BEFORE & AFTER LANDSCAPE DESIGN

On our initial consult, Ken came out to meet with my wife and I after work. While walking the property and describing all of the things we were looking to have done, Ken took notes and pictures. Within two week's time, he dropped off an overall landscape design including a detailed line item cost estimate. After considering our budget, and discussing with Ken, we decided to divide the plan into three phases: plantings and decorative rock work, paver walkway/entryway, and backyard paver patio removal/rebuild. The first phase just completed and we couldn't be happier. Ken's 30+ years experience is evident in the final product. Both Ken and his staff are great to work with from the design phase through the execution of the plan. Ken takes time to gather requirements and understand expectations with customer satisfaction as his main goal. Clearly, you are working with people that love what they do. We can't wait to start work on phase two later this summer/fall.

I was adding a new shed (more of a playhouse) to the backyard, and wanted it to appear like a little cottage.  I had the shed purchase and builders lined up, but I needed somebody to layer the area the shed would be on before it was built and landscape the area around it afterwards.  
Ken is the nicest contractor you'll ever meet...this will be clear the first time you meet with him.  Although it was obvious he is busy this time of year, he really went the extra mile to fit into my inconvenient and fluctuating schedule.  He was also happy to do the work in 2 stages, just to make sure that everything lined up nicely with the finished shed.
The end result exceeds my expectations.  My backyard is transformed and I couldn't be happier.  I'll be using their services again next year to fix up the front.

We asked Before and After to completely redo our landscaping, including re-grading a section according to an engineering drainage plan from another company. Ken asked a lot of questions about what we wanted (i.e. low maintenance, type of plants) then came back with a draft plan. We reviewed it with him, made modifications, went back and forth a bunch of times because we had trouble making up our minds, and then he installed it. He had to wait for the re-grading engineering plan and permit, and for us to put in a new fence, so he split the work into pieces and did some yard clean-up, then the re-grading, and then the major work. Because of things on our end, no fault of his, the work ended up being completed in early December when the weather was really cold. Ken and his crew came out and did the work as soon as we gave him the go-ahead, without complaint. They were professional, polite, and very attentive to our requests for information or for changes (and we asked for a lot of changes). We have to wait to spring to see all the new plants in bloom, but we are very happy with the overall look. We couldn't decide on treatment in one small area  the yard, and we do plan to use them again in the spring to complete that area.

they did a very good job.

We sought advice for yard work after removing an above ground pool in a yard with a significant slope.  Ken provided designs for a patio with a fire pit as well as filling in the yard where the pool had been to restore the original slope.  The designs extended to new flower beds around the existing deck and the house.  He further suggested burying the sump pump hose as part of the project.
Ken and his crew removed concrete blocks that formed a retaining wall for the pool; hauled in dirt to restore the yard to the original slope; removed sod on the side of the house; shaped flower beds around the deck and along the back of the house; planted flowers and bushes; buried the sump pump hose; installed sod on the slope; added pavers and decorative stone; sowed grass seed; and worked with the Village to meet code requirements.
The dirt above the sump pump hose settled into the ground more than was expected.  Unfortunately, communication fell apart at this point.  After several attempts to contact Ken about this problem, Ken did return to see what had happened.  He and his crew then returned with additional dirt and grass seed that is now growing nicely.

Ken is a very low key, knowledgable and professional landscaper.  He carefully listened to what we wanted (low maintenance), helped us figure out what would look good for our patio, had available on his phone pictures of what he was recommending, and drew for us a planting diagram of what the finished look would be.  He willingly worked within our budget, but when the budget had to shrink, he planted accordingly and showed us what could be done now and what could be postponed until next spring.

2nd time we've worked with Ken Kand of Before and After Landscape Design.  Ken provided us a beautiful drawing for our backyard. He built our paver patio, and I knew I would call him again to finish up the yard.
Ken is an amazing person.  Patient and great sense of design.   He took us to the nurseries and let us pick out our boulders and flagstones.   At one point we decided NOT to do everything on the design.... but ended up doing more -- as it was so beautiful.
Let's just say -- I called Ken the "Dream Whisperer" -- because I can't even believe this is now my yard.  Not even in my wildest dreams could I have envisioned such beauty.
Ken and his team - -very courteous and went over and beyond in doing the little things.  For instance, they also finished with mulch and Ken called to tell me that the guys were finishing watering all the plantings.  
GREAT GREAT GREAT!!!!    TOTALLY RECOMMEND KEN!  
WE PLAN .... hopefully to continue our working relationship with him with plans for the front of the house next year.

It was such a pleasure working with Ken and his crew were very good. Ken is a soft-spoken person but he knows his landscaping and is very honest with you. He provided two different drawings/designs on each project and also included or transplanted quite a few plants we had in our yard. We have received many compliments on how our retaining wall and front walkway just completely changed the curb appeal on our house.
Our backyard project included the planting of a Newport Plum tree. The first two that Ken planted wound up dying for unknown reasons. Ken contacted the nursery and they special ordered a third tree that was planted this past Spring and is doing very well. We are planninig on having some more work done in our backyard and we will definitely be calling him for that work.

Working with Ken and his team was a terrific experience from start to finish!   We had just moved into a new home and had big plans for the yard.  Even though we couldn't do all that we had originally intended to (e.g. patio with water feature) Ken was very understanding, creative and flexible.    We really wanted to create privacy in our backyard and Ken helped us see how we could use existing plantings for maximum impact.   Ken and his crew are wonderful!

We decided on getting a quote from Before & After Landscaping Design last April.  At the time I had asked Ken Kand for a list of references.  He provided over 30 references - and Ken was amazed that I contacted every person.  I was equally amazed at how each person loved working with Ken and his crew and loved the final product they received. 
Intrigued, we were invited by many references to check out his patio design and loved it.  
We waited a year and in April 2012 I called Ken and asked if he would still honor his quote from the prior year and he said he would.
Ken gave us three different designs to choose from and we were delighted by all the choices.
The Before & After Design Team started each day on time.  Clean up was amazing each day.  I provided beverages, breakfasts and lunches.  This is not required by all means, but it was definitely appreciated.  I appreciated each member of Ken's team and would recommend them with highest grade of A+.
We plan on hiring Ken and his team again when we redo our from yard. 
Ken is soft spoken and very kind.  I consider him more than the guy I hired - I made a new friend.  
Our neighbor has now requested a quote and so did our sister.  
Ken is the best -- he may be a little higher than other quotes, but realize, you are not just hiring someone who is going to build you a patio, you are hiring a designer and an amazing crew who cares.  He has come out to check on things late at night when I have questions.  Ken is always available by text messages and phone.
LOVED WORKING WITH THEM!

Ken, the owner, showed up on time for all of his appointments. He was very professional presenting the plans for the design. He did a nice job incorporating what was existent already in our front yard with the new landscaping design. Ken was also on site during the whole project, so it wasn't just a crew coming out to work on site. Also, he was available to assist the crews with any problems or issues.