Earthworks Landscape
About us
For 35yrs Earthworks has been designing and installing South Florida landscapes for all budgets and all types of tastes. Larry Dieterich is a certifiable plant freak whose passion for unusual and interesting plants makes for unique and longlasting landscapes. Having traveled throughout the world researching and collecting unusual palms, plants, bromeliads and aroids I am bored by the mundane and predictable pallete so commonly seen in the average yard. This is not to say i install plants so rare they require specialized maintenance and watering. I believe a good landscape design should serve the test of time, be in scale with the area of work, have strong "curb appeal " and is easily maintained. And of course have moderate to low watering needs. I am known, at least in name, by nearly anyone worthwhile in the south florida nursery, plant and landscape world. Several photos of myself can be seen in the foremost authoritative text on palms," An encyclopedia of cultivated palms" by Paul Craft (my best friend).I have written many articles on landscaping and design for a home improvement magazine. Insured and licensed, I occasionally charge a small deposit($100-200) for a landscape sketch, which is refunded against any work contracted, (provided the work is contracted in full). I am Earthworks... the head hole digger, designer, rock placer, truck driver, delivery boy and my own worst critic. All attributes that ensure your work is installed as best it can be. Warranty policies; Plants want to live, even in a vacant lot there may just be weeds but plant life is evident and unavoidable. If a plant we install dies there is a reason and a solution. Numerous factors are at play in the urban environment, it may be our fault or it may be your fault and depending on who, what and where the fault lies determines the approach to a resolution. Labor is a commodity we can replace, the dead plant may not be. However service is the single most memorable quality a client refers to, and Earthworks is commited to prompt reliable service. Rock work and boulder installation as well as waterfall work is a special talent of Earthworks. A huge fan of Graham Stuart Thomas, Larry "sees" elevation and rockwork as an asset when and where it is feasible and more importantly, be esthetically appropriate. Not as an afterthought or an "add-on" to compliment the final invoice! But I do not do multi-colored mulch/gravel or cheesy little stacked stone walls around the base of a palm!! Budget is usually criteria one to most clients and I am mindful to accomodate the plant design and selection within the desired budget. However, if that budget is unrealistic for the area to be covered I will work with the client to stage the project or, phase down the scope of plant sizes and spacings. I charge an hourly labor rate of $105 for a crew separate from the plant and materials cost. My Nursery, is a ten acre tropical paradise replete with a 25 foot swing over our alligator inhabited pond. Visitors are welcome 7 days a week provided they call for an appointment and children are welcome...to weed anything! The important part of selecting any contractor is establishing a level of trust. I'm Larry and I thrive on trust. I did not choose this profession for the money making capabilities it provides, or the short hours and health benefits. I do it because I love it, I strain to be pragmatic and realistic in my design and plant selections. I have 10 acres of plants so I understand maintenance..believe me. More importantly I know plants and what works and where to get them and how to make a yard look amazing, all within a reasonable budget. Please read the reviews here on AngieslList, I am not the fastest landscaper but possibly the most serious and I greatly appreciate your taking the time to read this rant/Bio. I hope you might consider me for your landscape project to whatever degree that may entail. Sincerely, Larry D...
Business highlights
Emergency services offered
43 years of experience
Services we offer
Annuals Installation, Boulders, Fertilization, Irrigation Repair &Adjusting. Mulching., Landscape Design & Installation, Low Voltage Landscape Lighting, Maintenance, Maintenance & Contract Growing, Palm, Pavers & Hardscaping & Walkways, Plant Babysitting, Plant Transportation & Brokerage, Rootpruning, Soil Testing, Some Sod Work, Storage, Tiki Hut Construction, Tree & Palm Transplanting, Tree Delivery & Installation, Water Features, Waterfalls
Amenities
Emergency Services
Yes
Reviews
4.869 Reviews
| Number of Stars | Image of Distribution | Number of Ratings |
|---|---|---|
| 91% | ||
| 3% | ||
| 1% | ||
| 1% | ||
| 3% |
Showing 51-69 of 69 reviews
ROBIN R.
Jun 2013
he never called me back
Response from Earthworks Landscape
"Correct I did not call back because it clearly states in my profile I DO NOT do maintenance, sorry."
Jeffory H.
