Advanced Landscape Solutions

Revdex.com:
I have reviewed the offer made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and have determined that this proposed action would not resolve my complaint.  For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.I would like to address several of the points raised by Advanced Landscape Solutions in their response to my complaint.1.      However, due to inclement weather conditions we were unable to complete the project in that time frame. If you look at the bottom of the contract Mr. [redacted] signed with initials on a disclaimer stating that our time frames can change due to weather conditions – I was aware that inclement weather could delay the project.  However, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the rainfall for Richmond in April was slightly above average and significantly below average in May and June.  Hardly a reason for a two plus month delay?  WhatI believe is the statement in the contract about work being time sensitive was a devious inducement to get a quick decision and significant deposit from the customer.  It worked on me.  They then proceeded to work on more lucrative contracts.  I cannot prove this of course but how many contracts were signed after mine and work done before mine?  It would be interesting to know.2.       Due to the fact that we were unable to make it there until June, our company agreed to come out and do the preparation work needed to complete this project. This included line items number 1-4 on the contract. We would then come back in the fall to do all plantings as contracted when the weather was more conducive to success for plants. – After many start dates had come and gone (I have voice mail messages to document this) I finally called the Advanced Landscape Solutions.  I told them at this point mid to late June it was too late in Virginia to seed a lawn and to plant new plants so I was requesting my deposit back until the fall when they could provide me a firm start date.  Miraculously after I made my request, a start date became immediately available.  We agreed that they would do the site preparation work and return in the Fall to finish the project when the weather was more conducive to grass seed and plants.  As you can see despite all of the delays, I was still willing to work with them.  They claim contract items 1-4 were completed at that time:Item 1 – partially completed.  Where are the plants that were split for use in proposed plant beds?Item 2 – completed.Item 3 – partially completed.  Blade off and level (with fill dirt that contained large amounts of stone, large rocks, asphalt, bricks, cans, and tree debris with still remains).  Lawn was not to be done per agreement until Fall. Item 4 – completed.3.      We agreed to at no charge to the customer aerate and seed the lawn because of the delay in getting to the project, even though this was out of our control. – by their own admission the contract item for new lawn (3) was not done in June per our agreement.  I had paid them $3,200 deposit and $2,100 when they did the site preparation for as total of $5,300 (85% of contract).  How is doing the item 3 of the contract “at no charge”?4.       Mr. [redacted] came into the office on October 30th to discuss the timing for the planting and there was a verbal altercation between him and an employee. This was handled within the company per our policy standards and an apology was sent to Mr. [redacted] explaining that the situation was handled properly and we wanted to send our sincerest apologies. – I do not view this as a “verbal altercation between i'm and another employee”.  As Advanced Landscape Solutions stated I came into their office to discuss the timing of finishing the work since it was starting to get late in the Fall (October 30)and I still did not have a start date.  I was immediately verbally assaulted by this employee who I believe is in a supervisory capacity.  At NO time did I raise my voice or use inappropriate language.  The “sincerest apologies” I received was an e-mail the following day from an employee in a clerical type position who witnessed the behavior of the employee.  I have NEVER received an apology verbally or in writing from the employee involved or anyone in the company in a position of authority.  What is the company policy on handling this type situation?  Would be interesting to know.Mr. [redacted] told us that he was looking for another company to complete the project. At that time we suggested that we come out and do the seeding for him that we were doing at no charge and for him to keep the $1,100 balance for the plants because we felt this was coming to a negative situation. He declined our offer. All work that was completed was paid for and therefore we felt no need to receive any money. However, there was nothing paid for that was not completed. – this is a bold face lie.  I cannot categorize this in any other way.  In their e-mail to me containing the “sincere” apology dated October 31, they stated “[redacted] was mistaken when he stated we would have someone there asap to do your clean up, lawn aeration, seed and fertilizer for your front yard. I was hoping to maybe get this done for you tomorrow for this reason, however everyone is so exhausted from the long week, I could not get anyone to work tomorrow. I have 2 guys (2 of 4 of my drivers) on vacation forthe next 2 weeks. That being said, I can't split up crews and have an additional driver and man to come to your house. Unfortunately we will have to wait till the latter half of the month, likely the week of the 17th of November. Per Advanced Landscape Solutions, that will be the final bit of work we will be providing. [redacted] asks that you keep the $1100 balance and we call the contract completed. With frost coming in so early, this would be the best move anyway.”  I responded to their e-mail with the following e-mail dated November 4 “Hello [redacted],   Thank you for the update on Advanced Landscape Solutions performance of our landscaping contract signed in March 2014.  I must inform you at this time that I can not release Advanced Landscape Solutions from the legally binding contract entered into by both parties in March 2014 for the following reasons:    The significant delay in performing the contracted lawn work originally promised for April 2014 seriously compromises the likelihood that the seed will take successfully and will achieve the lawn promised.  The clearly stated reason you provided for not fulfilling the contract regarding the mulch beds, " With frost coming in so early this would be the best move" applies even more to planting grass seed according to local lawn maintenance companies.  Also, leaves are beginning to fall and covering the area to be seeded which could further inhibit a new lawn.  I strongly urge you to complete this work as soon as possible but we reserve the right under the contract to require you to return in April to redo the lawn if it does not come in to our satisfaction due to your excessive delay.  We also expect that "clean up" of the lawn will include but not be limited to removal of all rock, stone, asphalt, roots and other lawn debris.  We contacted local reliable nurseries to obtain a cost to complete the portion of the contract Advanced Landscape Solutions is refusing to perform.  The cost is $1,940.20 which does not include the cost of spreading the mulch.  Therefore, to release Advanced Landscape Solutions from this portion of the contract, we require a refund of $840.20 ($1,940.20 - $1,100).  Because of your significant delays and failure to notify us until October 31, 2014 that you would not perform this work per our contract, this is very time sensitive.  Therefore, we request that our refund be provided no later than Friday, November 7, 2014.” As you can see, not only did I not “refuse their offer” regarding the lawn, I actually urged them to do it as soon as possible.  I also did not tell them I had contracted with another company to do the work they had failed to do.  As you can see, I never told them I had contracted with another company to do the work they failed to do.  Instead I told them I got estimates from two local and reliable landscape and nursery companies ([redacted]) to determine the cost to finish the contract and determine if a refund was due me.  I quickly found out that the remaining unpaid amount of the contract ($1,100) was barely half the cost of the plants.  It is interesting that we started out with inclement weather being the problem and ended with “early frost” being the problem although the first frost was still weeks away?  This was the LAST communication between me and Advanced Landscape Solutions.  They never showed up to do the lawn as promised and I never received another communication from them.  My lawn remains dirt, debris and weeds.At the same time I filed my complaint with the Revdex.com, I also disputed my final payment to Advanced Landscape Solutions of $2,100 with my credit card company.  The credit card company ruled in my favor and refunded to me the $2,100.  Therefore, IF Advanced Landscape Solutions does the dispute the credit card company decision, I no longer seek a refund from them.  I do believe, however, that my complaint was not handled satisfactorily by the company and should remain available for prospective customers to see.
Regards, g[redacted]

