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THE GARRETT GROUP
Deck or Porch - Build or Replace, Deck or Porch - Repair, Designer - Landscape,
About us
Started in 1999 this owner operated company has provided Northern Virginia residents with a full service landscape company they can trust. Fully licensed, bonded, and insured The Garrett Group prides itself on top quality work done at a fare price. WE DO NOT HIRE ILLIGAL IMMIGRANT WORKERS.
Business highlights
Emergency services offered
26 years of experience
Services we offer
We are a full service landscape/hardscape company with an owner that has over 28 years of experience in..... Tree work.Tree and shrub install and removal. Landscape design and install. Custom deck building. Retaining walls. Patios. Landscape lighting. Spring and fall clean up. Leaf removal. Mulching. Lawn install and fertilization.
Amenities
Emergency Services
Yes
Accepted Payment Methods
- CreditCard
Reviews
4.742 Reviews
| Number of Stars | Image of Distribution | Number of Ratings |
|---|---|---|
| 88% | ||
| 5% | ||
| 0% | ||
| 5% | ||
| 2% |
Showing 1-25 of 42 reviews
Diana K.
Jun 2017
Dave and his crew gave me a very fair and competitive estimate. He fit me into his busy schedule. GREAT communication! He and his crew were professional and efficient. The tree and all debris were hauled away. Nice to work with professionals who have integrity!
Ann D.
Jan 2017
In Sept 2015, I contacted Dave Garrett (The Garrett Group) and requested an install of a privacy hedge with 6 large Princess Hollies. I was promised hollies that were at his supplier that were already about 4 feet in height. On the day he came to install, he showed up with 6 puny Princess Hollies and told me the others had been sold. He assured me, however, that the hollies would grow very quickly since they had be cut off of already large existing hollies and would be "touching" within a year. They barely grew in the first year and I still had a row of puny hollies, hardly a privacy hedge. I requested that the hollies be dug out and replaced with green arborvitae. I said that I would pay for the arborvitae but I though he should do the labor without charge. I was advised by Garrett that I wasn't being "patient enough" but that he would take care of the problem. I agreed to "be patient" and waited to see how the hollies did in the spring but still just got minimal growth. I called Garrett again and was eventually told that if I wanted to change out the bushes, he would do it, but the cost would be another $750. I declined his "offer".
Response from THE GARRETT GROUP
"This is the second project I did for this customer In the presecene of rhe customer, I called the grower to inquire about the size and cost of the hollies she requested. Several weeks later when we were hired to install the plants, those particular plants had been trimmed by the grower as part of their yearly maintenance. The plants were approved by the customer prior to the installation, were properly installed and were growing at a reasonable rate. After meeting with the customer two years later when she expressed her concern with the growth rate, The Garrett Group offered to replace the plants for only the cost of the new plants which came to $750."
Robert K.
Dec 2014
unknown
Mike M.
Dec 2014
I had an enormous amount of leaves to be removed and called a few companies to get an estimate. The owner Dave Garrett promptly returned my call and came over in short order to provide an estimate which seemed reasonable. When he arrived he was very friendly and got the job done quickly and completely. Next time I have any landscaping needs, I'm calling him.
Paula S.
Oct 2014
unknown
Noel C.
Oct 2014
unknown
PW S.
Oct 2014
unknown
Candice G.
Oct 2014
Dave and his crew was very hardworking, and professional . They were here from 8-5 (or earlier) each day until the job was done. Dave was very interested in finishing the job to our satisfaction. Dave and his crew's attention to detail and pride in there work is evident in the finished product. I would recommend them to everyone.
Steven W.
Sep 2014
Garrett group were great. All the work was completed on time and for the price that was quoted. We didn't need to call them back for any issues after the work was done. I would definitely use them again and recommend them for any landscaping work you need.
Carlos R.
Sep 2014
It went as planned and described by David Garret. Dave was very patient with my concerns even on a Sunday. He's always willing to exceed and it shows in the quality of work.
Mike T.
Aug 2014
The crew from the Garrett Group were fantastic. After being abandoned by another local contractor at the last minute, Dave was able to quickly come to our home and assess our property and provided us with an estimate. We explained that we had a tight deadline for completing the work in our yard and within two days we had a finished product. Dave's crew worked tirelessly to make sure that everything was exactly the way we wanted it and went the extra mile to keep the rest of our property clean while they worked. We truly appreciate everything they did. We would absolutely use the Garrett Group again and would recommend them to friends!
