Best retaining wall installation pros near Orono, MN

"I was in emergency need of replacing a timber egress window well and an adjacent paver patio that chipmunks had tunneled into and destroyed. I needed it replaced before it caved into the basement window and now was the time. Secondly, I hoped for finding someone who could install a concrete pad attached to my garage’s slab for a future 3-season screened porch. I was having a struggle finding anyone for either. Patio installers didn’t want to take on replacing an egress window well. Concrete people said they were not comfortable drilling rebar into a 75-year-old garage slab. Greg was able to do all of this! His crew was able to relocate a large stone step used in the old patio and integrate it into a new extension of the newpatio. Greg’s crew was able to masterfully cut the replacement pavers tightly around the existing pergola posts, I was really impressed! The concrete slab was poured within the frame of an existing low-height retaining wall, but the edges were dug out deep enough below the ground for structural support of the future 3-season porch. We needed a railing around the egress well, and while such work is outside the scope of what he would do, Greg referred us to a metal smith who built for us a new railing and metal ladder into the well."

"We originally had Twin City Landscapers install a brick retaining wall and small brick patio in our backyard. Two years later we used the same company to install another small patio in our front yard. Both times we found that Twin City Landscaper’s were easy to work with, fair, knowledgeable, and completed the work as promised. We would definitely hire them again should we need additional landscaping services."

"It went really well. Al and Corey are both fantastic to work with. I moved into a house where the yard was in rough shape. I talked to several different landscaping companies and decided on Goodfellows after the initial meeting. Al had such great suggestions for tweaking the design and thinking about the project, that I knew I would regret it if I chose someone else. The customer service is really good. Many contractors I have worked with are almost impossible to get answers from, but Al was always on top of everything I asked. The install team worked very hard and took great care when working close to the house to ensure nothing was damaged. We are very happy with the work that was done and would definitely recommend Goodfellows, without reservation, to anybody considering a landscaping project."

"Pros: Decent work (some good, some bad) Cons: Poor communication, doesn't fix issues (per contract), a number of poor installations, lack of customer service, etc, etc Hired to install front patio, retaining wall, landscaping. I should have known based on the first meeting after signing contract that we would be a second thought (despite spending +$100k)...initial meeting to pick bricks and stone, the lady was confused with who we were as she shuffled through her many layouts for other customers ("sorry, we just have so many"). Was told initially work would start once ground was ready - started a month later due to them having to 'take care of previous year work'. That's fine, just tell us during the winter so we can plan our interior house remodel accordingly. Just got a note one day out of the blue saying that work will start that day despite numerous calls prior trying to get a start date with limited feedback. After working for a few weeks, just stopped showing up for a few weeks. Because they had torn up the front door entrance, it was kind of a big deal to us. Only after a number of emails did we get a note explaining that they were waiting on a permit for the retaining wall. In the meantime, they would not have a crew work on our entrance until they could work on the retaining wall at the same time so as to 'maximize crew efficiency'. Thanks, I'm glad someone else is getting their work done while we (and now our interior contractors, because you started late) have to go in a different entrance because you couldn't get your permitting done correctly. When work finally was resumed, there were issues that became evident. They ripped through a big root on the main locust tree in our yard (how do you miss that?), threatening its survival. They installed a bench against one of our walls without our approval, despite it not being in the plans! We go away a couple days and come back to an unplanned bench. Only because it worked for the space did we accept, but what if we didn't?? There must have been a drop dead date for the job, because all of a sudden one day there were a whole group of workers on the site trying to get it done in a day. When cramming it all in a day, the quality was lost. Hopefully you can tell from the pictures where the patio seems to not be graded right, so water just sits on the patio; downspouts they installed were installed improperly and fall off all the time (and leaves get caught in all the time - what kind of dumb design are the drains?); electrical wires aren't buried correctly and are sitting above the ground us to trip on or animals to chew on; electrical tape on downspouts, etc. Communication was horrible. Only time they would be proactive in reaching out was the day after they issued their invoice asking for payment (sometimes before the work was even completed). We paid promptly each payment, but you wouldn't think so with the emails/calls we received (we won't pay final payment until job is done!). Received zero updates/feedback on a daily or weekly basis from the site foreman, so no idea where the project stood more than what we could see. I believe there was a language barrier. Once job was finished, took them until following year to fix steps that were installed poorly and broke - I'm guessing only due to our constant request for status. They put a 1 year warranty on plants, but when a few of the plants died and requested replacements, they never returned communication despite multiple attempts. Way to do the right thing...they got their money, why would they want to uphold their contractual responsibilities. Leaving overall C grade because a good portion of the work was done well - the retaining wall, facing on the wall, back patio. Left such a poor taste in our mouth with the terrible customer service (communication, follow-through) that it offset any goodness associated with the work. We got the impression that unless you are a super big project (more than the +$100k we spent) that you will be put at the end of the queue (if at all). Would not recommend."

"Donovan and team were professional, punctual, preformed grate work and a pleasure to deal with. We had a large 8ft decaying retaining wall in our alley with a 100 year old 60 ft tree bumping up to it. We were quite apprehensive to replace the wall due to the tree. Donovan and team came up with creative approach to replace the wall without disturbing the tree. I highly recommend king Scapes Kevin Korb"

"Had a small retaining wall installed and it was an all around great experience. No pushy sales or outrageous pricing. Dan was great to work with on the installation. I wouldn't hesitate to work with Clark Companies again on other landscaping projects."

"Jessica and team did a great job on designing and installing landscaping for our entire yard in August 2020. The team was very professional: they were timely, listened to our input and completed the entire project on time and on budget. Would highly recommend this company and wouldn't hesitate to refer them to family, neighbors and friends. Kyle and Pam Rulau"

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Chris, the owner, reviewed my project needs, suggested block style and color, described the process in detail and provided an estimate.  To ensure I would be satisfied with the color choice, he directed me to another project he completed in my area where the same block was used.  The selection was perfect and I hired Artistic Landscapes. 

The crew arrived on time and completed the project as planned. Chris was on site throughout the project to answer any questions I might have and to ensure all was on track.  The effort entailed removal of the existing flagstone wall, digging and setting a base, and removal of left-over flagstone and soil. They also had to accommodate my gutter drainpipe, and I was impressed with their solution. The team was professional, well organized and efficient.

It looks great!  I have no hesitation recommending this company!

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"Chris and team did a great job tearing out my old front step and then installed a beautiful new replacement for a great price. Throughout the entire process he did what he said he was going to do and always seemed to have my best interest in mind. I definitely would hire him or recommend him to others for future projects."

"Cody (and his crew) did a great job for us on our shed pad project. He was on time and cleaned up the area each day. I appreciated that he let us know that there would be extra concrete left from the minimum 1 yard. So, we had him add onto our patio. He listened well to what we needed and worked hard to get everything done on time. I would highly recommend Modern Mix for your project."