Founded 2006 • With Angi since June 2012
Our company is your most outside the box thinking landscaping service in the area. With our many years of experience in commercial and residential landscaping we can help you create your dream landscape! We specialize in a broad range of landscaping techniques, rather it be as simple as a new paver patio or as complex as a whole yard design we work hand-in-hand with a team of architects and horticulturalists to bring you a well-rounded approach. We follow the philosophy that each landscape is unique and provide each client with a personalized plan to fit the landscapes specific needs. Always reliable, professional and accountable. Call today for a free estimate.
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hardscaping (33)lawn & landscaping (12)Patios (9)stone & gravel (7)masonry (3)lawn care (3)concrete repair (2)patio enclosures (1)driveway pavers (1)fountains (1)
Showing 1-25 of 37 reviews
SIMON R.
01/14/2020
Rob and his crew far exceeded my expectations. The design, quality, professionalism and response time were second to none. I had several quotes and there is NO WAY I would have entrusted the project to anyone else. You will NOT find a better solution to your needs. look no farther and give them a call. I cannot recommend them any higher.
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Description of Work
Paver Front Entrance
Category
landscaping, pavers, gravel, hardscaping, patios
Cost
$3,800
Hire Again?
Yes
Dawn E.
12/15/2019
I had a retaining wall that leads to the outside entrance to my basement the was collapsing. Rob and his team at Serene Aqua assessed the damage, discussed my options, and gave me a quote within 24 hours of contacting them. Based on their recommendation (best materials to build and reinforce wall) I had a new retaining wall just a few days later. I am so pleased with the work and the overall professionalism that I highly recommend Serene Aqua. Rob has a creative vision that help uncreative people like myself. The photo I'm submitting is prior to final completion but you'll see the great job they did to replace the dangerous mess I had.
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Description of Work
Repair collapsed retaining wall
Category
concrete repair, masonry, hardscaping
Hire Again?
Yes
J Christian C.
12/06/2019
Serene Aqua did an excellent job of pond cleaning and rehabilitation for a fair price and we really appreciate them and their fine work. Please use them to give your property special beauty. We would use them again and recommend them to friends and neighbors!
Description of Work
We had a pond in the yard that was overgrown
Category
landscaping, hardscaping
Hire Again?
Yes
Laura P.
06/25/2019
We are so pleased with our experience with Rob and his team! We had reached out to nearly 25 companies to get quotes for our patio project. Serene Aqua Landscaping was one of only two companies that returned our phone calls. Our project was unique in that we live at a condo, so you have to get a drawing and scope of work submitted to our condo association for approval. Serene Aqua Landscaping was the only one to send us the required drawing, so they really stood out to me from the start. Rob has been a great communicator throughout the process and timely responded to my multiple emails before, during, and after project completion. His team of guys are hard-working, respectful, and meticulous to details. It is not easy working at a condo, but the guys were always mindful of the other residents and cleaned up their work space every evening. We have gotten so many positive comments about patio from the condo association and other residents. We love our patio and use it every day! Thanks Rob and your team for a fantastic job! -Mike & Laura
Description of Work
We had our patio redone in pavers.
Category
hardscaping, patios
Cost
$4,700
Hire Again?
Yes
Judith M.
04/30/2019
In the last 20 years there are just 2 or 3 contractors I'd have come back and do more work for me and Rob is one of them. Our home is a new construction and we were supposed to have a pool installed in August 2018. Rob came out and walked through the project with us in July. One delay after the next, more rainy days than we can count and next thing we find ourselves in March with the pool finally getting wrapped up!! Rob hung with us the whole time. When we were finally ready, he was ready! He had good ideas on several aspects of the back yard and we love the outcome! The quality of workmanship is excellent. The crew cleaned up after themselves every day and Rob communicated next steps with us frequently so we were not left wondering. We modified the plan several times and Rob updated the quote for us along the way. There were no surprises. He addressed questions and came out for a final walk through before I left on vacation. The pictures speak for themselves (before and after). I would highly recommend Rob to anyone looking for a quality outdoor space! (Note that the concrete around the pool was done by another company).
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Description of Work
Fabulous backyard patio, dining area and walkway
Category
hardscaping
Cost
$15,000
Hire Again?
Yes
Anne C.
