Upton, Inc. Landscape & Construction
About us
We are a full service landscape/hardscape design, install, and maintenance company with more than 20 years experience in our craft. We provide a minimum 3-year warranty on hardscape/poolscape/paving stones/masonry/concrete/asphalt/base installation (walkways, patios, fire pits, driveways, steps, walls). We are ICPI & NCMA certified-which are the governing bodies that promote best practice methods based on Engineers recommendations (please don't use stone dust as base material and/or bedding sand). We are a Techo-Pro Contractor & Nicolock Hardscape Pro Contractor. We can completely transform your yard from start to finish..and for the DIYer, we can provide specific services to assist in any stage of a project such as excavation, base installation, and include comprehensive instructions and guidance to carry out the remainder of a project so that looks as if the entire project was professionally installed. Exclusively for Angie's List Members: we are currently offering a 5% discount on labor and machinery costs for all projects valued at $2,000 or more. In addition, we offer Tree Removal, Stump Removal, Lawn Installation, Drainage, Excavation, Planting, Fencing, Year-Round Landscape Maintenance, Gutter Cleaning, Dumpster Service, Topsoil and Mulch Delivery, Certified Playground Fiber Installation, Fruit Bearing Tree Planting, Brush Clearing, and more. Contact us for a quote or consultation!
Business highlights
Emergency services offered
26 years of experience
Services we offer
Asphalt, Bluestone, Brick, Concrete, Drainage, Driveways, Excavation, Grounds Maintenance; Landscape Construction/Installation/Renovation (incl. ; Paver/Hardscape Installation (ICPI, Gutter Cleaning, Lawn Installation, NCMA Certified, Nicolock and Techo-Bloc Pro); General Construction, Paving Stones, Planting, Retaining Walls, Steps, Tree Removal and more., Walkways
Amenities
Emergency Services
Yes
Free Estimates
Yes
Accepted Payment Methods
- CreditCard
Reviews
4.533 Reviews
| Number of Stars | Image of Distribution | Number of Ratings |
|---|---|---|
| 79% | ||
| 6% | ||
| 9% | ||
| 0% | ||
| 6% |
Showing 1-25 of 33 reviews
Caroline F.
Jun 2018
I could not be happier with my choice. Shawn was professional, friendly, and knowlegable from first contact. He was not the cheapest nor the most expensive estimate I received to complete the work. His quote included more than the cheaper and more expensive estimates I had received. Once hired he began immediately and removed the trees from the house in the first day. It took a little time to complete the job but his concern was the ruin of a lawn in pristine condition. He waited for the ground to dry before starting the portion of the work that required heavy equipment. The lot is also on a very steep downward angle . I feel that he completed the job in a timely manner considering that the weather continued to work against him. Upon finishing he left the property in excellent condition. He removed the 7 foot diameter root ball as well so one would never know the wreck it all had been . The only tell tale sign is where he graded, seeded, and fertilized the portion on the yard where the trees had fallen and gouged the ground.
Veda K.
Feb 2016
unknown
Gail C.
Sep 2015
unknown
Avis P.
Sep 2015
It went very well, It was scheduled immediately when I requested it, The tree was removed and everything cleaned up within a couple of hours. I have used Upton, Inc, for all my landscaping needs for five years on several properties and am always pleased,
Elizabeth S.
Aug 2015
The guys showed up a day later than I was told. Things came up, fine, but this was not communicated until I contacted them about no one showing up. They showed up and did a good job, and I was told that they would be back in 2 weeks (as I had initially stated that I wanted a bi-weekly mowing). They never showed up again, and even after I sent an email asking if they were coming back (as indicated by the crew that was here) I haven't heard anything from them.
This is really sad because they did a good job, just unreliable scheduling and unresponsive communication. The one good thing is that they have not charged me for the 1 mow, which is fair considering how they blew me off.
Update - The showed up the day after I initially posted my review and mowed the lawn (the job they do is good). Still waiting to hear back from them on a question.
This is really sad because they did a good job, just unreliable scheduling and unresponsive communication. The one good thing is that they have not charged me for the 1 mow, which is fair considering how they blew me off.
Update - The showed up the day after I initially posted my review and mowed the lawn (the job they do is good). Still waiting to hear back from them on a question.
Stephen G.
Jun 2015
unknown
Sandy F.
Apr 2015
The place looked amazing. They even cleaned out the gutters. Highly recommend.
They specialize in larger landscaping projects, and we were not able to move forward with a larger proposal, but we will as soon as it is within our budget.