May 2013
Larry was fast, prompt and professional. He explained everything he did. I would highly recommend him. As for myself I hope to hire him again to continue my landscape project. He exceeded my expectations.
Response from Earthworks Landscape
"Once again I have to thank the clients, [member name removed] were both very trusting and listened to my input and suggestions. Together I believe we achieved the long term, low maintenance landscape they wanted. I greatly appreciate the business and faith they showed in my design ideas. Thanks guys!!"
Victoria B.
May 2013
Three months later: We have had a fabulous experience with Larry who owns Earthworks. He has great design vision and loves what he does. He landscaped our front yard so it not only looks beautiful but is sustainable on its own..needs very little work. He made sure the textures and colors through out the yard enhance each other. He landscaped the backyard to give us complete privacy while still being able to view the lake. He planted finger palms on the side of the pool and started a succulent garden for me. I will make it my own but know I can call him for advice if I need it. His quality of work is great, his enthusiasm even greater. He will do whatever you ask him but appreciates clients who let him fly on his own, however he will always confer with you before doing any work in your space.
He and his crew work quickly.
He is such a nice man, that to show us how he appreciated not only our business but our faith in him, he planted a gorgeous Oil Palm in our yard ...his gift to us.
We recommend him highly.
He and his crew work quickly.
He is such a nice man, that to show us how he appreciated not only our business but our faith in him, he planted a gorgeous Oil Palm in our yard ...his gift to us.
We recommend him highly.
Catherine G.
May 2013
Overall Larry was very professional, he took time to educate me in regards to what kind of weeds , and what type of weed and feed to use to rid them in the future. He gave me recommendations that not only make the yard look better, but also will be low maintence. It took several months, but I would rather have someone who took the time to do it the right way, and really get rid of the weeds before laying the new sod. He really cares about his work." Thanks Larry"
Bill E.
May 2013
We hired Larry based on the Angie's List reports and upon having him and several others do estimates and preliminary ideas. He was not the low bidder, but we liked his attitude and ideas. We gave him essentially free rein, and we're glad we did. Larry is an artist in the garden. Our yard has gone from nondescript to a showpiece that everyone in the neighborhood still comments on. Guests and real estate agents who come by are all impressed with what he has wrought. It's a delight to the eye just driving up to the driveway. We are very pleased that we chose him.
MARK J.
Apr 2013
no work done
Response from Earthworks Landscape
"I have no voicemail record nor email from this person, but i am sorry he went the extra mile to file this negative report."
Dennis M.
Feb 2013
He would replace all of my sod, and he worked on my trees. I was extremely happy with him. The guys who worked for him were great also.
Susan M.
Jan 2013
I got in touch with Larry at Earthworks through Angie's List. He called me back very soon after I left him a message. We scheduled an appointment for him to come over and see my house and yard. I liked him right away because he arrived on time. I live in a two story 1920s Mission style stucco home in downtown West Palm Beach just off of the intracoastal. I have never really done anything significant to the yard from the time I purchased the house in the early 90s. I have a two mango trees, an avocado tree, some palms, and shrub/hedges along the fenced in back yard that were already here. The back yard also has a couple features - a little patio area for dining and trellis/gazebo in the back - that I've added over the years. Larry and I talked for a long time at that first meeting for him to get an idea of what I wanted my yard to look like. I didn't have a real definite plan in mind and would be relying heavily on the guidance of the landscaper. Fortunately for me Larry was that guy. He totally got the old Florida feel of the house and how the garden needed to compliment it. Even though I was not sure of exactly what I wanted, I knew things I did not want. We agreed that I did not want the yard to look like a cookie cutter landscape job. I knew I wanted something easily maintained, drought tolerant and an emphasis on native plants. He asked me about my budget and I had no idea what any of this would cost since this was a new experience for me. Again, I was lucky that Larry is the kind of person he is - very honest, practical and frugal! He helped me achieve the look I wanted without overcharging me for things I didn't need. I was glad that he worked with almost everything that was existing and did not just come in with a bulldozer to start from scratch. Anything that was practical to keep, he kept. The project started at the beginning of the summer and evolved over the past few months. I wasn't in a great hurry to have it done overnight so I was able to be patient as we went through the various phases needed to get the end result. He was very good about letting me know where we stood with the budget. He is incredibly knowledgeable and artistically creative with a great eye for the big picture but at the same time he pays attention to the little details that can make such a difference. When it comes to choosing plants I liked the way he would give me a list of possibilities and I would research them so I could make an informed decision. He wasn't a diva about the creative process. He kept me involved all along the way but was very direct if I wanted to do something that would not work. After a little time spent with him you know that he loves what he does and it's not just about a paycheck. He urged me to drive around my neighborhood and other areas like mine to photograph landscaping that appealed to me. We discussed what I photographed and he advised me about what would or would not be good choices for me and why. He is very accessible. When I call or email him with a question or concern he is prompt about getting back to me. Most of the big stuff is done now although it will continue to be a work in progress. The garden is already a beautiful transformation and as it grows and fills in it will only get better. It feels so good to look out the windows to my yard every morning or sit outside with a cup of coffee and enjoy the scenery. And now with the recently installed lighting the garden is equally beautiful at night. I will definitely be working with Larry and Earthworks again. It is so nice to deal with someone who loves what they do, who actually shows up when they say they are going to and does what they say they are going to do. Without a doubt I would highly recommend him to anyone who wants to work with a real professional!