10/19/2018
It is amazing how Rob can take a concept and translate it into reality! We absolutely love the outcome. In addition, all the people who worked to build the patio and pond were courteous, punctual and cleaned up after themselves. They really went above and beyond. The only reason for the “B” on responsiveness is because Rob does it all including answering the phones and responding to email. This may mean it takes him a bit to get back, but he always does... and it is well worth the wait!
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Description of Work
They built a patio and organic koi pond with landscaping.
Category
hardscaping
Hire Again?
Yes
Kathy H.
09/10/2018
A+++++ Rob and his team are kind, committed, hardworking, skilled, and talented hard-scapers, landscapers, and water-scapers. I was blessed the day I called Rob after approximately 30 other phone calls. The job we desired included so many aspects of landscaping - all other companies could do one or two but not all the required landscaping, hardscaping, and waterscaping. Rob created and his team built a backyard oasis that is beyond my wildest dreams. Rob is so pleasant with every desire to start and complete a project to the customer's expectations. His team works so hard no matter the conditions. They waste not a moment, work long hours, and clean up each and every day before leaving. They are such tremendous people with very challenging jobs. Rob created a "mountain" waterfall in our backyard that could easily be in front of a business, yet it's in my yard. Rob prices his jobs fairly and did everything we wanted without fail. I cannot overstate my pleasure to do business with Rob.
Description of Work
hard-scaping, landscaping, water-scaping
Category
landscaping, lawn service, masonry, pavers, gravel, fountains, hardscaping
Hire Again?
Yes
Jan C.
08/05/2018
Chandni D.
07/22/2018
Robert was very authentic with his recommendations on timing and cost for the projects. He worked with us to develop a proposal that met our needs and was open to changes along the way. The team that he put together was very professional and respectful of the property. They kept us updated of progress and cleaned up nicely after the work was done. We love our new backyard!
Description of Work
Redoing backyard and driveway
Category
landscaping, lawn service, pavers, gravel, driveway pavers, hardscaping, patios
Hire Again?
Yes
Kathleen M T.
08/17/2017
It went great. He came up with a great design. They had themes cleaned up in no time. He came in $1,000. less than another bid from Creech's for the same work. Did some mulching at no charge, providing the mulch and having his guys spread it. Even replaced the shovel the first group stole with a band new one. I love my wall and people who visit, just rave about the work and the way it truned out.
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Description of Work
Had another vendor who made a mess trying to put in a flower wall. Needed that straightened out and a design for a flower wall.
Category
landscaping, hardscaping
Hire Again?
Yes
Rosemarie S.
06/29/2017
We attempted to get estimates from several companies and Rob was one of the two that came out when scheduled, made suggestions and gave us options for our project. His ideas turned out to the be perfect solution for our needs. Although other companies told us our project was too small, he worked us into his schedule and upon completion of the work he inspected both the walkway and the patio. He found an issue that we would have been unaware of and had it rectified to his high standards. We were thrilled to have a perfectionist on the job! The crew was also professional and courteous.
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Description of Work
stone pathway paver patio
Category
pavers, gravel, hardscaping, patios
Cost
$2,000
Hire Again?
Yes
Naydeen Z.
08/09/2016
Great! Rob was great to work with! He made sure to keep in contact throughout the whole process, worked with us on our design, he had to come back a few times to make some changes and worked with us throughout the process. The patio looks great! Rob was a pleasure to work with.
Description of Work
400sqft pavered patio
Category
hardscaping
Hire Again?
Yes
Eva D.
08/07/2016
Rob and his crew did a phenomenal job! Rob's design and visualization of what I wanted was right on target, and he anticipated details of the design that would make life easier, such as the inclusion of a pad for storing my garbage cans, which I wanted, but don't recall bringing up. We encountered a few obstacles (no fault of his own) during the excavation that required modification of the design, but Rob and his crew were able to work around it and still maintain a very artistic flair in the final construction. Rob's prices were very reasonable. Even though the cost increased due to the problems that we encountered, Rob was generous in keeping the cost low. I am very happy with my beautiful new walls!
Description of Work
The driveway in front of my house and sidewalk along the side of my house both needed to be replaced. The new construction required the building of a wall with steps to support a hill on one side of my driveway, and a small wall was needed on the other side to support soil and a concrete pour for my new sidewalk. In addition, the driveway was excavated to make the gradient of the slope lower.
Category
hardscaping
Cost
$17,000
Hire Again?
Yes
Cindy C.