I would like to start by saying that I am sincerely sorry that the situation has come to this. Unfortunately for both our company and the customer we could not come to an agreement. I want to address any and all issues as they have been presented to me. On March31,2014 our...

company received an initial deposit from Mr. [redacted] in the amount of$3,200 to secure a place on our schedule for work to be completed per thecontract that Mr. [redacted] signed and I have included as well. When we signed Mr.[redacted] up we had stated that the project was time sensitive and should becompleted by mid-April. However, due to inclement weather conditions we wereunable to complete the project in that time frame. If you look at the bottom ofthe contract Mr. [redacted] signed with initials on a disclaimer stating that ourtime frames can change due to weather conditions, etc. This was made very clearto the customer prior to signing the contract. Due to the fact that we wereunable to make it there until June, our company agreed to come out and do thepreparation work needed to complete this project. This included line itemsnumber 1-4 on the contract. We would then come back in the fall to do allplantings as contracted when the weather was more conducive to success forplants. Mr. [redacted], after we completed the line items that were contracted, paidan amount of $2,100 for the work that was completed.  We agreed to at no charge to the customeraerate and seed the lawn because of the delay in getting to the project, eventhough this was out of our control. The only work left to be done was line itemnumber 5 (plantings as referred to above) and the work that our company agreedto do because of the delay from the weather. Mr. [redacted] came into the office onOctober 30th to discuss the timing for the planting and there was averbal altercation between him and an employee. This was handled within thecompany per our policy standards and an apology was sent to Mr. [redacted] explainingthat the situation was handled properly and we wanted to send our sincerestapologies. Mr. [redacted] told us that he was looking for another company to completethe project. At that time we suggested that we come out and do the seeding forhim that we were doing at no charge and for him to keep the $1,100 balance forthe plants because we felt this was coming to a negative situation. He declinedour offer. All work that was completed was paid for and therefore we felt noneed to receive any money. However, there was nothing paid for that was notcompleted. Mr. [redacted] found a company to do the work that we were not charginghim for at all and now wants us to pay someone else to complete this work. Wedo not feel as though this is our responsibility. All money that was paid wasfor work that was completed, nothing more. We are asking that the chargeback bedeclined due to the facts that we completed the work and were paid after thework was done. If Mr. [redacted] felt as though the work was not completed then thatshould have been addressed before payment was made. Payment was made by Mr.[redacted] to our company because we had completed that portion of the job. We do notfeel that we should have to do the work for free and then pay someone else todo something that we were not charging the customer for. To address thecomplaint that we did not show up to do the “free work” that was because Mr.[redacted] told our company that he did not want us to be there to complete any workand had contracted another company.

Revdex.com:
I have reviewed the offer made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and have determined that this proposed action would not resolve my complaint.  For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.
I would like ot be mailed a hardcopy of the county report. And, I would like me trees treated for these mites within two weeks. Then we can determine during the next three months whether this is accurate.
Regards,
[redacted]

Revdex.com spoke with the business. The customer has been contacted to discuss this problem and the issues the business is having with getting the correct setting to do this work. The ground has to be completely dry for more damage will be done. This season has been a rainy one and the business is waiting for a group of dry days before attempting this job. Once the conditions are clear and dry the business will be able to address these concerns.

I have a call into [redacted] to get a hard copy mailed directly from the extension agency. I do not know it they will do this, if they will not then the only option I have is to print out the email I received from them and mail to [redacted]. I will go ahead and drop that in the mail today. 
Unfortunately after the report findings, we feel we will never come to a satisfactory result with the customer. As the report stated for treatment in September, she wants it done now. We have fulfilled the contract once on the initial install and then replaced said plants which at this time fulfilled the entire contract, guarantee and all. As stated on the contract:  
Plant prices include: Pickup and delivery,amend soil, install, mulch and a one time, three month replacement guarantee. This does not include future weeding, maintenance, edging etc.
As much as we would like to come to an understanding with the customer, we do not feel that the mite infestation is a new problem but rather a preexisting problem.

Revdex.com spoke with [redacted] from the business. This customer has been sent a check and the check has since cleared by the customer.

