HICKS LANDSCAPE SVC

The work began in July 2013 and initially there was no problem. However, a few weeks later as I was traveling on business, my wife contacted me and emailed photos of the contractor's work progress. I telephoned Mr. Hicks to inform him that he was not doing the work as initially discussed, as the retainer wall was supposed to be straight but the contractor had curved in the wall. He explained that the wall was built that way for greater strength. I consented to go with the curved wall, and at the time he suggested making the area immediately adjacent to the wall a flower bed. His suggestion was declined and I instructed Hicks to back-fill and sod it as we had originally discussed. I had earlier informed Mr. Hicks that I was in no hurry and was more concerned with the work being done correctly rather than quickly, but the work did take longer than anticipated. Eventually, I was informed that the work had been completed and I inspected the work. I noticed at the time that the ground at the back-fill area was rather soft, but accepted Mr. Hick's explanation that the dirt would settle and the ground would firm up. I paid Mr. Hicks at that time as he assured me that he stood behind his work and would return if there were any problems. The ground never did firm-up in that area; it is very soft and every time I cut the grass there, the mower sinks down and butchers the grass. I telephoned Mr. Hicks in the Spring of 2014 explaining the situation to him, also inquiring what he had used to back-filled the wall; he said he used regular top soil. Hicks promised to come by and attempt to determine the cause of the problem but I have never seen him, nor did he ever contact me. I attempted to telephone him several times and I texted him several times, plus attempted to communicate with him through his brother. Mr. Gary Hicks has never returned to inspect the work, or done anything else to remedy the problem, and I suspect he has blocked my phone calls.