ROBERT B.
Jan 2013
The job went very well from design to execution. See above for all details. We plan on using Earthworks Landscaping for any future jobs we might have and highly recommend Larry Dietrich. He will listen to your needs and make recommendations based on his decades of experience and in-depth knowledge of plants that will work in various soils and lighting situations.
Response from Earthworks Landscape
"Just a note to the reader; what makes this review extra flattering is the fact that member had landscaped 90% of the yard himself with great taste and forsight for future effect and growth. it was easy to compliment his work by building on the foundation he had lain years earlier."
Jill H.
Dec 2012
Great overall. He takes the job seriously and takes time to consider and plans various ideas - he is a designer at heart.
Rehana P.
Dec 2012
to
Response from Earthworks Landscape
"The client is right, I should have taken the time to call and explain my schedule. She did leave out the part where i had drawn a full color plan taking over 4 hours based on the discussion and information she provided. I also gave her the name of another AngiesList landscaper who is a friend and does lower budget installations where no significant equipment or changes to the existing landscape are expected. Communication is a two way participation, I could have done better and saved us both alot of wasted effort.. I am grateful for her input and comments."
Susan M.
Oct 2012
Overall everything went very well! We started with a first meeting to discuss ideas, budget and time line. He presented us with a landscape design and a quote but we had to wait several months before we could get permission from our condo corporation to complete the work. Once approval was received, Larry accommodated us very quickly as we had to make a special visit to Florida to be there while work was being done. Larry always kept us informed of the procedure and kept in close contact at all times. Larry has fabulous ideas and great skill in design. He also listened to me for feed back and any preferences that I had. The work was done very quickly and very meticulously. We are extremely happy and wouldn't hesitate to recommend him again.
Richard K.
Oct 2012
The project went about as planned although lengthier because of weather and coordination with other contractors. Larry kept us informed throughout. As an artist, Larry has his own rhythm which may not always equate to speed of execution, but the end results are stunning. If you want fast, call the larger commercial guys and they will plunk down crotons and coco plums in a couple days and your yard will look like everyone elses. If you want something different and beautiful, let Larry work his magic even if it takes a little longer.
Sharon R.
Sep 2012
We were looking for some curb appeal before we put the house on the market. Front yard was overgrown and not well maintained. Larry wanted to clear all the overgrowth on the berms and replace it with sod. He then proposed removing the shrubs along the whole front of the house so the house itself would be more visible. This was kind of scary because the shrubs were many and had been there forever. He said to trust him that he knew what he was doing. So we did. We were really pleased with the result and happy that we trusted him!
We are very happy with the final result. The yard looks very neat but needs a little color which we are planning to take care of. We highly recommend Larry for reasonable and quality landscaping projects of this type.
We are very happy with the final result. The yard looks very neat but needs a little color which we are planning to take care of. We highly recommend Larry for reasonable and quality landscaping projects of this type.
Charles K.
Sep 2012
There were several delays in getting started due to a death in the vendor's family and a death in my family. So timeliness would not have been an issue except for one thing. The vendor advised me that the advertised price only included a certain number of labor hours and did not include sod. I understood and agreed to those terms.
