Steinbrunner Landscaping

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We had a landscape architect draw up a plan to make our front yard more drought tolerant. Steinbrunner Landscaping was one of two landscape firms recommended by the architect. We interviewed three firms and selected Steinbrunner Landscaping based on the price and the architect's recommendation. The crew did not follow the architect's plan exactly as shown, which included terracing the front beds. When we asked about it, David said we told him that we did not want the terracing . Terracing was an integral part of the plan and we did not tell him that we did not want it. Fortunately, the landscape architect was able to devise an alternative that was acceptable to us. The finished product looked good and we were pleased with it. David assured us that he would come back and replace any plants that died within the first 30-60 days. Unfortunately, a number of plants died rather quickly and they still have not been replaced. For four months we were given many excuses and then David stopped answering our calls.

I hired David Steinbrunner at the recommendation of an arborist, and was pleased to learn he was also a member of my church. It took 3 weeks to receive a bid and design plan. I requested some minor changes to the design but David proceeded with the original design anyway. Grass delivery delayed due to rain and river rock never came. Days would pass with no communication. After 3 weeks the fabric barriers became wrinkled and blowing in the wind. My sidewalk remained dug up on both sides for a drain placement that was never completed, and stones and fabric barrier were left scattered about. Issue arose with large boulder dug up by his guys that they later tried to bust up with a sledge hammer. Since another large boulder within 3 feet was to be moved with a Bobcat, I asked if they could move this one also. David responded in raised voice, “I don’t have the time or money for this….they are to spread top soil today only”. I tried to explain the stone was large and in the way, and that I did not request this stone dug up in the first place. He responded, “you have put me on such a tight budget that I cannot be dealing with this also…they have to work around it”. His response was unexpected, and shocking. I received a half-hearted apology the next day – after asking for it. I wanted to fire him but I had too much invested. When he was here, David complained about other jobs. His frustration in his work and tone became more aggressive. I became afraid to approach him with any concerns, including the dangerously loose stones bordering the grass in the back that rock and shift when stood on. Sod in the back is approximately 1 palate short leaving topsoil without grass. When asked, David was insistent it wasn’t short…”it’s 4 palates, that’s what you paid for”. Since I hired him to cover the back, I assumed he could accurately measure what was needed. David’s response was harsh, “that’s too bad, 4 palates is all you get. If you want more, you will have to pay for it”. In the meantime, 3 weeks waiting for sod delivery for the front. I fired him today and looking for another landscaper to finish the job. David is a man with serious anger issues, and I would not recommend him.

They did a real good job but they kind of left me hanging here at the end. When I emailed them, he didn't return my call. What they did do was very good and they had excellent ideas.

This was a very large and complex job and he was very gracious about arranging his schedule to accommodate us in the heat of summer. He worked very well with us and communicated very well where there was a lot of ambiguity involved. He worked very closely with the landscape designer who worked with the late landscaper to make her design happen. One thing that stuck out was the fact that he also had a stable crew, most of the employees were people who've been with him for 5 or 6 years. There was a lot of excellent craftsmanship and precision with the job, and you can really tell that the crew are artisans and knew what they were doing. He also scoured the state of Texas, so it seems, to find exactly the plants necessary to do the job, one trip was 400 miles round trip to find a specific tree! There were a few small frustrations that took place but overall the final effect is wonderful and we still enjoy looking out on it today.

followed our landscaping architect's plans starting with bringing in soil, doing rockwork for raised beds and metal edging for other beds,finished with flagstone area, planted as outlined by the landscape architect, excellent experience overall

Mr. Steinbrunner was prompt and complete in his estimate and answered all questions clearly during the bidding process. He followed our landscape plan, but offered suggestions and alternatives when he saw minor changes that would result in a better outcome. I am particularly appreciative of his natural, common-sense approach to plantings, given our South Texas weather challenges. His crew was courteous and highly skilled, as evidenced by beautiful stacked stone retaining walls built to match existing masonry. Although the project encircled our home, the work areas were kept tidy with minimal inconvenience for the duration of the project. Mr. Steinbrunner frequently checked in during the project and kept me informed of progress. Mr. Steinbrunner more than fulfilled his contractual obligation. When we had a problem with the irrigation system, he was diligent in uncovering the problem and brought in experts to help without additional charge. He even had his crew come out for a "spruce up" just before my husband returned from deployment for a special unveiling! We look forward to maintaining our relationship with Steinbrunner Landscaping and recommend them highly.

I spent about $1200 on that service. I liked everything they did. They did an excellent job and the price was good. The workman that came out cleaned everything up and left everything very clean and I could not even tell that they had been here. I was very pleased with the work and the design of the landscaping.

David showed up on time and we walked the yard so he could review the landscape plan. He told me that he was very busy so he hoped I didn't want to begin right away. I wasn't in a hurry and told him so. He said he would have figures for me shortly. Two weeks passed and I hadn't heard from him. I sent him an email requesting the quote; he responded that he would have it for me by the weekend. I received it Monday evening. I felt that the quote was high, even though Cindy had prepared me for an approximate cost. I thought Mr. Steinbrunner was professional but very slow to respond to either email or phone calls.

We did not pay anything for the last visit. In fact, he did not take any money for the supplies he gave us as well. I rate them high overall.

They did a great job! The owner, David, came out himself as it's a smaller company. They worked efficiently and completed the project at a reasonable rate. They were friendly to work with and cleaned up after themselves. The yard turned out beautifully! They had great follow up to ensure our satisfaction.