DeVries Landscaping Information

DeVries Landscaping and Maintenance Inc. was founded by Arie DeVries in 1958 in the Hamilton area, his sons helping out during the summer months. In 1967 his sons Dick and George took the business over. After two years, they were no longer interested in continuing the business at which time their brother Harry (born Arie) took it over. He partnered with his brother-in-law Gerry Schuller for two years at which time Gerry continued in a different direction and Harry continued on his own. The focus during these early years was on grounds maintenance with an occasional construction job on the side. As Harry settled in the Grimsby and then Beamsville area, the area of operation also moved from the Hamilton area to the Niagara region. Harry usually worked with one other employee to maintain the sites. Harry's sons all helped at some point during the summer months. The industry "landscaping" during this time did not involve all that it entails today. Grounds keeping was strictly that; maintaining the grounds. Landscape construction was affordable only to few and snow removal was not yet part of the contract. During the winter the business would shut down and Harry would find other work during these months. In the 1980's and early 90's DeVries Landscaping & Maintenance and West Lincoln Landscaping were the only two businesses operating in this area. In 1993, Harry's son Allard (also born Arie) began to work for the business full time. In the years that followed the business developed as the industry changed. Snow removal became the focus during the winter months; the maintenance crew grew to three employees; and a full time construction crew was put in place. In 1999 the business became incorporated, known as DeVries Landscaping & Maintenance Inc. Allard became an official shareholder in the business, partnering with his father. In 2004, Allard officially took over the business from his father Harry. Harry is semi-retired, keeping himself busy with the growing nursery as well as odd jobs for the business. That brings ...