They specialize in larger landscaping projects, and we were not able to move forward with a larger proposal, but we will as soon as it is within our budget.
Avis P.
Jan 2015
I've been using the company for about five years, and I've always had good experiences. I can really trust them to do good work consistently, they're very communicative about what's going on at each property, and their prices seem reasonable.
Helen C.
Dec 2014
This project went beautifully and we are so thrilled with the results. My husband and I had tried to make the stone pathway ourselves and it didn't turn out so well (we gave it our best!). What we have now is totally different-- an absolutely beautiful, properly laid and created path. I cannot emphasize adequately how courteous, professional, thoughtful, and thorough Shawn and his staff are. Shawn is very knowledgeable (in a soft-spoken way) about all aspects of landscape design. After my first meeting with him-- we walked through the yard and talked about what my husband and I wanted to do, totally non-rushed-- he provided a detailed, itemized estimate of the work. When we decided to go ahead with the work, he promptly emailed me a contract that was similarly detailed and professional. He listens carefully and also offers good ideas and fixes for problems-- he has a great eye. For the fence installation that we wanted to do, he referred me to a local fencing company that he works with and we had a great experience with them, too. Here is an example of how hard Shawn works for his customers: I wanted to be sure that we knew exactly where the property line was before installation of the new fence. Even though his company was not doing the fence installation, he spent a total of a good couple hours with me trying to figure out where the line was so that we wouldn't have to hire a surveyor. He actually sat in the backyard doing geometry (pulling out the sine and the cosine!) as we tried to determine the line based on a marker on the other side of the property and the property map I had gotten from city hall. In the end there was still a discrepancy that we couldn't be sure about so hired a surveyor anyway, but I really appreciated his help. He was often on site as the work progressed and checked and assessed his crew's work at the end of nearly every day. We added on the project of removing the stone dust from amongst the turfstone and filling in with topsoil/grass seed-- which was hugely labor intensive-- but the crew absorbed the extra work and Shawn kept me abreast of the cost changes. The only not totally positive thing I can add is that Shawn sometimes runs late. But he always calls to say that he is running late and, in my experience, it is because he is taking the time and care with his other customers that he will take with you. We will absolutely call Upton Landscape and Construction for any future projects.
Kathleen T.
Jun 2014
Company never returned my call or showed up.
Deborah D.
Jun 2014
Excellent. Extremely professional, competitive/fair price. Did more than expected (pulled out tree stump, re-seeded, etc.). All work was completed in amount of time stated on contract. Left property in excellent condition. Will highly recommend to family and friends.
Jim F.
Aug 2013
Shawn responded within 24 hours of my initial email to him requesting a consultation on the work. We spoke as to what needed to be done now to prepare for the contractors, and what I would be interested in doing to the rest of the lawn upon completion of their work on the house. I plan on contacting Shawn in the coming weeks when outside renovations are completed to finish the work my lawn needs.
Jodi K.
May 2013
I was very pleased with Upton's services. The owner, Shawn, is very easy to work with. The work was completed on time and the result is beautiful. I would definitely use them again and would recommend them to others.
Candice B.
Feb 2013
Their price was quite a bit higher than other people. It was a thorough estimate and the company was very professional. They were very nice but their price was higher than who I selected. They responded very quickly. They were very responsive.
William D.
Jan 2013
Following Hurricane Sandy, Upton did a terrfic job, huge attention to detail and quality work, seemed never satisfied that "good enough was good enough".
Pamela G.
Dec 2012
Shawn called back promptly and came to discuss the work and provided an estimate which was not entirely accurate and needed adjusting later. The work was started early, was interrupted by an early storm, 2 weeks went by without contact, and, when work resumed, it was done in spurts by different workers who all did an excellent job. Heavy equipment was left on the front lawn for weeks at a time without being used. Days and sometimes weeks went by without any work being done, sometimes due to weather and sometimes not. The suggested timeframe of 10 days to 2 weeks was probably not possible under the best of circumstances. Shawn usually called back with explanations, but he sometimes did not call back for days. Shawn did what he promised to do and the work was done very well. It was an expensive project but he was fair about the costs. Late October was not the best time to do this kind of work with weather interfering and Shawn having other obligations such as plowing.