Review: We had Advanced Landscape Solutions perform some drainage installation work for us this summer. During the job, the workers broke an existing piece of slate that serves as a walkway from our deck to our patio. During the post job inspection, I pointed out the broken slate and [redacted] (owner) agreed to find a replacement piece of slate and have that repair work performed free of charge. We paid in full for the drainage work on July 1, 2015. Despite numerous phone calls and emails to their office (we talked primarily with [redacted]), the repair work has not been performed and we are unable to get Kenny to commit to a date to resolve our concern. At this point, the business is not returning our emails. Phone calls to them are unproductive and do not result in progress moving this complaint toward resolution.Desired Settlement: We would like the broken piece of slate replaced with an exact match, as promised by Advanced Landscape Solutions. We do not know where to go to find a matching piece of slate, so compensation will not resolve the problem.

Consumer

Response:

[A default letter is provided here which indicates that the business has not responded to you directly. If you wish, you may update it before sending it.]

At this time, I have not been contacted by Advanced Landscape Solutions LLC regarding complaint ID [redacted].

Regards,

Review: We entered into a contract with Advanced Landscaping Solutions in February with a start date of April 15 to install a patio, retaining wall, sidewalk, fireplace and landscaping. We had to release Advanced Landscaping Solutions from their contract on August 11, 2015 due to non-performance, lack of communication, and failing to stick to the schedule. We were originally told the work would start in April. The start date kept moving back until June, when work finally began. Kenny E[redacted], the owner, had told us it would take three weeks to complete the project and that all available resources would be used on our project. Subsequent similar promises were made during the project but there were very few productive days. Additional information that added to our frustration: I was told the employees would NEVER be pulled from our job until it was finished. That was totally inaccurate! We were informed on separate occasions that the workers were in Amelia or in Hanover and one day they came to pick up something and when I asked "Where are you all going?" the response was " to do a trashcan container unit and small sidewalk". We signed this contract with them February 16th, 2015. They started in early June. It was to take 3 weeks to complete this job. The original contract was for a total of $38,500. We paid them $28,250.00 in three installments. Subsequent to them being released, we retained another company to finish the project at a cost of $12,500. which did not include any landscaping. Some of that additional cost was to correct poor workmanship by Advanced, including replacement of cracked and miscut pavers, repositioning of the fireplace and repositioning the retaining wall. Therefore, our entire cost was $40,750 just for the patio, retaining wall and fireplace. The budget for the landscaping as stated in the contract was originally $4,800 but that budget increased by $500 because there was $500 in demolition work included in the original estimate that was not needed. Estes said he would apply that money to the landscaping budget. We estimate that Advanced Landscape Solutions completed $20,700 worth of work ($38,500 for the original contract minus $12,500 to complete the project minus $5,300 for the landscaping). Therefore, we would like a refund of $7,550. I do have videos to document my grievances which I would be happy to share.Desired Settlement: Our desired outcome would be to receive a certified check in the amount of $7,550.00 dollars. to pay for the additional costs to complete the project.

Business

Response:

Revdex.com spoke with [redacted] from the business. She stated the delay was due to weather delays the customer was aware of and a structural concern they worked with the customer to fix. The customer went out of town on vacation and when they returned they requested the contract to me canceled and refund. The business has stated the money spent had already been used for materials that cannot be returned and such the money they have paid is non-refundable. The customer’s contract states this clearly. At this time the business is not working with the customer and they are under the impression another business has been hired to continue the job.

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the offer and/or response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and have determined that this proposed action would not resolve my complaint. For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.

We disagree with the business's response for the following reasons. The weather was not an issue at all after the work had begun in June. Rainfall was below average in June and significantly below average in July. The business states that the money was spent on materials and cannot be returned but there was a significant amount of labor left on the project. We are seeking reimbursement for the labor to finish the project and to fix what had been done incorrectly.

Regards,

Review: I am not surprised ALS has had 156 people check the Revdex.com score of "F" in just the past month - I can say literally the same things. [redacted] (owner) and [redacted] (the office manager) talk a great game, respond with lightning speed -at first- require you to sign a contract and pay an exorbitant deposit to get on their schedule months out, then - nothing - except apologizing for delays but promising I'll be next. I heard everything from Kenny/[redacted] were sick/out of the office (and they "just returned" the day before I'd called them again), they lost employees, Kenny's favorite uncle died and they literally were notified only 20 minutes earlier (and I was their first call)... and I heard a lot about the "inclement weather" delaying their schedule (though Richmond has had less than average heat and rain fall this year).

I made contact with ALS April 2015. Ironically because their office boasted high marks with the Revdex.com I felt assured the company was solid, and I paid them nearly a ten thousand dollar deposit. Not being given a date yet, in June I told ALS I was moving three minutes away and would transfer my deposit to the new property. [redacted] told me that was no problem & they'd be over soon to discuss the new yard.

After countless phone calls to ALS (I have my phone logs as proof) and having sent almost 80 emails TO ALS with threats to sue, it is now mid-November and they have no start date, not sent a revised budget, and no work has been done. The last email reply was typical and said:

I spoke with [redacted] yesterday and reminded him that we need to get your proposal out to you asap. [redacted] has rarely been in the office, so I apologize that it is taking awhile. He has been working in the field with the guys trying to get them caught up on our schedule. The rain has not helped us :( Unfortunately we lost a couple guys so [redacted] has had to be out there with them every day. We will be working on it today I promise! You will have it by tomorrow at lunch time! :) Again, I apologize.Desired Settlement: Clearly the overwhelming consensus with the landslide of Revdex.com complaints and lowest rating on [redacted] all say Advanced Landscape Solutions, Inc is not to be trusted, are completely unreliable and give their clients the run around with no intention of doing the work as contracted. I will not accept anything less than my full deposit returned immediately.

Consumer

Response:

[A default letter is provided here which indicates that the business has not responded to you directly. If you wish, you may update it before sending it.]

At this time, I have not been contacted by Advanced Landscape Solutions LLC regarding complaint ID [redacted]. I have since filed a lawsuit against them to recoup my deposit money.

