CT Scapes
About us
Our #1 priority is to do the job right the first time, whether it's a waterwise garden or a tropical retreat. Our landscape designs are never cookie-cutter, always artistic and unique. Our special passion is plants and creating gardens the way Nature intended. Additional E-mail - [email protected] or [email protected]
Business highlights
Services we offer
Residential landscape design, eco-friendly, edible gardens, installation & maintenance, low water designs, organic & non-toxic fertilizer, pest solutions, small tree pruning & hauling
| Number of Stars | Image of Distribution | Number of Ratings |
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| 78% | ||
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| 11% | ||
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Passers-by continue to stop to chat and admire the results. We, and all our neighbors, are very pleased with the outcome.
We highly recommend CT Scapes.
"Thanks so much for taking the time to post a review and for giving us the opportunity to work with you. It was truly a pleasure working on your project - we learned a lot about backyard chickens, in fact! Do let us know if you have any other questions or concerns... we're here to help and to be an ongoing resource. Enjoy your garden! ~CT Scapes"
"Thanks for taking the time to leave a positive review! We know you have a choice when choosing a landscape contractor and appreciate the opportunity to provide you with a quote. ~CT Scapes"
"[removed member name] Thanks so much for taking the time to post a review! We are sorry we weren't able to accommodate your landscaping needs at this time due to our already booked maintenance schedule. But we're thrilled that you took the time to put in a good word for us, and perhaps we'll cross paths again in the future! Best wishes, CT Scapes"
"Thank you so much for taking the time to submit a review. My team and I had a great time working on your project. What makes a job run smoothly is having fantastic clients like you. You were very clear about your needs and wants, yet you were open to new ideas. There was always an open line of communication, and I thank you for that. I hope you're enjoying your new garden. Please don't hesitate to call if I can be of further service. ~CT Scapes"
Initially I never received the check for the Angie's List discount referred to in the providers reply from September 12.2013, nor was I informed by CTScapes that it had been sent or that they had responded to my AL review.
Later in September, I read the reply on AL and I contacted (email) CTScapes directly.to inform them I had read the AL response and there was no check for $100. AND ADDITIONALLY 2 MORE OF THE TREES WERE DYING- They kindly replied and offered to "resend" the check for the AL discount and to refund the costs of the 3 trees and the ground cover which had died.They did then send both checks- one for $100 AL Discout, another for the trees + ground cover.
Subsequently I went to a nursery recommended by CTScapes to replace the dead trees.Since now 3 of the trees died, it seemed to me they couldn't all be 'duds' and something might have been wrong in the planting- so before removing the trees I took pictures of how they were planted and also of the soil and roots when I removed the trees. I also took pictures of the one tree which had lived.
The nursery personal immediately looked at the image of how the trees were planted (CTScapes had planted the trees slightly lower than the surface and created a 'well' around the trees with dirt and rocks) and said they had been planted too low and the well walls were something you don't want to do for drought tolerant trees because it contains the water around the roots.
Upon looking at the image of the tree which lived --where you could see the roots of the tree had been planted closer to the surface and you could see the roots at the top of the soil- she immediately said- "of course- because there you can see the roots are not in a well collecting water". They then inquired about the watering schedule set by CTScapes- which was Fridays and Mondays- they said that was too frequent for a drought tolerant tree especially planted low and with the well, as it does not give the roots time to dry out between Fri + Mon.They recommended 1x week. They also said the watering schedule for the ground cover was similarly too frequent.
I hired CTScapes becuase they advertised specializing in low water/drought tolerant landscaping. I had tried to get this kind of assistance from CTScapes BEFORE THE TREES DIED. I sent them images. I asked them about the watering schedule- I feel that if they had been interested and looked and replied - the second and third tree might have been saved.
I am now re-doing a lot of the labor I paid them for.
SEPTEMBER 2013
I regret to report disappointment as I personally liked Chip and his employees. The initial visit + estimate was prompt- estimate was exact to what I had perhaps unwisely revealed was my budget max- I had already had invested a lot to have both front and back excavated.
My disappointment lies in the lack of responsiveness and that 1/2 of the ground cover plants were duds, + apparently one of the bushes is a dud as well. They never did a soil test. Chip only visited the property at the first meeting June 2012- There were many delays in getting the project started- which finally occurred on May 2013- some due to preparatory issues of the property- new fence- exterior water valve re-positioning, and a lot due to CTScapes busy, busy, schedule.