However, after the owner finally came to my home to look at the property, he advised me that he would get back to me within a day with an estimate. Instead he sends me an email after a couple of days, advising me that he was shutting down his company and going to work for someone else.
However, after the owner finally came to my home to look at the property, he advised me that he would get back to me within a day with an estimate. Instead he sends me an email after a couple of days, advising me that he was shutting down his company and going to work for someone else.
Response from Earthworks Landscape
"Yeah sorry, the love of my life committed suicide and you didn't get the cheap sod you wanted, thanks for the review."
Virginia R.
Aug 2012
He was professional and did good work
Ruth S.
Jul 2012
We got Larry's number from Angie's list. He was very prompt in coming over and seemed very personable. We discussed what we were looking for in the way of landscaping and extending our patio. Larry said he would give it some thought and come up with a design. I guess he's still thinking because we still haven't heard from him. What makes him unprofessional is the fact that my husband left him several messages and he hasn't returned any of our calls.
Larry prides himself on his reputation on this site. Sorry guy, you dropped the ball on this one.
Larry prides himself on his reputation on this site. Sorry guy, you dropped the ball on this one.
Response from Earthworks Landscape
"No excuses here, they did call back but did not say in the message whether the patio paver work which i said i could not do was done or not, and i did not return that call. Out of 118 AngiesList jobs completed last year this is one job i didn't get...Sorry for the poor response."
Karen M.
Jul 2012
Called Earthworks and left a message. Larry the owner called back promptly. I discussed the sod installation job in my front yard and he was able to come by and assess the job that day. Larry was professional, and provided suggestions on landscaping and plantings. He provided a written estimate the same dayThe job was done the following week and I was extremely satisfied. He did the work as stated in the estimate and the sod was thick and healthy. I would highly recommend
Laurie H.
Jun 2012
As noted in many of the reviews, Larry is very enthusiastic and very knowledgeable and provided my husband and me with new ideas and a host of tips on achieving and maintaining a certain look for our yard. We have had mixed success with other attempts to landscape our yard and were pleased that Larry not only responded promptly to our calls and all inquiries, but also was willing to go a bit out of his normal work area, having to travel on numerous occasions to Clewiston to complete this work. While providing his own design and advice, Larry also demonstrated a willingness to work around some personal requests... such as a perhaps illogical fondness on our part for a certain tree or plant in a particular place. Larry was mindful to work within a general budget; although we did go beyond initial estimates, that was due to my husband's and my satisfaction with the professionalism of the work and our growing enthusiasm and requests to continue to improve the look of the yard. Larry uses quality plants and the overall effect seems to get better every day. We plan to continue with the side and back yards, following ideas that Larry has proposed. Larry is a very hard worker, doing most of the work himself. We found him both professionally competent and a pleasure to work with.
Kathleen M.
Jun 2012
I was looking for a landscaper and found Earthworks on Angies List. I read all the reviews and was pleased to see Larry had received an A rating. What I did not know was how much greater than an A he is! I called and left a message. Within 20 minutes he returned my call. I discussed with him an impending major landscaping project (my husband and I were removing 125' of Brazilian pepper trees the previous owner had left us on the property line and replanting with arecas for screening) and told him that we were planning on planting areca palms. He advised me that another type of palm would be a better investment, as it is more cold hardy. We purchased these palms from Larry and he delivered them. He walked around our property and gave my husband some tips on other plants we had in the landscape. He provided specific instructions for planting the palms as well as how to best care from them to ensure good growth. I have since e mailed him as rabbits were nibbling on the smaller palms and he told me what I could use to keep them away.
I have hired Larry to provide a "phase in" landscape plan and I can't wait to see what he designs. Overall, Earthworks was a major find and I would recommend Larry to anyone looking for someone who is beyond knowlegable on the best plants for your landscape and how an eye appealing landscape can be best achieved.
I have hired Larry to provide a "phase in" landscape plan and I can't wait to see what he designs. Overall, Earthworks was a major find and I would recommend Larry to anyone looking for someone who is beyond knowlegable on the best plants for your landscape and how an eye appealing landscape can be best achieved.
Charles S.
