Closer to Nature Landscape

Our project consisted of building a long narrow concrete pond with a central feature rock fountain with stone caps and a flagstone surround. Joel was prompt to come out visit and submit his base bid. This project was one where the vision was "evolving" during the project so there were many changes. Joel was super flexible and I really have to compliment him on that, though at times he was understandably a little exasperated! Our major issue in this project was after a month+ of looking (starting well before the project began) we were still unable to locate any non-basalt feature rock suitable for the space. Joel had already started by that point. In the end we took an almost 4 month break while we located a boulder and had it custom cut to fit the space. Joel and his crew finished as much as he could and then we paid most of the balance due. When we got the rock Joel (despite a serious back injury) showed up at short notice on a Saturday to do installation with the stone cutter and then finished the rest of the work on the now largely unplanned/offschedule project within a two weeks after that. Joel's been doing this a long time! The flagstone surround itself and all "finish" work was super top notch!!! He also has a huge amount of knowledge and suggested numerous things from how best to design a clean out to helping us relocate several sprinkler lines for better maintenance access without having to rip up the flagstone surround. On the flip side Joel has "git'er done" mindset which shows in that he sometimes doesn't know how exactly he is going to do something until he starts, which can be a tad exasperating. :-) Attention detail (or just listening) was lacking, we had for example a pretty significant color mismatch and some piping was way more visible than we'd like and required significant work to resolve. In the end it was apparent that our project was a "stretch" engineering wise for Joel and he wasn't up front about that so I have not knock him a bit for that. I would definitely hire Joel again I probably just wouldn't do it for something requiring such significant engineering work and keep it to more basic things like pathways, pillars, patios or a basic pond. It's notable that unlike many other landscaping/yard contractors we've had at our house at no time did I feel like Joel was trying to take advantage of us based on the value of the house he was working on, especially on change orders. He was very fair and equitable.

Joel is a nice guy and came recommended from a co-worker. It was great to have someone we felt we could trust. It took a little longer than expected to get the project started, but the results were well worth it. We are thrilled that our yard is now safer to walk around and far more attractive as well. The cost of the project was reasonable and was far less than some quotes that we received from other landscapers. Joel seemed pretty thoughtful about costs and never pushed us to raise our budget or expand the work. We ended up suggesting additional projects that were not initially in the bid and Joel was able to give us new cost estimates and accommodate those new projects.

Joel and I worked together at the beginning and I provided new foundations for the project and agreed upon materials. He installed the flooring over three days and he used real river rock for the stair risers, matching the color of the existing stone work.. Also, he moved some large decorative boulders for me.

After coming to my house, Joel promptly submitted his bid, which was much more reasonable than several other estimates I had received. My husband and I miscommunicated about what we wanted done, but Joel accommodated everything we asked for, even though he was on a tight schedule. He was prompt and professional. I would recommend him to anyone.

He recommended the material that we liked. He did the work in a day. We are always pleased with his work. He shows up when he says he is going to and always has good ideas.

The weather interfered with much of the work, which delayed the project. Joel, the owner, had to work around his regular daytime job. He followed instructions well, picked up materials, gave some ideas as how the project would look better. We may use him for some small jobs we might have this year. Nice young man, precise worker.

This is one of the best experiences I have ever had with any contractor. I was more than pleased with their work and it was of great value. Their customer service is exceptional as well. I would use their services in the future too.