BSM Landscaping

Great job done

I cannot recommend BSM Landscaping for any work. Below is what happened to us in more detail. As a summary, their costs were overly high; the quality of work was mediocre; and the owner attempted to extort extra money for supposed “out of contract” work that they performed without prior authorization. I found their owner and his business practices to be deceptive and offensive. Since they are a local company, we asked them to bid on 3 projects on the property; 1) removal of 3 large trees, 2) landscaped steps down a hillside, and 3) an extension of a lower patio (estimated as approx. 9’x12’). Their bid for the tree removal was 3X the lowest bid. The bid for the steps was 2X the lowest bid. Since we have additional future landscaping projects on the horizon, and because they are very local, we decided to give them an opportunity on the patio extension project even thought their bid was higher than what would be considered normal for the project. At the time of the estimate, we also asked about fixing a low spot on a nearby existing walkway (approx. 4’x4’). Since the estimate included the phrase “fix low spots” we assumed that was included in the contract. We contracted with them in March and put down a 1/3 deposit on the project ($10,500 total cost). Note that there was never a sketch of the proposed work or an estimate of time and materials for the work to be performed. In hindsight this was a major failing on our part. We should have insisted on a sketch of the work to be done and a complete list of materials. Instead, I chose to trust the local guys. (So, word of warning – if you do chose to hire BSM make sure you get a complete sketch of the work to be done AND a complete list of materials and their cost.) Within a week, we were called and asked to come pick out the block for the job, as they needed to order it immediately so that work could begin in the next 3 weeks. When we went to their yard, with a sample of the existing patio block, we were told that they couldn’t match the block, and that we would have to pick something else. (Note: I see this the same block as our patio every weekend at Home Depot but they didn’t carry it.) They suggested a decidedly different color with a contrasting border to make the extension appear “intentional.” Actually, a good suggestion and it looks nice. Despite being contracted in March for April/May work their crew did not show up until mid-June. They immediately went to work on walkway low spot while we discussed the shape of the patio (9’x12’ rectangle was physically impossible) and connecting the extension to stairs from an upper deck. There were also decisions to be made on routing roof drainage outfall, and location of the retaining wall for the patio. At the end of the first day of work we were told that there would be an $1,100.00 extra for the additional work performed. Surprised, I asked why and what was extra. Their response was that the landing for the stairs required extra block and was extra work, fixing the low spot on the walkway was not in the original contract, and the contrasting block was extra. I disagreed with the assessment on fixing the walkway as it was in the contract as I read it, but told them to provide me documentation and I would consider the other additional costs. This is when things start to get strange. The total area of all pavers that were installed was 107 square feet (9’x12’ = 108 sf). Now the reasons for the extra request begin to change. The owner sent me an email giving the following reason: An extra tier of block was added on the retaining wall – I didn’t request it, it wasn’t necessary, and it looks poorly done Removal of boulders – there were no boulders or even large rocks on our property. Client picked out more expensive pavers that what was estimated – that may/may not be true, but we were never informed that the cost was different when we picked them out nor when they were ordered. We were informed only after they arrived at the job site and had been installed. I still don’t know if the pavers are actually more per sf as I have seen no documentation. We certainly should have been notified of this price increase for the pavers and any price increase for installation in the three months between signing a contract and before arriving at our home. Final design of the patio required more block cuts that initially estimated – this claim didn’t arise until days after the work was done and other claims had been rebutted. The owner refuses to talk with us directly. Instead, he sends his employees out to request the extra reimbursement. His employees have been very polite and professional and we feel they are being unfairly treated. It seems they have been warned by the owner that they won’t get paid until they collect the money. I’m not sure that’s legal. Bottom line: I cannot recommend BSM LANDSCAPING

Stone wall was excellent, stone steps costing me $2,000 to reduce with another landscaper. They separated and sunk because not put on correctly. lost 5 trees because should not have been planted where he put them even after I questioned what he was putting in where to wet for that variety, he said they would be fine. Paid to have dead taken out for something else put in with another landscaper. Also 2 other shrubs died and have to pay another landscaper to plant something. He would not cover any of my additional costs for work he did. VERY unhappy and warn people.

Brandon said that he will make it all nice. They people he had working was just common ordinary laborer. They said they will come back to fix the yard but never did. I contacted them several time but always on voicemail. He is not a man of his words.

TERRIFIC! Very friendly people. Highly recommended!

A big thanks to BSM, for making an incredible task seem so simple. 100 ft sycamore removed from our back lawn within 10ft of our house in just a few hours. Team was very friendly and professional, price was right, and communication was point on. Highly suggest BSM for any and all tree and landscaping needs.

See above. It went great.

I contacted BSM to remove some brush and level out a large part of my yard for an above ground pool and more yard area. They showed up promptly and with the right equipment for the job. They were courteous the entire time and put up with my last minute additional requests. Brandon was very professional and great to work with. I will be a returning customer.

Never hired a landscaper/tree guy before. Things went EXTREMELY smooth. Showed up with a large crew and equipment. Very organized with how they performed the tasks, completed on time and clean up was good enough for our liking. Definitely recommend & would hire again!

awesome. They were out in the extreme heat and got the job done Very impressive

True professionals from start to finish at a great price! Excellent work and excellent clean up! I will definitely be using them in the future!

Bsm landscaping and tree services guys came out and did a wonderful job. They made the decision making easy for me. I would absolutely call them again and hire them for anything additional that I need done!

Very well. Nice guys. Upset due to neighbors with garbage on property delaying further work

A friend of one of the people that we were getting the bathroom estimate did that kind of work that I was looking for. It went good. The owner and the two guys came along to do the work. It took them 5 or 6 hours. I had some tree stump that I wanted them to trim too and they did a good job on that too. Base on the time of the year, it was torn up a little bit. November is not really an ideal month to be reaching around. With the equipment, the grass was torn up a little bit back there but there is nothing they can do about that. They did pretty well. What stood out the most about them was the fact that they got to it and they provided me with some recommendations for whenever I do and hire somebody next time or the spring to do the landscaping back there. They gave me some ideas.

unknown

Everything went fine

Very helpful and very quick. Was able to removed 3 trees and clean up area.