Higbee Landscaping

We hired Higbee Landscape last spring to do a very large project; we had them build two fieldstone patios, as well as some pretty extensive destruction and installation of plantings. We had two companies come out to bid, and both were very close in price, so we chose to go with the local, small business. We've been regretting it ever since. Both of the patios are crumbling, because they weren't installed properly with the required amount of gravel beneath them. He did send someone out to try to 'fill in the cracks' last summer, but it did not last. They did not put the grout (or whatever it is called) between the layers of the retaining walls, so some of the bricks are falling off. We did have to make some changes to the plants that were going in because of the location of our septic tank; but what he decided to install in place of those plants, were perennial grasses. So, we've got an entire front with giant perennial grasses that will need to be removed within 3 years because they will grow to be huge (there are 14 of them in a 20x3 foot space). About half of all of the remaining plants and bushes he planted have died. We asked for lots of color - we received Zero color. Most of the plants were purchased at discount Countryside greenhouse, which probably explains why they've all died. Even the hostas all died. We do still have a lovely Japanese Maple that has so far survived. With the exception of one area along the side of the house, the landscaping looks like I did it myself: straight across the front, with half-dead plants and grass, and black fabric sticking up through the inadequate amount of mulch. It is poorly planned and executed, and it is embarrassing to pull in the driveway - knowing how much we spent. We have had so many negative comments on it, and you can bet we tell them who did it. The final straw, was our discovery that he installed the metal landscape edge directly on top of our septic tank access - so it - and the black fabric he put there - will need to be ripped up next year when we have to pump the tank again. We gave him the drawing and exact measurement of where the access was located so that we could avoid that. $15,000 is a LOT of money to blue-collar workers, and we expect to get what we pay for. We expect far more than crumbling patios and dead, cheap plants. In the very least, we expect the owner try to make it right. He has avoided all of our calls; we've sent emails and registered letters, all with no response; so will be filing a lawsuit. We just want it made right. He guaranteed everything for 1 year - and in a couple of weeks, that year is conveniently up. Do yourself a favor - skip this little guy, and go with the big name. At least if they cut corners and do half-baked work, you'll have something to fall back on.