Response from Upton, Inc. Landscape & Construction
"In regards to the estimate-all estimates are very detailed and include specific costs for specific materials. When changes to materials are made before or during work begins, it can and usually does affect the cost. In your case-the material you selected added cost. These changes were brought to your attention. According to the contract we both signed, the project start date was 10/23/13, the end date was 11/30/13. The project was interrupted by approximately one week due to an early and unusual high winds snowstorm which resulted in down power lines and closed public roads; much of the southern CT was without power-including my residence for three days. I apologize for not contacting you in the days following the storm. We did resume work the following week but at no point did weeks go by without any work being done. As expected and explained, many parts of your projects were very time consuming and detailed-which may have seemed like little progress was being made at times. The paving stones in your driveway and walkway took approximately 7-8 days to install. The mini excavator was not needed for this process, but we typically do not remove machinery if it is still needed to finish another part of the job. Also, no damages were left by said machine. Your disturbed lawn areas were left as promised. We did work on two Sundays with your permission to try finish the project on schedule but two aspects of the project remained outstanding at the promised end date-an asphalt apron by the roadside, and grading disturbed areas. As a courtesy, we purchased and installed sod immediately adjacent to your new paving stone driveway at no additional cost to you. All work was finished within the following week."
LESLIE M.
Aug 2012
The job was done during the hottest part of July. I would have been happy to wait for cooler weather. As a result, the heat from the driveway and the street burned up about a foot of grass around the edges. I had to water the grass twice a day. The burned grass did turn green later on. This year, however, I have half crab grass and a few weeds in there, which I had not expected quite so soon.
At this point the house next door is being replaced, and the owner has promised to redo the lawn when the house is finished because of truck and people traffic.
At this point the house next door is being replaced, and the owner has promised to redo the lawn when the house is finished because of truck and people traffic.
Response from Upton, Inc. Landscape & Construction
"I’m very sorry about your poor experience with regards to the sod lawn installation we provided. After reading your report, I reviewed our correspondence that we had prior to and during the sod installation. My goal is always to educate customers in hopes it allows them to make better decisions for projects on their properties. We had discussed installing sod in the middle of the summer and I did explain that it was possible to install sod during the summer-but that it required more time and resources on your end. I specifically instructed you in an email on July 22, 2011 that you should be watering 3-4 times a day. It sounds like your watering schedule of 2 times a day was enough since the sod did establish and the brown areas next to the road and driveway came back towards the end of the summer. It is very common for lawns to brown next to asphalt areas in the heat of the summer. We would have been happy to wait for cooler weather to install the sod but it seemed you were eager to have a new lawn and were willing to put in the extra effort to ensure that it would survive the heat. In regards to the condition of your lawn this year-any lawn, whether sod or seed, requires inputs (water, fertilizer, weed and insect control applications) throughout the year to thrive. The crabgrass likely grew where and when the lawn was stressed and will die out within the next few weeks. I am also unsure to what extent of stress or damage the “truck and people traffic” caused on your lawn or if your crabgrass was related to this issue. Please understand unless the contractors from your neighbor’s property renovation caused serious turf damage in regards to grading or soil compaction from heavy trucks, your lawn is not a lost cause. You may not need to have your neighbor replace it. I’d be happy to look at your lawn and provide my opinion. In any case, you can keep the crabgrass from returning next year by continuing to apply or having a licensed applicator apply a weed prevention application in the spring and summer (3) total for the year. The first application of weed pre emergent should be applied prior to soil temperatures reaching 50 degrees-another rule of thumb is prior to the yellow forsythia blooms. Most lawn programs recommend 1-2 weed pre emergents, but I would consider an additional application. This is something that should happen each year. Again, please let me know if you would like me to view the lawn and I would be happy to provide an assessment at no cost. Best, Shawn Upton"
Robert P.
Jul 2012
Shawn Upton is the owner of the company. He takes care of several issues for me in my yard. He is very accessible. He is very accommodating. The price is fair. He is very professional. I am happy.
Richard B.
Jul 2012
Overall, the experience went very well. Shawn was very nice, patient, and willing to work with our design needs. His communication was excellent (email, texts, pdfs, etc) which made life easy for us. There were no surprises. Even though there was a slight delay due to the freak October snowstorm last year, Upton came through on schedule and with minimal hassle.
Mark S.
May 2012
Shawn and his team completed the project, and it was done to fit what Shawn and I had discussed in our original meetings. The work looks great, and I've had many comments from my neighbors about the high quality appearance of the work. I would recommend Upton, Inc to anyone looking to have earthwork/paving/masonry work performed.
Thanks!
Thanks!
Julia J.