Complaintant

Review: - We agreed to have Advanced Landscaping Solutions do $4,000 of landscaping work in June 2014. We gave them a $2,000 down payment in July 2014 after we signed a contract and reviewed drawings.

- They committed to do the work in the Fall of 2014, but did not do anything in 2014.

- We actually told them in November of ’14 (since they hadn’t begun the work yet) that we wanted the work done in late March/early April 2015 (planting grass seed was the most important aspect of the job).

- They told us that we would be the first job on their list for the Spring. Needless to say, they kept dragging us along into May and said they might be able to get to us in June.

- In the middle of May, I told them to cancel the job (their rough time estimate was late June at this point) since I didn’t want to plant grass seed in the Summer or wait until the Fall of 2015.

- On May 19th I received a call from [redacted] with Advanced Landscaping Solutions. She explained that the [redacted], [redacted], agreed to refund the down payment and we should see a check in 30 days.

- Ever since then we’ve played a game of empty promises, no return calls, etc...

- [redacted] has had my $2,000 for over 16 months and he has provided no goods or services. In fact, he has not incurred any direct cost associated with our original agreement.

- We have not talked with them in several months and they have not offered to do any work or refund our money.Desired Settlement: We would simply like our down payment ($2,000) back.

Review: Requested a quote for a patio, fire ring and two seating walls after Richmond Spring Home Show in January of 2015. Received a proposal from you on 2/4/15 for $8,710.00 for the project.

Hesitant initially due required a down payment of 50%. No recorded issues with company with Revdex.com at time . Order placed on 2/18/15, deposit of $4355.00 was provided. After month of no further contact from ALS (Advanced Landscape Solutions) called the company. No one at ALS had inquired about my choice of paver selections. [redacted] requested that I send selections via email. I sent selections via email and via the [redacted] on 3/21/15, since I had diagrams to include.

After communication on 3/21/15 no additional communication from ALS. I did place a call on a monthly basis and was given a minimum of 6 “soft” dates for the project to begin. I never received any calls from the company telling me that they would not be able to do the job on the “soft date”. I had to initiate any and all contact. I conservatively have made a minimum of 20* calls to the company in the past seven months.

I was and had been told on numerous occasions that I would be called to be provided with a firm date for project completion and that a week before the project was due to start ”[redacted]” would be out to mark lines. In July I called and assured me the job was scheduled for mid-August. That date came and went – no communication from ALS. I called and was given a date for later in August, the same situation.

Called again and given hard date for 9/14-9/18. I called weekly to confirm hard date. No call, project not begun. I called again, told they would be out the following week. Again, nothing.

1. We have waited close to 7 months for this project.

2. They have had a down payment of $4355.00 since February 26,2015.

3. Total lack of communication from ALS.

4. Still do not have a date for the project.

5. No product delivered.

5. Requested a refund of deposit via email, [redacted] and verballyDesired Settlement: We have lost all confidence in Advanced Landscape Solutions due to poor work ethic, failure to communicate, holding customers hostage by demanding a 50% down payment and then consistently lying about when project would begin.

We want a refund of our deposit of $4355.00

We contacted Advanced Landscape Solutions on Monday 9/28/15 to confirm email sent on 9/27/15 with our demand for refund of deposit. We were told Kenny Estes had a death in family and would not be in. [redacted] stated she would convey information to K. Estes. We have not had any communication from ALS since that phone call was made.

Consumer

Response:

[A default letter is provided here which indicates that the business has not responded to you directly. If you wish, you may update it before sending it.]

At this time, I have not been contacted by Advanced Landscape Solutions LLC regarding complaint ID [redacted].

Regards,

Review: In October 2014 I paid $4875 to have ALS to put in a French Drain and Dry Creek Bed in my yard to help with erosion. I was told there was a 3year 100% satisfaction guarantee on all their drainage work. Within months of the work being completed, I continued to have severe erosion problems with the french drain and a sink hole formed in the dry creek bed. I contacted ALS in July of 2014 and notified them of the issues. After several months of phone calls and emails, the owner finally came out Jan 28, 2015 and looked at the issue and agreed there was a significant problem. The next day he emailed me and promised that he would be out in March to fix the issue. He never showed up in March and no one called. I've have called ALS over 20 times in the past 4 months and continue to get the run-a-round with 4 promised dates and no one shows and no one calls. I've asked numerous times to speak to the owner but they won't allow that. They say they will leave a message to have him call me back but he never has. It has now been over 12 months and the problems with their work has continued to worsen. I called again today and was told they were busy with paying client work and it will be at least another 6 weeks before they could "get to me." My entire french drain has washed down to the gravel and the sink hole in my dry creek bed has gotten bigger. If they will not come fix the issue, then they should refund the money I paid for the french drain so that I can hire another company to come fix it.Desired Settlement: [redacted] and ALS have had sufficient time to come fix their problems with the work they did for me. If they won't fix it, then I should be refunded half the original cost of $4875 so that I can hire another company to come complete the job.

Business

Response:

We have received the complaint from this customer. We are very sorry to hear that your experience with our company has not been pleasant. We strive to make each and every customer happy. However, sometimes things like this happen. We are well aware that Mr. [redacted] is in need of a repair job. We have been working diligently to try and get this complete however due to the nature of our business we are unable to fix this drainage issue when the ground is completely saturated with water. We can not do this when the ground is wet due to the fact that it would destroy the yard and make things worse. We have tried to explain this to the customer. We have agreed that the work needs to be completed as far as a repair however we have to ensure that we will not do more damage when we arrive. We have never stated that "paying customers' were in front of this customer. That is unprofessional and no one that works for our company would do so. We ensure that each and every customer gets the same attention whether repair or new customers. We have agreed to take care of the repairs as soon as the weather allows.

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the offer and/or response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and have determined that this proposed action would not resolve my complaint. For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.