07/12/2016
From start to finish it went great. Robert is easy to work with both regarding the bid and the design, the crew was hard working and efficient and the job looks beautiful. Their attention to detail was awesome and they kept us in the loop and decision making throughout. Makes quite a difference to the front of our house. If I need future hardscaping I will definitely call Rob again.
Description of Work
Removal of concrete sidewalk and replaced with a paver walkway
Category
pavers, gravel, hardscaping
Cost
$2,200
Hire Again?
Yes
Ben W.
07/06/2015
-Thorough quotes for work of which he stands by the price. -Timely responses. -Flexibility during the project as things do come up. -Reliable crew of guys who are courteous, polite and clean up all waste, garbage from the jobs. -Quality work has stood the test of time and use (4+years). Highly recommend Rob and Serene Aqua!
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Description of Work
The have hired Serene Aqua many times over the last 4 years. Most recently Rob and his team fixed up an old set of crumbling concrete stairs. The stairs were getting dangerous to use so Rob and his crew came out and removed as much of the stairs as possible then proceeded to build a new awesome set of steps around them with large stone blocks and pavers matching the amazing paver patio that he had installed 4 years earlier. While Rob admitted up front he prefers not to build railings he did give me some pointers that enabled me to knock them out myself. Also, over the last 4 years we have hired Rob many times first for an amazing paver patio (aprox 300 sq ft). I initially called Rob looking for a concrete poured patio but upon arrival he gave me many options including a paver patio option that was not much more than concrete but gets tons of compliments. Serene Aqua has also planted many trees and bushes and helped with yard cleanup making our yard the nicest in the neighborhood.
Category
hardscaping
Cost
$750
Hire Again?
Yes
Marty R.
06/17/2015
They worked very hard and the final product looks wonderful. The cleanup could have gone better and the sand and gravel and rock could have been placed on a tarp instead of my lawn. I had two pavers in the front of the house replaced and a small maple tree cut down. Overall, everything was done that I had asked for. Rob is a great guy and I enjoyed talking with him about the work.
Description of Work
laid pavers for 12 x 11 area in the back yard.
Category
pavers, gravel, hardscaping
Cost
$1,080
Hire Again?
Yes
Michele W.
06/04/2015
Project went well. Very beautiful....many compliments from neighbors and friends. I will hire again to complete my phase III of the project in the fall. The owner, Rob and I work hand and hand while working through the plans. Great creativity and design work. Definitely met my needs and created the look and value I wanted. Great work and a Great team. I definitely recommend.
Description of Work
Installed a 260sq paver patio with stairs. Landscaped my front and backyard.
Category
hardscaping, patios
Cost
$4,500
Hire Again?
Yes
Joe G.
05/28/2015
Rob and his team were fantastic! We fielded quotes from other providers, but none were as knowledgeable, thorough, or competitively priced as Serene Aqua. Rob's team broke ground on a Sunday afternoon and by that Friday, we had the best looking house on the block. The crew worked tirelessly, and they were very courteous and professional. They cleaned up every day and never left a mess, despite the dirty work. Rob was consultative with our landscaping, designing a plan around what we already had and even relocating existing plants to maximize their growth. And the patio? AMAZING! We receive compliments from our neighbors regularly on the quality of the work and the looks of the property now versus before. Rob came in on-time and on-budget, and he's remained in contact with us after the job to make sure we properly tend to the new plants he put in. We intend to use Serene Aqua for any and all outdoor projects we have from this point on, and we can't say enough good things about our experience with Rob and his team. Thanks, guys!
Description of Work
Landscaped front and side of house; installed paver patio in backyard.
Category
hardscaping, patios
Cost
$6,000
Hire Again?
Yes
Silvia D.
05/26/2015
..can't get them to call back
Description of Work
I have called and left several messages and my calls have never been returned
Category
hardscaping
Service Provider Response
Sorry you had an issue reaching anyone over a Holiday weekend. In most cases calls are returned promptly, unless I am out of town or spending time with my family over a holiday weekend. The first Message you left late Thursday was extremely garbled, barely understood so therefor I did not have a clue as what your number was. The second VERY RUDE message you left late yesterday, warranted no call back, nor desire to want to work with someone whom would leave a message as you did yesterday.Pete D.