Mar 2012
Usually doing our own work around the house, this was our first major investment in home improvement. My husband thought about doing the work on his own, but we were convinced that this would be a worthwhile investment, especially since it was important for it to be done right. After making calls to three businesses we received references for (Upton Landscape being the only one from Angie?s List), we received an immediate response from Shawn Upton, the owner. He came to our home within 2 days of the initial call, spoke with us about exactly what we wanted, took measurements, drew various designs, and gave an estimate within days of visiting.
We did receive other estimates and chose Shawn based on the fair price, his ideas for the patio area, his other excellent reviews on this website, and just a good ?vibe?. He has a calm and patient attitude and his work reflects it. He is very thoughtful and quite the perfectionist.
When meeting Shawn, we were drawn to his creativity. It is obvious in his manner that he takes his work seriously and enjoys designing with customers? input. We were indecisive about what color pavers to use on our project. He drove us to 6 different homes in the local area he had completed (one being the one who reviewed on 2/16/12 ? we were there when Shawn noticed the paver shifting and heard him say he would be back to fix it). Just the way he interacted with his former customers said volumes. He had a lot of patience with us and never seemed bothered by all the questions we had?that was impressive.
The project took about 2 weeks with weather. We received almost daily updates from Shawn on the project's progress. He was not onsite with the workers (who were all friendly) all the time, but did check their work at the end of each day. He also dropped by on a regular basis while they were working to check on the progress. When we called or had a question, he would call back the same day. He is NOT the type of contractor who has to be hunted down, only to get a call back days or weeks later.
The only con (if you could call it that) would be all the choices we were given?Shawn is very flexible, but gives advice freely (and we are very happy we chose the Fire Island pavers with his input).
You would not believe how good it feels to come home, get out of the car, and open our back gate to the sanctuary that Shawn created. I smile every day and know that we made an excellent choice and were blessed to have him work with us. It was worth every penny.
Highly recommend.
We did receive other estimates and chose Shawn based on the fair price, his ideas for the patio area, his other excellent reviews on this website, and just a good ?vibe?. He has a calm and patient attitude and his work reflects it. He is very thoughtful and quite the perfectionist.
When meeting Shawn, we were drawn to his creativity. It is obvious in his manner that he takes his work seriously and enjoys designing with customers? input. We were indecisive about what color pavers to use on our project. He drove us to 6 different homes in the local area he had completed (one being the one who reviewed on 2/16/12 ? we were there when Shawn noticed the paver shifting and heard him say he would be back to fix it). Just the way he interacted with his former customers said volumes. He had a lot of patience with us and never seemed bothered by all the questions we had?that was impressive.
The project took about 2 weeks with weather. We received almost daily updates from Shawn on the project's progress. He was not onsite with the workers (who were all friendly) all the time, but did check their work at the end of each day. He also dropped by on a regular basis while they were working to check on the progress. When we called or had a question, he would call back the same day. He is NOT the type of contractor who has to be hunted down, only to get a call back days or weeks later.
The only con (if you could call it that) would be all the choices we were given?Shawn is very flexible, but gives advice freely (and we are very happy we chose the Fire Island pavers with his input).
You would not believe how good it feels to come home, get out of the car, and open our back gate to the sanctuary that Shawn created. I smile every day and know that we made an excellent choice and were blessed to have him work with us. It was worth every penny.
Highly recommend.
Patricia L.
Mar 2012
smoothly
Margaret Q.
Mar 2012
IMr Upton arrived punctually to look at the job and we discussed my requirements in detail, including how he would dig a trench for the drain, line it with stone, connect perforated pipe to the drain pipe in the trench, and fill the trench with stone so the water would soak away underground to prevent erosion.
I then waited nearly two weeks for a quote, which I finally got by emailing Shawn multiple times. The quote was incorrect (did not describe the job properly), so there was another round of emailing to get a correct quote, which I signed and paid a deposit on.The lawn renovations went very well, but Shawn underestimated the amount of mulch needed and asked me to pay for the additional mulch. I was not happy but agreed. The drainage repair was another matter. The trench was dug, and the perforated pipe was on the job site, but a few days later I found non perforated pipe ad been installed, debouching above ground in an existing stone wall (VERY UGLY), about 20 feet further down the yard. I asked the workmen what was going on and they said they were doing what they were told to do and they filled in the trench that day.
As I wished to document my unhappiness at the way the drainage contract had been incorrectly carried out, I used email to contact Upton Inc. I asked Mr Upton to meet me at the job site (I live next door). He came, did not let me know he was coming, and went away again without contacting me.