Since half the ground cover are duds - it seems like a landscaper would want to test the soil or choose better plants at the nursery. I understand there just are some duds, but this seem too much... I have corresponded with Chip and sent images- he has kindly responded sporadically- but it seems to me he is not responsive or very interested in the results of this job or he would visit to see what's going on or offer to replace some of the ground cover. I speculate he is not interested because it was a modest job to start and became smaller when his patio subcontractor 'dropped out'. I did not even ask for the Angie's List $100. discount because of that, nor was it offered.
details below-
I accepted the bid and committed to the project within the 30 days. (June 2012) He wasn't ready to start right - and also advised I replace the fence before planting.Getting the fence replaced took time (other servicer's schedules) and during the fence replacement the main water shut off valve was broken - so another delay getting a plumber to repair and move the main shut off valve to a better position for the irrigation. during all the delays- from my side I updated Chip regularly with pictures- to let him know I was still committed to the project.
Finally the plumbing was finished in Oct..- I notified Chip + he said it was looking like his schedule would not have an opening until the new year. After hearing nothing by February, I notified him I would be away the first 2 weeks of March- no response. When I returned mid- March, I contacted him again and no response. I tried again and wrote "please respond" in the subject line.
He finally wrote back saying he "had bad news for me, his cement guy (a patio was part of the project bid) was getting a divorce, going back to school and closing his business." He recommended I find an experienced cement person for the patio. I replied "so, if I find a cement guy- will you then do the landscaping part?" Response - yes.
I found a cement guy and notified Chip the patio would be done by April 12th, and that my mother was coming mid- June and it would be really great if my landscaping would be done by then.... He replied- send him the list of the project again and he will fit me in asap. Corresponded with all details of job- he initially said he would need to visit the site again, but later just requested the measurements and choice of plants in front.
I asked for a more specific ETA- he replied by June. Later sent me a date.
SO, he + team were prompt to that date-and finished early the second day, but the results are not doing well and interest/accountability seems lacking.
"Letter sent to Client on 9/2: Thank you for taking the time to post a review of CT Scapes on Angie’s List. As a small business owner, it’s always my goal to go above and beyond to provide my customers with exceptional service. When a client’s experience falls short of that, I do what I can to fix the situation, and try to learn from the experience for the future. That said, I was disappointed to hear that your experience with us was so unsatisfactory. I will try to address each of your concerns here: Lack of responsiveness: While I am fortunate to have a crew of hard-working assistants, I am the boss and main contact for all clients. I respond to all inquiries personally, and in the order that they are received. If my response time or frequency was not what you expected, I apologize and can only say that I’m doing my best. Delays due to “busy schedule”: As you mentioned, this project experienced delays on the client side as well as the contractor side (my company). In recent years, I have had the good fortune to be busier than normal during all seasons (including the typically slow fall and winter holidays). So, yes, my schedule has been busier than usual. I try to communicate this fact to all clients so they know what to expect. Many clients have flexible schedules and are willing to wait. Others know that they need things done in a certain timeframe and choose to go elsewhere. Plants were “duds”: I offer a 30-day guarantee on all plants once they have been installed. (The guarantee only applies if the plants have been cared for in the manner that I’ve recommended.) Looking back on our correspondence, I can see that the plants were giving you problems well within this timeframe. Clearly, you would like to have these problems solved as soon as possible. I can refund you the cost of the groundcover plants and Melaleuca or I can come and replace/replant them for you, free of charge. Please let me know which you’d prefer. Never did a soil test: As a general rule, unless there is a history of dead or declining plants (including weeds) on a property, I typically do not conduct a soil analysis. A few clients who are aware of a history of barren soil, have chosen to purchase a home soil test kit themselves. Soil testing can be informative (it can reveal the pH level of soil), but it also has its limitations (it does not yield information about improper irrigation, pests, or disease). Patio subcontractor “dropped out”: This is true. When I submitted your proposal in July 2012, my concrete subcontractor was still working for me. In February 2013, when you called to say that your property was almost ready for landscaping, he was no longer working for me due to personal reasons. This was not a excuse to further delay your project. It was the truth. I recommended that you find another cement contractor because I wanted you to have professional quality work done (I am not a licensed concrete contractor, which is why I need to subcontract that type of work out). Angie’s List discount was not offered: This was my error. I do apologize. Every first-time Angie’s List client with a project over $1,000 is entitled to a $100 discount. You should have received this on your final invoice. I have enclosed a check for this amount. I apologize for the inconvenience. As of today, my calendar is booked until early November. If you’d like me to come and replant the plants free of charge, please let me know as soon as possible and I can schedule your project for sometime in early November. If you would rather receive a refund for those plants, I can do that, too. Just let me know which you’d prefer. (member name removed), I hope that this addresses all your concerns sufficiently. Again, I appreciate you taking the time to tell us where we can improve. Charles Tracht Owner, CT Scapes"
"[member name removed], Thanks so much for taking the time to comment on our services! We know there are many, many options for landscapers in San Diego, and we do appreciate you giving us the opportunity to show you what we can do. We'd be pleased and honored to help you complete your project. Whenever you're ready, just give us a call! ~CT Scapes"
"Hi [member name removed]! We do try hard to offer our clients valuable gardening advice, every step of the way. We're so glad you were able to resolve your landscaping concerns. Thanks very much for taking the time to leave us such kind, positive feedback. We appreciate it! ~CT Scapes"
After meeting with a few different landscape architects, I decided to go with CT Scapes. My decision was based on the following: 1) Outstanding reviews and references 2) Knowledge of San Diego climate and plants and 3) Professionalism.