1. I have a severe erosion problem caused by fast runoff of rain. My ground is NOT saturated with water and definitely has NOT been wet for 13 straight months. I have a washed out french drain and a huge sink hole in the drycreek bed that spews water during heavy rains.

2. 13 Months is plenty of time for the repair work to have been done. Their response that they will get to me when they get a chance is basically meaningless and I'm not sure they have any intent on getting to me.3. When I talked to [redacted] on the phone on July 20th, she stated that [redacted] would be out with in the next week (again this was at least the 6th promised date). I called back on July 30th when no one showed and [redacted] stated that they had customers who had already paid scheduled for the next 6 weeks and they would not be able to get to me before then.My yard needs to be fixed immediately before anymore damage is done. If [redacted] can't come fix the issue this week, I need $2400 refunded so that I can hire another company to come fix their problems.

Regards,

Business

Response:

Revdex.com spoke with the business. The customer has been contacted to discuss this problem and the issues the business is having with getting the correct setting to do this work. The ground has to be completely dry for more damage will be done. This season has been a rainy one and the business is waiting for a group of dry days before attempting this job. Once the conditions are clear and dry the business will be able to address these concerns.

Business

Response:

Revdex.com spoke with [redacted] from the business. He stated this will be schedules with the customer this week and they will be able to provide our office a confirmation of resolution by Monday.

Consumer

Response:

[A default letter is provided here which indicates your acceptance of the business's offer. If you wish, you may update it before sending it.]

I have reviewed the offer made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and find that this resolution would be satisfactory to me. I will wait for the business to perform this action and, if it does, will consider this complaint resolved. If the company does not perform as promised I can get back to you at: [redacted]

Regards,

Revdex.com spoke with the customers he said that this work has been done. He stated they did 1/2 of the work and said they would come back on Friday then did not comeback until 2 Mondays following that and had no call or anything during that time. This has since been resolved.

Review: On April 7, 2015, Kenny E[redacted] came to give us a field quote. He was well spoken and thorough. We were confident in his work from pictures seen online. On April 10th, his office assistant, Laura W[redacted], contacted me with their proposal (total $16,250). On April 12th, I emailed asking if the clearing/mulching portion could be completed early since we were planning a large backyard celebration for May 30th. She called and stated that, at the time, they were scheduling about 10 weeks out for the whole project but they could complete the clearing prior to May 30th. On April 13th, the contract was signed and deposit made on April 15th for $5416.66 She explained that they would require 1/3 of our total to be paid to be placed “on the books for scheduling”, 1/3 at the time of completion and 1/3 to be divided, without interest over a year. At this time, renders had not been proposed and she also stated that changes would be made after this point and the contract could be amended to reflect additional costs or credits based on materials, design upgrades, etc. She was to email an itemized quote for the portion of the contract “other landscaping" and was reminded in an email from me on 4/28. After numerous emails and phone calls placed to Advanced Landscaping, we received renders from the designer and an itemized quote. We were never able to speak to the owner, as we requested on numerous occasions. They did not clear our lot prior to May 30th. We finally asked that they amend the contract to exclude the $8200 portion in our contract stated as “other landscaping”. We have not received this amendment. The contract clearly states that we would be informed and updated on any and all changes that affect start date if and when they occur. At this point, we are over 6 months out from the contract date and there has been zero communication (as per contract) as to when they will complete any of the work, nor has any of the work been started.Desired Settlement: None of the work has been scheduled or completed. We no longer trust that they will provide quality work and would like a full refund.

Consumer

Response:

[A default letter is provided here which indicates that the business has not responded to you directly. If you wish, you may update it before sending it.]

At this time, I have not been contacted by Advanced Landscape Solutions LLC regarding complaint ID [redacted].

Regards,

Review: On May 26, 2014 I entered into a contract with Advanced Landscape Solutions to completely renovate our front yard in accordance with a rendering they prepared and we approved and paid for on which the contract price was based. The contract was for a total of $6,400 and we made a 50% deposit. The approved contract stated that "This is a time sensitive project and should be done by mid-April."Several start dates came and went in April with no work done. Several more came and went in May with no work done. In mid-June I notified the company that it was to late to plant grass seed and plants with any likelihood they would survive. They agreed and suggested that they would do the site preparation work and return in the Fall to finish the contracted work in lieu of returning my deposit. I reluctantly agreed. They did the site preparation work and I trustingly and foolishly made another payment of $2,100 for a total of $5,300 (83% of total contract cost).On Oct 30 I visited Advanced Landscape Solutions office to determine status of my project as it was getting late in the Fall and I had heard nothing from them regarding a start date. An employee of the company started yelling and swearing at me. I was stunned. I had never raised my voice or used any foul language. I simply wanted a start date. I was told they would come on Monday to do the lawn.The next day I received an e-mail apologizing for their behavior and stating they would not come on Monday as promised to do the lawn but instead would come the week of November 17th. More shockingly, at that late date they also stated they would not do any more of the contracted work (majority of the contract) even though they had collected 83% of cost.Not surprisingly, as of today (Dec 4) they have not shown up to do lawn and I have not heard A word from them.Desired Settlement: I contacted two local landscape design and nursery's to determine if I could get the work remaining on the contract done for the $1,100 remaining to be paid on the contract. The quote I received from the landscape company we selected to finish the project is $2,890.02 (not including lawn) and is very similar to the other quote we obtained. Only difference is Cross Creek could finish project this fall. I am requesting refund of last payment of $2,100 ($2,890 less $1,100 plus $310 for lawn).