A few days later, a worker dug a shallow (6" deep ) slot below where the pipes debouched and filled it with gravel. I then received a bill for the balance due on the job. I happily paid the balance Mr Upton requested on the lawn renovations and mulch, but withheld the balance due on the drainage job, as Mr Upton's actions were not what was contracted for, and had simply moved my erosion problem down the hill (indeed, over the course of the winter, I now have new erosion which is threatening a mature sugar maple and eroding the brand new lawn).
I wrote Mr. Upton with my payment, explaining why I had withheld the balance on the drainage job and asking him to meet me at the job site to discuss the drainage issue. I have heard nothing from him since and assume that he will not fix the problem. Interestingly he has never billed me for the additional mulch I agreed to pay for. Not sure what that's about, but I assume Mr Upton has walked away from this contract.
The lawn has wintered very well. In principal I am pleased with this part of the work, but I don't feel I can hire him again because of the lack of response to the drainage issue. Mr Upton needs to work VERY h****** communications and follow though, also on supervising his workers so that the work that is contracted for is actually done.
I then waited nearly two weeks for a quote, which I finally got by emailing Shawn multiple times. The quote was incorrect (did not describe the job properly), so there was another round of emailing to get a correct quote, which I signed and paid a deposit on.The lawn renovations went very well, but Shawn underestimated the amount of mulch needed and asked me to pay for the additional mulch. I was not happy but agreed. The drainage repair was another matter. The trench was dug, and the perforated pipe was on the job site, but a few days later I found non perforated pipe ad been installed, debouching above ground in an existing stone wall (VERY UGLY), about 20 feet further down the yard. I asked the workmen what was going on and they said they were doing what they were told to do and they filled in the trench that day.
As I wished to document my unhappiness at the way the drainage contract had been incorrectly carried out, I used email to contact Upton Inc. I asked Mr Upton to meet me at the job site (I live next door). He came, did not let me know he was coming, and went away again without contacting me.
A few days later, a worker dug a shallow (6" deep ) slot below where the pipes debouched and filled it with gravel. I then received a bill for the balance due on the job. I happily paid the balance Mr Upton requested on the lawn renovations and mulch, but withheld the balance due on the drainage job, as Mr Upton's actions were not what was contracted for, and had simply moved my erosion problem down the hill (indeed, over the course of the winter, I now have new erosion which is threatening a mature sugar maple and eroding the brand new lawn).
I wrote Mr. Upton with my payment, explaining why I had withheld the balance on the drainage job and asking him to meet me at the job site to discuss the drainage issue. I have heard nothing from him since and assume that he will not fix the problem. Interestingly he has never billed me for the additional mulch I agreed to pay for. Not sure what that's about, but I assume Mr Upton has walked away from this contract.
The lawn has wintered very well. In principal I am pleased with this part of the work, but I don't feel I can hire him again because of the lack of response to the drainage issue. Mr Upton needs to work VERY h****** communications and follow though, also on supervising his workers so that the work that is contracted for is actually done.
Michael P.
Feb 2012
What I can say is that shawn is a talented visionary with a keen eye for landscape design. My wife was extremely pleased with the work and they were reasonably timely in the completion of the work. This work was performed in the summer of 2009 and our front yard still looks as good as it did the day he finished. I was especially impressed that a couple years later, he called and asked if he could bring some potential customers by to look at his work and when he arrived he noticed that there was some settling of the pavers(something neither I nor my wife would have noticed) and the next week he had is crew there readjusting the pavers. I would definitely hire him again.
Carolyn M.
Jan 2012
Sean worked with us to stay within our budget and still use quality materials and create a walkway we loved. His crew did a fantastic job, and finished in almost no time. They graded the area perfectly and brought our walkway up to meet our front porch seamlessly. They planted grass seed in the areas they had dug up, and even planted some in some bare patches on the lawn. The finished project is beautiful!
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FAQ
Upton, Inc. Landscape & Construction is currently rated 4.5 overall out of 5.
Upton, Inc. Landscape & Construction accepts the following forms of payment: CreditCard
Yes, Upton, Inc. Landscape & Construction offers free project estimates.
No, Upton, Inc. Landscape & Construction does not offer eco-friendly accreditations.
No, Upton, Inc. Landscape & Construction does not offer a senior discount.
Yes, Upton, Inc. Landscape & Construction offers emergency services.
No, Upton, Inc. Landscape & Construction does not offer warranties.