Overall, the experience was less than satisfactory. Plants that were purchased seemed slightly overpriced when compared to other nursery/garden centers like Oakland, but I purchased them through Proper Garden for convenience since other work was to be performed.
The crew was courteous and helpful, but seemed to have little overall experience; not what I expected. The crew went to work taking up sod in the shape of our new backyard bed which was to measure approximately 30 feet from end to end and correctly shaped the large bed which was to have 3 evergreen trees (Colorado Blue Spruce) installed across it. It was made clear where the trees were to be planted when the initial estimate was performed. To my surprise, the crew installed all 3 evergreen trees virtually on top of one another in the middle of the large bed (lots of empty space on each side) with no space in between despite previous guidance that the trees were to be spaced equally across the bed to fill the space and in anticipation of future growth. Clearly, the project coordinator and installation crew were not on the same page and/or lacked adequate communication. I called the crew back out to fix the situation, which took several days for them to return. Upon re-situating the 3 trees, at least two were badly damaged/mangled with many branches broken or sheared off. One tree, in addition to being the most damaged also appeared to be planted too deep and at an angle (not perfectly upright). I questioned the crew if the tree should be lifted/adjusted in the bed so that it would be more vertical and not planted so deep, but was told that it was in there pretty well and straight and adjustment was not needed. Further, I followed up with our project manager and shared my concern about the tree planted sideways/too deep and that it had several branches broken. She agreed to come out and look at the tree, which again took several days. At that inspection, she indicated that it was a little bit crooked, but would not present an issue. Against my instinct, I dropped the issue and considered the project complete. And, within days the top 1ft of the tree had completely dried out and dropped all needles.
A year later and two of the trees are looking great. Additionally, the other trees Proper Garden installed, and plants/shrubs/etc that I purchased and installed myself are thriving and getting bigger. But... the tree that I was worried about from the time of installation is struggling and looks bad. Compared to the other trees, it has not grown at all. It's branches are brown and dropping needles on warm days despite being cared for in the exact same way. I contacted the project manager and Proper Garden to inquire about this tree and my concerns. The responsiveness was a major disappointment. Again, she agreed to come out and look at the tree (took several weeks), but determined that it was not an issue. I suggested that we needed to look into replacement because the tree looks out of place compared to the other two. The project manager indicated that she needed to check with her boss; it took another 2 weeks to get any further response back. At that time, I was told that they could replace the tree, but that it would cost $300 (the tree when installed a year ago cost just $150). I checked pricing at Oakland to see what a comparable tree would cost; they indicated $149 without any coupons/specials which they offer frequently. Needless to say, I am not having Proper Garden replace the tree for that ridiculous price; they really don't seem interested in making the issue right even though I am convinced that improper installation in the cause of the tree's poor growth and development over the past 12 months.
I will never return to Proper Garden as I feel their pricing on plants is too high and their service after the sale is mediocre. All plants are to carry a 1 year warranty, but because the tree is not completely dead, the nursery is hiding behind technicalities. To replace the tree with a new Colorado Blue Spruce free of charge would cost at most 5% of the total our family has spent there on landscaping products/services over the past year seems like an easy decision to me. Stick with Oakland or Straders, prior experience with those two companies is much more pleasant and fair.