Business

Response:

I would like to start by saying that I am sincerely sorry that the situation has come to this. Unfortunately for both our company and the customer we could not come to an agreement. I want to address any and all issues as they have been presented to me. On March31,2014 our company received an initial deposit from Mr. [redacted] in the amount of$3,200 to secure a place on our schedule for work to be completed per thecontract that Mr. [redacted] signed and I have included as well. When we signed Mr.[redacted] up we had stated that the project was time sensitive and should becompleted by mid-April. However, due to inclement weather conditions we wereunable to complete the project in that time frame. If you look at the bottom ofthe contract Mr. [redacted] signed with initials on a disclaimer stating that ourtime frames can change due to weather conditions, etc. This was made very clearto the customer prior to signing the contract. Due to the fact that we wereunable to make it there until June, our company agreed to come out and do thepreparation work needed to complete this project. This included line itemsnumber 1-4 on the contract. We would then come back in the fall to do allplantings as contracted when the weather was more conducive to success forplants. Mr. [redacted], after we completed the line items that were contracted, paidan amount of $2,100 for the work that was completed. We agreed to at no charge to the customeraerate and seed the lawn because of the delay in getting to the project, eventhough this was out of our control. The only work left to be done was line itemnumber 5 (plantings as referred to above) and the work that our company agreedto do because of the delay from the weather. Mr. [redacted] came into the office onOctober 30th to discuss the timing for the planting and there was averbal altercation between him and an employee. This was handled within thecompany per our policy standards and an apology was sent to Mr. [redacted] explainingthat the situation was handled properly and we wanted to send our sincerestapologies. Mr. [redacted] told us that he was looking for another company to completethe project. At that time we suggested that we come out and do the seeding forhim that we were doing at no charge and for him to keep the $1,100 balance forthe plants because we felt this was coming to a negative situation. He declinedour offer. All work that was completed was paid for and therefore we felt noneed to receive any money. However, there was nothing paid for that was notcompleted. Mr. [redacted] found a company to do the work that we were not charginghim for at all and now wants us to pay someone else to complete this work. Wedo not feel as though this is our responsibility. All money that was paid wasfor work that was completed, nothing more. We are asking that the chargeback bedeclined due to the facts that we completed the work and were paid after thework was done. If Mr. [redacted] felt as though the work was not completed then thatshould have been addressed before payment was made. Payment was made by Mr.[redacted] to our company because we had completed that portion of the job. We do notfeel that we should have to do the work for free and then pay someone else todo something that we were not charging the customer for. To address thecomplaint that we did not show up to do the “free work” that was because Mr.[redacted] told our company that he did not want us to be there to complete any workand had contracted another company.

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the offer made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and have determined that this proposed action would not resolve my complaint. For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.