04/24/2015
tRob came by and looked at the water feature and we discussed options on how to get it back into shape and an approxiamte cos.. Essentially it needed a good cleaning and the berm of the waterfall need to be raised. The low berm was allowing water to escape and flood the yard when the pumps were on. He provided an estimate to do the work and we agreed on a date. Due to weather, we had to change the date a couple of times but Rob was always contacting me a letting me know what was going on and when he thought he would be able to get the work done. Rob and his son arrived on the date and time agreed too and proceeded to start work. They drained the small pond and washed down the sides and bottom getting most of the rotted organic matter out of the pond and the majority of the sludge build up out. Due to the rocky bottom and sides the pond cannot be cleaned like a swimming pool. Plus some organic matter is necessary to maintain the balance of the mini eco system which is what a natural pond system is. While his son drained and flushed the pond, Rob started the rebuild of the waterfall/stream feature. He corrected some additional problems found along way in the process of rebuilding the low berm. Rob and his son spent about 4-5 hours working on my water feature and I am extremely happy with the results. In addition to the cleaning and repair work Rob also provided me with tips and techniques on how to maintain the feature and winterize it at the end of the year. Overall I'm very please and would highly recommend Serene Aqua. The work was performed within the quote they had provided earlier.
Description of Work
Rob and his son cleaned out and repaired a water feature that came with the house. It had not been maintained for over 18 months. Rob also provided some insight on how to maintain the water feature and suggested some plants that would help keep the feature clean and running smoothly..
Category
hardscaping
Cost
$400
Hire Again?
Yes
Craig N.
12/09/2014
I was more than pleased with the work and the crew. We wanted a paver patio and had an idea in mind before we contacted Robert. When we reviewed our ideas, he had input that was even better and more functional than we had originally planned. The crew worked hard and long hours as needed. They were very polite and responsive when I had questions. They had to dig through some serious tree roots to establish the base, but took great care not to damage any of the trees. They worked through the weather as much as they could, but still finished in an appropriate time as planned. The cost was extremely competitive and the outcome was probably worth more. In all honesty, if I need any work like this done again, I'm not using anyone else.
Description of Work
Robert and his team installed a paver patio with sitting wall and fire pit.
Category
hardscaping
Cost
$6,000
Hire Again?
Yes
Jessica H.
03/20/2014
Daniel L.
01/20/2014
Very well! Actually, we are still in the process of that. We are far that 40-50% in. They are all great. It was about $9000 to $10000.
Description of Work
We did use Serene Aqua for patios and masonry service. They did some patio work and retaining wall.
Category
masonry, hardscaping, patios
Cost
$9,500
Hire Again?
Yes
Kimberly B.
08/12/2013
Rob was late with coming over, but he did show up after we called and reminded him. He showed up, and said he could do the job. After about 4 days, He did replace the clogged pump, but 4 hours later it was clogged again-the pond was not cleaned and so when he put the replacement pump in it clogged up again to where it was trickling when I came home and found it. I called him and left a message-asked for a returned call-which I got. He said he had installed it 4 hours ago and was not coming to look at it now. He did not plan on cleaning the pond for a couple of weeks-by then there's no way it will still be functional. He asked me what I wanted him to do, but as I was trying to articulate to him, he kept talking over me. Rob was loud, rude, definitely not "customer friendly" let alone professional. Finally I stayed quiet and let him talk-actually he ranted about how we didn't take care of the pond, and how he didn't have time for this kind of work, he was doing us a favor spending his "off time" doing this for us-basically he ranted for 4 minutes and 37 seconds (I timed it). He was very loud and irate-almost scary, I actually spent the night watching out my windows in fear he would try to come to the house and damage my property. So much for the "customer is always right". It was not even the fact that he installed the pump with such a huge filter that it quickly clogged, it was the words and the way he communicated with me-a repeat female customer. I will never use him again, and I am placing this incident on facebook and filing a complaint with the BBB. I have been an Angies' list customer for years, and used several of your recommended contractors, and have been very pleased with both the work and their professionalism. I believe that his lack of professionalism should be carefully considered when you decide to include Rob Elsen and "Serene Aqua" on your preferred provider list. I have never had a contractor speak so non-professionally, actually rudely to me, he was irrational and scary.
Description of Work
He was supposed to help us by servicing a pond that he renovated for us 3 years ago. We needed a pump and a cleaning of the pond.