Commencing with a detailed plan/drawing and a comprehensive proposal, the 1 month project entailed extensive tree and hedge removal, irrigation, lava rocks, stone paths, palm trees, lighting, fences and gates, and a multitude of exotic plants.
I was most impressed with Chip?s ability to listen, his knowledge of plants and design, his passion, and his ability to work within a budget and manage the project from start to finish. In addition to Chip who is was actively ?hands-on? throughout the project, he has an outstanding crew of professionals that have worked for him for years. His entire team was professional, hardworking, and always courteous.
CT Scapes completed the project on-time, on budget, and always kept the worksite clean and organized.
"Member, Thanks very much for taking the time to provide such detailed feedback. We feel just as positively about working with you! You were always so open to communicating and exchanging ideas that, truly, my team and I couldn't have asked for things to go more smoothly. It was a pleasure working on the design and installation of your garden, from start to finish. Thanks again for the feedback and the opportunity. Cheers! ~CT Scapes"
"Thanks so much for taking the time to post such a thoughtful review of your experience with CT Scapes. We are absolutely thrilled that you are satisfied with your garden. My team and I enjoyed working on your project, and are so grateful for the opportunity. We realize you had many options to choose from, and appreciate you choosing us. Whenever you are ready for additional work, just call and we'll be there. Our sincerest thanks again."
"Thank you so much for taking the time to share your thoughts about working with us on Angie's List. We're delighted that your experience with us was a positive one - when our clients our happy, we are happy! When you are ready, please do give us a call. We'd love to help you bring your project to fruition."
"Dear Member, We are so sorry for your experience with CT Scapes in January. Please allow me to address all your concerns. a) Sounds like you were expecting better quality (no grass on cars) and more work (backyard lawn), too. Granted, our busy schedule sometimes doesn’t allow us to get to everything a client needs done, but we could have clarified this with you before starting the project. b) It also sounds like you were expecting to pay less than the $125 rate. We base our rates on many factors (including overhead for running a licensed/insured business), and whether or not the owner himself does the job and how many other employees are required for the project. In this case, it amounted to $125. We always tell our clients what the rate will be before starting the project, and that should have been the case here. c) You said the guy had an attitude the whole time, acted like you were bothering him, and didn’t appreciate your business. This is surprising, but also unacceptable. We all have days when we’re not on our A-game, but it’s never our intention to take it out on our clients. Again, we do apologize. We are a very small, family-run business and understand the value of stellar customer service. Unfortunately, we're also human and don't always hit that mark. However, we do wake up each morning, striving to a) perform quality work, b) treat customers with the utmost respect, and c) charge a fair rate. We really do appreciate you taking the time to make us aware of how we may improve. ~CT Scapes"
"Thanks so much for the great feedback! It was a pleasure working on your garden, and with you as a client. Yes, the soil was a challenge, but definitely something we were able to work with and improve. We learned a lot on this project and are grateful for the opportunity to work with someone who is as passionate about gardening as we are! ~CT Scapes"
"Wow, we are floored! Thanks so much for your kind words. My crew and I had a great time with this project, and I'm so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with you. Honestly, you made my job so much easier because you were so involved -- you knew what you wanted, yet were also very flexible and open to brainstorming and new ideas. It takes both parties to make a project as successful as this one, so thanks goes to you, too! ~CT Scapes"
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