Rosemary B.
Aug 2014
Dave did an excellent job. He replaced steps that had been done by a previous contractor. The difference in the 2 examples of workmanship are like the difference between day and night. Dave's work is high quality and professional. He takes pride in hist work and it shows. Would highly recommend him for any project. We had him landscape our yard last year to remedy a water problem we were having. I should post before and after pictures. It looks great now.
Tiffany K.
Jul 2014
Helpful and job well done,knowledgeable, material cost more than we expected but very happy with the runoff water redirected and downspout dispersers/traps.
Anne G.
Jun 2014
I had made a poor hiring decision with a different landscape contractor. I needed some drainage issues fixed, lot regrading, and sod placed. The first contractor did an awful job not only failing to fix the problems, but actually making them much worse which caused flooding and water damage to the basement we were in the middle of finishing. It became an emergency situation in the midst of some really wet weather. I did more research this time, and chose the Garrett Group. Dave was very responsive and sympathetic to my situation. He came out within 12 hours of my inquiry to survey the situation and make his recommendations. He immediately made me feel comfortable that I was making the right decision. Night and day from the first guy. His estimate was not only reasonable, but almost half of the other two companies I contacted. He and his crew came out on time, got the work done quickly, and impressed me with their professionalism. The drainage issues were much, much better but still not 100%. I contacted Dave after the next rain and he was out again within hours. He and his crew returned to do a little more work, and problem solved. It has been such a relief to have the situation taken care of. I would not hesitate to recommend the Garrett group and I will use them again in the future. In fact, I am writing him this evening for a quote. Couldn't be more pleased.
Robert A.
May 2014
Dave and his crew did an outstanding job.
He was very punctual to return my request for services. Very patiently answered all of my questions and concerns. Stained decks look great. Lawn and gardens look super. He knows his business. Highly recommended! Will use him and his team again on future projects.
Elizabeth T.
May 2014
The crew worked for most of the day. They were quick and efficient, most of all, they did a good job. Dave checked before they left to make sure we were happy with the job and give follow-up care instructions. Our yard looks better after one treatment by the Garrett Group than it did after two years with a national lawn service.
Chris R.
May 2014
It went great! Dave was very responsive and helpful. He came out a couple times to make sure the plan was perfect before the work started. He stayed late to make sure everything was done to our satisfaction. My wife and I are very pleased with the job and plan to call on Dave and the Garrett Group again next year!!
Ed R.
May 2014
Dave answered the email I sent within 24 hours, started the drainage project within 72 hours. I have worked with this company on three occasions and know I can depend on them when I need quick, reliable service.
ANITA M.
May 2014
I contacted Mr. Garrett the morning of May 1, 2014 to get a quote on some landscaping. and left a voice mail..he called me back within ten minutes. He said he would come by the next day and give me an estimate. When he came by he told me what he would do and gave me and estimate. Previously, someone else had given me an estimate but after my down payment, I was told they couldn't do it for a month. That is when I contacted Mr. Garrett, I needed the job done asap. My first question to Mr. Garrett was when he could get to it because I didn't want to wait a month. He stated he could come by late that afternoon, since the job wasn't too big, to complete the job. A few hours later, he came back with an employee and together they mulched, dug and planted my yard, along with trimming my Japanese Maple Bush. He did an awesome job. I would recommend him for any thing. I even happened to mention needing the deck around my pool and I am going to get a quote for that too soon.
Stuart B.
Nov 2013
He was the worst contractor I have had. They are untrustworthy, did not follow through with guarantee, he did not call us back. I would not recommend them to anyone. The trees died and he did not follow through and call back to fix it.
Response from THE GARRETT GROUP
"Wow! This same customer left a review on another site that was completely opposite if this review. He wrote that The Garrett Group "Did a very nice job and I will use them again". When asked if he would recommend The Garrett Group, he answered "yes". He was also asked to grade the company on three separate categories: quality, customer service and overall. He graded the company outstanding in all three categories. I don't like to respond publicly to negative review because I feel it only makes me seem defensive. However, I will always work my tail off to defend the outstanding reputation The Garrett Group has earned over the last 14 years. For this particular customer, I have done work on three separate occasions of which the last two have involved the installation of trees purchased by the customer. I do not now, nor have I ever, offered any type of guarantee on any shrub or tree that The Garrett Group has not purchased. I did, however, twice fertilize the trees for free, Trim trees for free and twice sprayed an anti-deer product for the customer, also for free. This was done outside any written or verbal agreement solely to provide the best customer service possible. The Garrett Group does offer, free of charge to every customer, a guarantee on any shrub or tree that The Garrett Group purchases and installs for as long as the customer lives in their home. Please feel free to contact me at 571-237-5628 regarding this review or any questions you may have regarding the professionalism of our company."