Category
landscaping
Cost
$50
Service Provider Response
(removed member name) placed a call to me(Robert Elsen) Owner of Serene Aqua on late (7pm ish) Thursday evening. She stated that the pump went out and wanted to know what I could/would do for them.When speaking to (removed member name) she made it very apparent she expected me to replace this pump under a warranty, which with the pond being installed over three years ago her warranty was 2 years expired. She was not happy, but I assured her once I could come look at it I may/or may not be able to fix it. I also explained that I would make an effort with how busy we are that I was uncertain when I could exactly come to see what was wrong, but that I would get there no sooner than Monday and no Later than Tuesday. This was the last contact I had with (removed member name) until she called me after the install. Once I arrived on Tuesday, An Employee and myself met with (removed member name) her husband. He was smiling and happy to see me there and I quote"under such a short notice", however we arrived and instantly I knew why the pump failed. THe water was murky Black(please see enclosed pictures) and there was an extreme amount of debris in the pond. I joked with (removed member name) about how dirty it was as I removed my boots to get into the pond. I uninstalled the pump and asked (removed member name) how often they clean it. He said they clean it when they can and we both kinda laughed it off. As I was exiting the pond the amount of filth, fish feces and other debris on me must have shocked (removed member name) B/c he promptly offered to let me use his hose to wash off. I showed (removed member name) the lodged cranberries in the motor and also the caking of the motor due to the extreme filth in their pond. I explained to him that I would replace the Pump with an identical pump and put a filtration system on it to temporarily keep the pump from prematurely failing again, until they could thoroughly clean the pond. He understood that he needed to simply pull the pump out of the water spray off the stuck debris and reinsert the pump until the pond could be cleaned. (removed member name) asked me if I could clean the pond(which I couldn't because I was not made aware I was being called to clean a pond as well I had not the materials or the time schedule to allow myself to do this), which I answered that I could not for about 2-3 weeks or unless I had a free spot in my schedule. He was very understanding and appreciate of the fact that I offered to replace this pump at my cost plus a $50.00 service fee, very appreciate of the fact that I explained I would install a filter on the pump for him and was completely aware of what his due diligence was in order to keep the pump operating smoothly until the pond could be cleaned. I installed the new pump the following day and left with the pump working as it should. I received a very nasty condescending voice mail from (removed member name) stating what I did for them was a joke and that I did not even replace the pump with a similar pump. I promptly called (removed member name) back explained to her calmly three times that I put the same exact pump,but brand new back in the pond and that there was no need to call me names on my voicemail. Which she proceeded to berate me and not listen to me as I was trying to explain to her all she had to do was the directions I gave her husband. This conversation took place at 8pm Wednesday night of the same day I installed the pump. I tried 3 times to explain to her what I explained to her husband and she would cut me off in mid sentence telling me that I was dishonest, so finally I offered to come and remove the pump I installed , leave her her old pump and charge them nothing. She promptly hung up on me. After this conversation she felt the need to post a picture of her non working waterfall(black murky water and all), on my Serene Aqua Facebook page, After many of my customers whom own ponds I installed, three other business professionals who also install ponds and other individuals I did work for saw her comments and her picture she promptly removed(under embarrassment I presume) it the next day because the consensus was all the same. How can you expect a company to honor a warranty that is two years out of service when the whole reason you want a warranty claim is from your negligence of never cleaning the pond(picture of pump included). The kicker and sad truth of an ending to this story is the fact (removed member name) just wanted a free pump all along, this is evident by me driving past their house (which is on a very busy street in Blueash), on the next Monday and the waterfall and pump was working just as great as it has all the last three years!!! My resolution to this is (removed member name) will send me a check for the amount of time I used to write this review and also what was agreed upon when the work was performed. I owe her no apology for her neglect of communication with her husband and for her neglect of the pond!!! In case anyone is uncertain how a pump works, very similar to a vacuum, if it is clogged or blocked it is unable to suck the water(pet hair) in and there for as it is constantly clogged it will cause the motor to burn up. (removed member name) was offered at the time of install 3 years ago a filtration system with her declining it due to cost factors. She also tried to report this to the Better Business Bureau and was effectively told by them she had absolutely no case. AS she continues to try to bash me, maybe she should at least pay for her services it may give her a tiny bit more credibility. I have over 50 local ponds installed and have had zero complaints as far as how we treat/care and help our customers. As every customer whom found me on Angie's list has commented so far MALE AND FEMALE I treat people with respect, dignity and honesty!!!!Other Information
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Grass mowing
Licensing
No License Required for Trade
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