various options all consistent with provincial guidelines on sustainable forest management. They were able to work with our hopes and our budget and plan and plant for alternative native species to hopefully overtake the removed buckthorn and dsv. They treated stumps safely, and we can’t wait to see it all come to fruition in the spring. They are personable, easy to work with and very respectful of covid guidelines. Obviously we have only seen the short term results so far but already plan to have them back next spring for phase two and feel that they really live up to their name with integrity.

Vivien Carrady

"Reid Williamson of Sustainable Roots brings a wealth of local botanical knowledge to young students in a highly imaginative and engaging way. She artfully lays the groundwork for ecological awareness and responsible stewardship by familiarizing her audience with just the right mix of warm and informative sharing, provocative questions, and a range of playful age-appropriate activities. Guided tours with Reid in our school neighbourhood ravine was the perfect way to help cultivate developing skills and appreciation for plant identification, the co-evolution of nature, and the biodiversity required for a sustainable and friendly future."