Ed R.
Nov 2013
Project was completed as scheduled and with great results. Dave is great from beginning to end of each project he does (from estimates to the final product). He covers all the details up front and gives you a fair price for the work performed. Excellent customer service.
Response from THE GARRETT GROUP
"This is the second time I have earned this customers business. It was my pleasure to provide a quality product that [Member name removed] is very happy with."
GEORGE T.
Aug 2013
The primary focus was on the lawn, which had a number of large bare spots and significant weed infestation. I had tried for several years to bring it under control, but last year decided to concede defeat and hand it over to a pro. Dave was quick to get back to me, came onsite and took time to walk the property with me and get a good look. He got an estimate turned around to me quickly, and had his crew onsite within the agreed time period. I know they did a lot of work -- of my 3 acres, roughly half is lawn. The mulching work was excellent, and they planted the trees (Arborvitae) as agreed.
So, that was the good part. Now, the not so good. The problem is that the thing I really needed accomplished -- the first step toward restoration of the lawn -- was in no way successful. They did tear up the lawn (as expected), and they did apparently drop a large amount of material (seed, fertilizer, soil, straw, lime) on the ground. The work was done (I think) in late September, and Dave instructed me that the benefits of all this work would not be apparent until Spring. He told me that if things weren't good in the Spring, he'd (in his words) "make it right". Fair enough.
Spring comes. Same bare spots, now with a scattering of small tufts of grass where the aerator had plugged holes. Same weeds. In fact, the crabgrass was as healthy as ever and there were even some interesting new species of not-grass showing up. Not a whole lot of new grass. I gave it a little time, did the Spring fertilizing that he had prescribed for me when we spoke in the Fall, dropped the lime that he also prescribed. But by early April it was clear that this was not going well. So I contacted Dave, who eventually responded that he'd come out to take a look. I was out of town when he came by in late April, but I got an email from him some time later. His message is that the lawn needed "weed and feed", and prescribed the very fertilizer that I had already placed on the lawn earlier in the month. No comment on the large, hard packed bare spots that clearly were not in any danger of growing anything no matter how much fertilizer I drowned them in. I tried a couple of times to call after that, no response.
No followup from Dave after that. But to be fair, I just kind of gave up after he looked at my bare dirt and declared it in need of a nitrogen bath. He had technically met the terms of the contract, which were all about dropping material on my property and not about outcomes. So I figure I have little recourse.
I waited a while to write this review, to see whether a miracle occurred over the summer and Dave's work would be vindicated. Nope. I am still the proud owner of a 1-acre weed garden with some pesky grass lurking about in places. The thing about it is, even though the price was excellent, that wasn't the driver of my decision to use Dave's company. Of the folks I contacted for an estimate, he was most responsive and was most adamant in assuring me the job would be done right. I would have paid twice as much as contracted, if that was what it took to get it right. And if it had all gone well (or if he'd followed through on his commitment to make it well), I would have been an evergreen account for Dave, since I'm as convinced as ever that I need a pro to help tame this leafy beast. I just don't get it.....
Though the lawn work was a train wreck, the other work was done pretty well, FWIW.
So, that was the good part. Now, the not so good. The problem is that the thing I really needed accomplished -- the first step toward restoration of the lawn -- was in no way successful. They did tear up the lawn (as expected), and they did apparently drop a large amount of material (seed, fertilizer, soil, straw, lime) on the ground. The work was done (I think) in late September, and Dave instructed me that the benefits of all this work would not be apparent until Spring. He told me that if things weren't good in the Spring, he'd (in his words) "make it right". Fair enough.
Spring comes. Same bare spots, now with a scattering of small tufts of grass where the aerator had plugged holes. Same weeds. In fact, the crabgrass was as healthy as ever and there were even some interesting new species of not-grass showing up. Not a whole lot of new grass. I gave it a little time, did the Spring fertilizing that he had prescribed for me when we spoke in the Fall, dropped the lime that he also prescribed. But by early April it was clear that this was not going well. So I contacted Dave, who eventually responded that he'd come out to take a look. I was out of town when he came by in late April, but I got an email from him some time later. His message is that the lawn needed "weed and feed", and prescribed the very fertilizer that I had already placed on the lawn earlier in the month. No comment on the large, hard packed bare spots that clearly were not in any danger of growing anything no matter how much fertilizer I drowned them in. I tried a couple of times to call after that, no response.