I would like to address several of the points raised by Advanced Landscape Solutions in their response to my complaint.1. However, due to inclement weather conditions we were unable to complete the project in that time frame. If you look at the bottom of the contract Mr. [redacted] signed with initials on a disclaimer stating that our time frames can change due to weather conditions – I was aware that inclement weather could delay the project. However, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the rainfall for Richmond in April was slightly above average and significantly below average in May and June. Hardly a reason for a two plus month delay? WhatI believe is the statement in the contract about work being time sensitive was a devious inducement to get a quick decision and significant deposit from the customer. It worked on me. They then proceeded to work on more lucrative contracts. I cannot prove this of course but how many contracts were signed after mine and work done before mine? It would be interesting to know.2. Due to the fact that we were unable to make it there until June, our company agreed to come out and do the preparation work needed to complete this project. This included line items number 1-4 on the contract. We would then come back in the fall to do all plantings as contracted when the weather was more conducive to success for plants. – After many start dates had come and gone (I have voice mail messages to document this) I finally called the Advanced Landscape Solutions. I told them at this point mid to late June it was too late in Virginia to seed a lawn and to plant new plants so I was requesting my deposit back until the fall when they could provide me a firm start date. Miraculously after I made my request, a start date became immediately available. We agreed that they would do the site preparation work and return in the Fall to finish the project when the weather was more conducive to grass seed and plants. As you can see despite all of the delays, I was still willing to work with them. They claim contract items 1-4 were completed at that time:Item 1 – partially completed. Where are the plants that were split for use in proposed plant beds?Item 2 – completed.Item 3 – partially completed. Blade off and level (with fill dirt that contained large amounts of stone, large rocks, asphalt, bricks, cans, and tree debris with still remains). Lawn was not to be done per agreement until Fall. Item 4 – completed.3. We agreed to at no charge to the customer aerate and seed the lawn because of the delay in getting to the project, even though this was out of our control. – by their own admission the contract item for new lawn (3) was not done in June per our agreement. I had paid them $3,200 deposit and $2,100 when they did the site preparation for as total of $5,300 (85% of contract). How is doing the item 3 of the contract “at no charge”?4. Mr. [redacted] came into the office on October 30th to discuss the timing for the planting and there was a verbal altercation between him and an employee. This was handled within the company per our policy standards and an apology was sent to Mr. [redacted] explaining that the situation was handled properly and we wanted to send our sincerest apologies. – I do not view this as a “verbal altercation between i'm and another employee”. As Advanced Landscape Solutions stated I came into their office to discuss the timing of finishing the work since it was starting to get late in the Fall (October 30)and I still did not have a start date. I was immediately verbally assaulted by this employee who I believe is in a supervisory capacity. At NO time did I raise my voice or use inappropriate language. The “sincerest apologies” I received was an e-mail the following day from an employee in a clerical type position who witnessed the behavior of the employee. I have NEVER received an apology verbally or in writing from the employee involved or anyone in the company in a position of authority. What is the company policy on handling this type situation? Would be interesting to know.Mr. [redacted] told us that he was looking for another company to complete the project. At that time we suggested that we come out and do the seeding for him that we were doing at no charge and for him to keep the $1,100 balance for the plants because we felt this was coming to a negative situation. He declined our offer. All work that was completed was paid for and therefore we felt no need to receive any money. However, there was nothing paid for that was not completed. – this is a bold face lie. I cannot categorize this in any other way. In their e-mail to me containing the “sincere” apology dated October 31, they stated “[redacted] was mistaken when he stated we would have someone there asap to do your clean up, lawn aeration, seed and fertilizer for your front yard. I was hoping to maybe get this done for you tomorrow for this reason, however everyone is so exhausted from the long week, I could not get anyone to work tomorrow. I have 2 guys (2 of 4 of my drivers) on vacation forthe next 2 weeks. That being said, I can't split up crews and have an additional driver and man to come to your house. Unfortunately we will have to wait till the latter half of the month, likely the week of the 17th of November. Per Advanced Landscape Solutions, that will be the final bit of work we will be providing. [redacted] asks that you keep the $1100 balance and we call the contract completed. With frost coming in so early, this would be the best move anyway.” I responded to their e-mail with the following e-mail dated November 4 “Hello [redacted], Thank you for the update on Advanced Landscape Solutions performance of our landscaping contract signed in March 2014. I must inform you at this time that I can not release Advanced Landscape Solutions from the legally binding contract entered into by both parties in March 2014 for the following reasons: The significant delay in performing the contracted lawn work originally promised for April 2014 seriously compromises the likelihood that the seed will take successfully and will achieve the lawn promised. The clearly stated reason you provided for not fulfilling the contract regarding the mulch beds, " With frost coming in so early this would be the best move" applies even more to planting grass seed according to local lawn maintenance companies. Also, leaves are beginning to fall and covering the area to be seeded which could further inhibit a new lawn. I strongly urge you to complete this work as soon as possible but we reserve the right under the contract to require you to return in April to redo the lawn if it does not come in to our satisfaction due to your excessive delay. We also expect that "clean up" of the lawn will include but not be limited to removal of all rock, stone, asphalt, roots and other lawn debris. We contacted local reliable nurseries to obtain a cost to complete the portion of the contract Advanced Landscape Solutions is refusing to perform. The cost is $1,940.20 which does not include the cost of spreading the mulch. Therefore, to release Advanced Landscape Solutions from this portion of the contract, we require a refund of $840.20 ($1,940.20 - $1,100). Because of your significant delays and failure to notify us until October 31, 2014 that you would not perform this work per our contract, this is very time sensitive. Therefore, we request that our refund be provided no later than Friday, November 7, 2014.” As you can see, not only did I not “refuse their offer” regarding the lawn, I actually urged them to do it as soon as possible. I also did not tell them I had contracted with another company to do the work they had failed to do. As you can see, I never told them I had contracted with another company to do the work they failed to do. Instead I told them I got estimates from two local and reliable landscape and nursery companies ([redacted]) to determine the cost to finish the contract and determine if a refund was due me. I quickly found out that the remaining unpaid amount of the contract ($1,100) was barely half the cost of the plants. It is interesting that we started out with inclement weather being the problem and ended with “early frost” being the problem although the first frost was still weeks away? This was the LAST communication between me and Advanced Landscape Solutions. They never showed up to do the lawn as promised and I never received another communication from them. My lawn remains dirt, debris and weeds.At the same time I filed my complaint with the Revdex.com, I also disputed my final payment to Advanced Landscape Solutions of $2,100 with my credit card company. The credit card company ruled in my favor and refunded to me the $2,100. Therefore, IF Advanced Landscape Solutions does the dispute the credit card company decision, I no longer seek a refund from them. I do believe, however, that my complaint was not handled satisfactorily by the company and should remain available for prospective customers to see.

Regards, g[redacted]

Review: This company improperly installed trees that are known in the industry to be wrought with disease due to over production. They have not responded to my request that someone come out and look at the trees they installed. They did replace the trees once, and they failed again. I had two separate landscapers / arborist look at the the installed tree and they stated the trees were improperly installed and they "would never had put [redacted] in because they die." I since called them and emailed and they have not responded. The last time I called them the customer service person was short with me... was not in any way listening to me and eventually hung up on me.Desired Settlement: Because they have not taken the time to address my concerns and I have had to seek other help with the tree (which are dying) I would like the portion of my contract that cover the dying tree refunded.

Business

Response:

We are going to the [redacted] service. We will get them a soil sample, branch sample, a

sample of roots as well as pictures. We suspect that improper watering is to

blame. However to ensure that we cover all bases the extension service will

eliminate any disease issues that possibly may be present.

We did however already fulfill our contract and replace 7 of the 8 [redacted] per our

contract with [redacted]. We even waited until November to replace them so

they would have plenty of time to get their root system established. We have

talked to professionals that state that the plants are "not dead, far from

it". However it is believed they are stressed whether it be from neglect or weather.

They suggested, which we passed onto the customer, to trim the dead branches

and then fertilize the trees.

[redacted] will certainly help to start to find out exactly what the

problem could be.

Consumer

Response:

Hello,

I made a few calls about the statement of Advanced Landscape. They have not contacted Henrico county for soil samples. I looked at the trees today and am at a loss about pruning. I would have to hire this done and I do not feel more money into the trees will make any difference. I will contact the Henrico office myself about these trees. I simply want the trees to live or I want my money back. Very simple. The trees are more than half brown. I say this is dead/dying. I feel that Advanced Landscape Solutions is at fault for this problem on multiple fronts. It is noteworthy to say that a soil sample should have been done the first time the y failed or maybe even better before they planted thousands of dollars worth of trees. I say again that they are the tree professionals, not I.

Business

Response:

We did take samples. I stopped by on June 6th, 2014 and grabbed a soil sample, a root sample as well as a branch that was affected. I also took pictures of the trees. Only one seems to be in worse condition than the others. The extension agency has reported their findings and they are as follows;

In looking at the [redacted] sample that was brought

in, spruce mites were observed as well as symptoms of their infestation.