Jun 2012
Larry from Earthworks came out to give estimate for custom duck pond. Took $100 as down payment, even though he has a coupon on angie's list. Said Angie's List is so great, meets people with custom projects like mine. Only thing is...he must cherry pick his jobs or is incompetent. He never called me back after promising to send drawings for project. That was over a month ago. Only follow up at all was a call from Larry the day after we met asking me to install a 1 1/2" drain pipe of PVC from the aviary to the pond as a as my wire cage builder was at the site at the time. No matter what he says don't believe a single word of it. Stringing people along with hollow promises is worse than just saying "no thank you" or "I'm to busy". What a jerk.
Response from Earthworks Landscape
"This report was filed by the member prior to contacting me to discuss his dissatifaction. I never requested any monies for my consultation but he did "give" me $100 for my time. I have returned half his money as half the responsibility fell to him to explain his position which he choose not to do. I would hope all who read his comments can sense his demeanor. He made no attempt at any time to inform me that the security fencing work being done to his enclosure was complete, as i requested ( his home was 47 miles from our office) so i could visit the site and design the work he desired. I take 50% of the blame for the miscommunication but none for his belief that i can read minds. As all can see from my reports this was clearly an anomaly which could have been easily avoided with a simple phone call...right?!"
Alfredo T.
Jun 2012
Super excellent, no problems at all, they did a super great job.
Michael F.
Jun 2012
I interviewed several landscaping companies. Larry was the most interested about my vision of how the new landscaping should look.He came over to view the areas in question. This was followed by emails inquiring about the look my wife and I were seeking. He is a very good listener both about "the look" and "the budget" and our request for "low maintenance". His enthusiasm is contagious. We talked little about specific plants but rather in generalizations about what type of plants we like. He brought over different samples of plants for review. Most of the plants were ones we had never seen before in gardens or at local nurseries. Although we had a vision of what we wanted we left the details to Larrry. I am sure if we requested specifics he would have accommodated us. We were glad we left the details to him. He really is a true landscape designer and artist. We are EXTREMELY pleased with the results. He also did an excellent job on the new irrigation system.
Joli B.
May 2012
great!
Mary S.
Apr 2012
We called Earthworks and explained that we needed dead Ficus and other plants removed and wanted to 'freshen up' our landscaping in general. Larry scheduled time to come meet with us, see the yard, and listen to our thoughts. He was happy to do this on the next Sunday when my husband and I were both available.
He spent over an hour with us and truly heard what we like, and shared his remarkable vision for what could be done. He left us with an estimate (that final charge was actually a bit lower!) and a labeled sketch of his proposal.
He began work the following week and finished within 3 days, with the assistance of hard-working helpers. The removal was thorough and clean, and the new plants and shrubs are healthy and were planted in the best light for thriving with low maintenance.
Larry was most hospitable to the curious neighbors who came around to see the work in progress. Now the neighbors are as impressed as we with the results! I see more business coming his way.
While the photos help to show the remarkable difference between before and after, they do not really do it justice. We plan to call Larry again in the future when we have the funds to add some fruit trees. In the meantime, we are thrilled to now live in our little corner of paradise and enjoy the gift that keeps on giving!
He spent over an hour with us and truly heard what we like, and shared his remarkable vision for what could be done. He left us with an estimate (that final charge was actually a bit lower!) and a labeled sketch of his proposal.
He began work the following week and finished within 3 days, with the assistance of hard-working helpers. The removal was thorough and clean, and the new plants and shrubs are healthy and were planted in the best light for thriving with low maintenance.
Larry was most hospitable to the curious neighbors who came around to see the work in progress. Now the neighbors are as impressed as we with the results! I see more business coming his way.
While the photos help to show the remarkable difference between before and after, they do not really do it justice. We plan to call Larry again in the future when we have the funds to add some fruit trees. In the meantime, we are thrilled to now live in our little corner of paradise and enjoy the gift that keeps on giving!
Licensing
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FAQ
Earthworks Landscape is currently rated 4.8 overall out of 5.
No, Earthworks Landscape does not offer free project estimates.
No, Earthworks Landscape does not offer eco-friendly accreditations.
No, Earthworks Landscape does not offer a senior discount.
Yes, Earthworks Landscape offers emergency services.
No, Earthworks Landscape does not offer warranties.