Over time, our front and back yards had turned into unsightly brown areas of dead grass and weeds – it was time for a total landscaping make-over. In light of persistent drought conditions, we decided to go with an overall design incorporating a combination of artificial grass, pavers, drought-tolerant plants, and river rocks. We did extensive research on landscaping contractors, artificial grass products, pavers, etc., which included visiting various homes in the neighborhood that recently completed similar landscaping projects. From this research, we compiled a short-list of four landscaping contractors with the highest ratings together with a basic design for our front and back yards. The plan was to contact each short-listed contractor, schedule a preliminary site visit and request a proposal (i.e., basic design with pricing) from each contractor. Based on the proposals and initial meetings, we would then select the contractor for the project. The first landscaping contractor we contacted was Black Diamond Paver Stones & Landscaping where we met Rocco Pent, Assistant Regional Manager and Senior Project Design Specialist/Project Manager. During the initial site visit, which lasted 5 hours, we explained our design ideas, preferences, options and requirements. As we walked around the front and back yards, Rocco took detailed measurements of the prospective layout and then helped us think through in the pros and cons of our initial design and landscaping material choices. Rocco helped us refine our initial concept with the design and materials that worked best for our front and back yards, taking into consideration our existing mature landscaping and the look and feel of the rest of our property so everything would be integrated and cohesive. He came up with creative solutions to solve some of the challenges that would be encountered with our overall design. It became immediately clear to us that Rocco (and Black Diamond) had the understanding, knowledge, skill, and experience in all the critical elements of our landscaping project. At the end of the visit, Rocco entered the key data from his survey into his computer and presented us with a detailed rendering of the project. He explained each element of the design – from demolition to site preparation to product installation – together with pricing. More importantly, Rocco established with us a sincere rapport and high level of trust that clearly indicated he – and Black Diamond – would be partners with us to guarantee a successful project. It’s always great to feel like you've developed a positive, trusting relationship with a company that will be working on your home. After we had a signed contract and just prior to beginning the project, Rocco made another site visit with his Crew Foreman, Fernando. They spent nearly two hours inspecting the site with respect to the Final Design Plan. Rocco and Fernando spent additional time with us to discuss several elements to confirm demolition and installation details, with emphasis on a number of critically important elements related to protecting existing plant root systems, water pipes, drainage requirements, etc. We were impressed with their attention to and knowledge of these factors. Rocco also assured us that he would be our point of contact and project leader from beginning to end, which he did very effectively. Rocco stayed in regular communication with Fernando throughout the project to ensure it was implemented according to plan. In turn, Fernando did an excellent job to ensure his crew completed all aspects of the work according to the highest standards. Fernando kept us updated on the progress of work and frequently doubled-checked with us on certain design elements to make sure he accurately translated the design from plan to reality. He also suggested a few minor adjustments that significantly improved the translation from design to reality. Once the project started, Rocco stopped by and checked in every few days to ensure everything was going smoothly and to ensure work was proceeding according to plan and, most important, to our satisfaction. The project (19 July to 07 August 2023) finished on time, and both the process and outcome exceeded our expectation, which we set very high from the outset. The work – from demolition to site preparation to product installation – was completed at the highest level of care and craftsmanship. We were impressed with the high quality of work, particularly the installation of the artificial grass and the pavers. Even before the work was completed, passers-by said how beautiful the front yard looked. Since then, we’ve received many more compliments on our new landscaping. We thank Rocco, Fernando and Black Diamond for an excellent, stress-free experience, and for giving us a functional, impressive, enjoyable front and back yard. We highly recommend Rocco Pent and Black Diamond Paver Stones & Landscaping.