I have included [redacted] recommendations for spruce mites. Let me know if you

have any questions.

[redacted]

Extension Agent

Henrico County

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the offer made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and have determined that this proposed action would not resolve my complaint. For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.

I would like ot be mailed a hardcopy of the county report. And, I would like me trees treated for these mites within two weeks. Then we can determine during the next three months whether this is accurate.

Regards,

Business

Response:

I have a call into [redacted] to get a hard copy mailed directly from the extension agency. I do not know it they will do this, if they will not then the only option I have is to print out the email I received from them and mail to [redacted]. I will go ahead and drop that in the mail today.

Unfortunately after the report findings, we feel we will never come to a satisfactory result with the customer. As the report stated for treatment in September, she wants it done now. We have fulfilled the contract once on the initial install and then replaced said plants which at this time fulfilled the entire contract, guarantee and all. As stated on the contract:

Plant prices include: Pickup and delivery,amend soil, install, mulch and a one time, three month replacement guarantee. This does not include future weeding, maintenance, edging etc.

As much as we would like to come to an understanding with the customer, we do not feel that the mite infestation is a new problem but rather a preexisting problem.

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the offer made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and have determined that this proposed action would not resolve my complaint. For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.

As you have closed this complaint with 'resolved' as the status. I feel it is necessary to state that I am not satisfied. This company has done nothing regarding the way they have dragged their feet on this. They have been rude and blamed me as the customer for the problem. This is simply not true. I do not have time to continue long winded arguments for no purpose. I would like a darned apology from them and the trees were sold to me in an unstable condition.

Review: We initially contacted Advanced Landscape Solutions in May to complete a patio and (possibly) outdoor fireplace. [redacted] was initially very prompt in getting back to us and was professional in his quote for the patio only. They reached out to us to get a deposit from us, without having us sign a contract. Since that initial contact from Kenny, we have initiated multiple (>10) communications with Advanced Landscape Solutions. Initially, we attempted to get more pricing information about a fireplace and determine when we would be placed on the schedule. During those communications, we were told [redacted] (the owner) would return our phone call with more information. They failed to follow up to those basic requests for more information. Since Advanced Landscape Solutions has received our deposit, they have not initiated another conversation with us. They have failed to return our phone calls, and [redacted] has not reached out to us again. On July 29th 2015, after repeated attempts to contact the company, we called and requested a refund of our deposit. We were told we would receive a response on July 30th (and when that passed, on August 3rd). Since this company has repeatedly ignored us as customers, we would like a full refund of our deposit. The dates listed in our complaint are only the LAST dates we have complained to the company.Desired Settlement: We are requesting a full refund of our $3500 deposit. No work has been completed and since we have neither signed a contract, nor picked out the material for our patio, we are owed the full deposit back.

Business

Response:

Revdex.com spoke with the business and a refund was agreed to with the customer. This has been resolved.

Consumer

Response:

[A default letter is provided here which indicates your acceptance of the business's offer. If you wish, you may update it before sending it.]

I have reviewed the offer made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and find that this resolution would be satisfactory to me. I will wait for the business to perform this action and, if it does, will consider this complaint resolved. If the company does not perform as promised I can get back to you at: [redacted]

Regards,

The customer reached out to Revdex.com and stated he has agreed to a payment plan with the business but the terms have not been set at this time.

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the offer and/or response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and have determined that this proposed action would not resolve my complaint. For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.

[Provide details of why you are not satisfied with this resolution.]

Regards,

The customer reached out to Revdex.com stating no refund has been provided and he was told by the business no refund would be provided.

Review: Entered into contract for business to complete a patio on 7/15/15. I signed the contract and submitted the required 50% downpayment of $4,337.50. The check was received and cashed on 7/28/15. Kenny E[redacted] owner of business, informed me it was a 15 week timeline for delivery of patio. We are past the 15 week timeline and have not been able to receive any response from company in the past month on when this will begin. Multiple phone and email messages have been left.Desired Settlement: I would like to be refunded my deposit for failure to adhere to the contract and delivery said services. Do plan to proceed with litigation should no response be received within next two weeks.

Consumer

Response:

[A default letter is provided here which indicates that the business has not responded to you directly. If you wish, you may update it before sending it.]

At this time, I have not been contacted by Advanced Landscape Solutions LLC regarding complaint ID [redacted].

Regards,

Review: Work on this project was supposed to begin by 11/15/2015. It has not yet begun. I have made a deposit of approximately $2,500. They are not responsive to my calls or emails.Desired Settlement: Full refund of all money paid.

Review: Hired to build a Patio on on May 1 2015 and still have no product and been given the run around on start dates that are never upheld and phone messages never returned etc. I have made dozens of phone calls to get a date and always told one thing and then the date comes and goes and still no patio!Desired Settlement: if cannot come out now to deliver want full refund

Review: I'm a prior customer of ALS. I have a contract with ALS that a deposit was paid for on July 9th 2015.. I was told would be honored on sept 1 of 2015 but it was a no show no call.. I contacted ALS and was given another date due to them being behind from a previous job.. It's been over a month now and I've been given 5 more dates that the work at my house would be started.. Sept 11th no show no call sept 16th no show no call. Sept 23rd no show no call oct 16 no show no call oct 23rd no show no call.. Every time I talk. To the receptionist she tells me the same thing (you're next on the list) I drove to ALS today October 27th 2015 the doors were locked and there's a [redacted] delivery note and mail bunched up on the door handles. I spoke with people that work at the establishments next door and next to them and they all told me they have not seen anyone from ALS in over a week and they have mail to give to them that have been dropped of by [redacted] in the pat week.. This raises a red flag in my book and I'm sure I have to take legal matters.. All I want is for the work to be done so when I plan on selling my house This summer there is one less thing on the list to doDesired Settlement: I want the work done soon or my refund