RUHLAND NURSERIES INC

We purchased a home in 2010 that had neglected sprinkler system. We contacted Ruhlands as they had done some work through the previous owner and we assumed was familiar with the system. Provided great service, but had to return often to complete detailed requests. Through this contact, we contracted them to do a major foundation landscape and rear elevated paver patio which was completed in fall of 2011, with the patio sealant postponed. According to Brett, the pavers needed to have some "wear time" before sealing which is consistent with other landscapers. Brett returned in 2012 and applied the sealant. I was skeptical with the application as he used a bug sprayer to mist it on, then spread it thinner with a paint roller. Not wanting to question the "professional", I questioned the longevity of the sealer and long term maintenance. Brett assured me that routine rinsing and a 3 to 4 year scrubbing would be all that was needed. Immediately in the spring of 2013 problems surfaced. The joint between the paver bed and outer wall was showing erosion. The pavers were losing color and not beading water. Brett returned and patched the paver joints and assured me he would look into the sealer issue. From that point on it became a phone text exchange. The end text, which I still have saved, was that I rescrub and reseal the patio myself. Needless to say, last fall I hired another service for my sprinkler and lawn care services. Today, I tried to scrub the patio to reseal. It is very apparent that no sealer ever existed on the pavers. They are stained with every element an outdoor patio is exposed to. The joints between the paver deck and outer wall have collapsed. Brett's crew did a great job. We spent $8000. And Brett...finished off the entire project personally by skimping $$$ on the one material that would preserve it all...sealer. His entire approach was to save a few bucks. Now, I am waiting on an estimate from a real professional to repair and preserve what has been invested in this patio. It will need a complete chemical rewash and reseal. The new contractors policy on paver patios is to spray the sealer liberally, and return to check absorption. Then, return annually for several years to clean and reseal to insure preservation. WHAT a concept! If you want a warm fuzzy feeling you're being taken care of, Ruhlands is your place. If you want details followed closely and/or accountability for the work done...go elsewhere. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Update 3/2015. Shortly after posting this original review, even the landscaping contractor I spoke with would not return my calls. I took it upon myself to purchase a specialized attachment for my pressure washer for $50. The mud that came out of this patio after 1 year was unbelievable. I purchased 3 gallons of sealer from Lowes and liberally sprayed it on. It soaked it up like a sponge. The seams between the pavers and retaining wall were repaired by my wife and I. We bought a 50 pound can of Polymer Sand and used 2/3 of it to fill the just the seam. The remainder + will be used this spring to seal the joint between the patio and exterior house wall, which was specifically requested on installation. This all should have been done when the patio was built. If I can figure it out and complete, any professional should have included it in the installation.