No followup from Dave after that. But to be fair, I just kind of gave up after he looked at my bare dirt and declared it in need of a nitrogen bath. He had technically met the terms of the contract, which were all about dropping material on my property and not about outcomes. So I figure I have little recourse.
I waited a while to write this review, to see whether a miracle occurred over the summer and Dave's work would be vindicated. Nope. I am still the proud owner of a 1-acre weed garden with some pesky grass lurking about in places. The thing about it is, even though the price was excellent, that wasn't the driver of my decision to use Dave's company. Of the folks I contacted for an estimate, he was most responsive and was most adamant in assuring me the job would be done right. I would have paid twice as much as contracted, if that was what it took to get it right. And if it had all gone well (or if he'd followed through on his commitment to make it well), I would have been an evergreen account for Dave, since I'm as convinced as ever that I need a pro to help tame this leafy beast. I just don't get it.....
Though the lawn work was a train wreck, the other work was done pretty well, FWIW.
Response from THE GARRETT GROUP
"I hate responding publicly to these poor reviews, which are very few and far between. However it is my responsibility as a professional to ensure the whole story is told. Very simply put, grass will not grow without water. I explained this on several occasions both before, during, and after doing the initial work. I even went a step further and made arrangements for a professional irrigation installation company to provide the customer with an estimate for the install of an irrigation system to support the ground work we did. I have no affiliation with the irrigation company and did research on my own to find a way to help the customer have success with his lawn. I stand behind the work and materials I use on every job."
Robert J.
Aug 2013
Dave built a deck -- it was small only about 10X10; the workmanship looks good. When he showed up, the flooring for the deck wasn't what we picked out, but he said it was something better and he got a good deal...OK, I have no way of knowing, but I'll take his word. He says he guarantees his work for as long as I'm in the house.
I wanted him to do some other work, but getting a timely response was a problem. Sometimes I wouldn't hear from him for days and because of this I wound up going to another vendor for the other work. The deck, so far, is good -- let's see how things to with time. I think he's a one-man shop so that may have something to do with his responsiveness. He does know what he's doing and he is professional.
I wanted him to do some other work, but getting a timely response was a problem. Sometimes I wouldn't hear from him for days and because of this I wound up going to another vendor for the other work. The deck, so far, is good -- let's see how things to with time. I think he's a one-man shop so that may have something to do with his responsiveness. He does know what he's doing and he is professional.
Response from THE GARRETT GROUP
"I do and will stand behind the workmanship of the deck job done for [member name removed]. I did in fact install an upgraded material on the floor only because the vendor had a small amount of product that he offered to me for this small deck at the same cost of the lower quality decking we had originally agreed on. I do concede that [member name removed] and I have a difficult time communicating on the start date of the house washing job he inquired about."
Rosemary B.
Aug 2013
David was on time for his appt. and very thorough explaining to me the work that he would be doing. Very nice guy. I would definitely use him again for any type of project.
Response from THE GARRETT GROUP
"I would also like to point out that The Garrett Group returned to the site a few weeks after the initial install to overseed the original area and check the function of the drains. Thank you [member name removed] for the opportunity to earn your business and your trust."
Mary H.
Aug 2013
I was pleased with the overall service, however trying to get him to return to our home and return a call was hard, we eventually moved to another landscaping company since he did not seem to want to return our calls. He was very nice and professional and did a good job, he did as we expected, but the responsiveness was disappointing. I would recommend him if you are not looking for a quick turn around on services.
Response from THE GARRETT GROUP
"I was not interested in returning this customers phone calls or doing any other work for them after the payment came in the form of a post dated check that took 2 weeks to cash. This was never discussed and is not the way I do business."
Licensing
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FAQ
THE GARRETT GROUP is currently rated 4.7 overall out of 5.
THE GARRETT GROUP accepts the following forms of payment: CreditCard
No, THE GARRETT GROUP does not offer free project estimates.
No, THE GARRETT GROUP does not offer eco-friendly accreditations.
No, THE GARRETT GROUP does not offer a senior discount.
Yes, THE GARRETT GROUP offers emergency services.
No, THE GARRETT GROUP does not offer warranties.