David Brothers Landscape Services

[To assist us in bringing this matter to a close, you must give us a reason why you are rejecting the responseIf no reason is received your complaint will be closed Administratively Resolved] Complaint: [redacted] I am rejecting this response because: it is totally inaccurate and untruthful I asked for a design plan but did not get one which led to the problems as outlined in my original complaint My area is too small for trees I pleaded with Kim D [redacted] to take some back but he would not Kim D [redacted] DEFINITELY did not stake out the trees in my presence and I DEFINITELY did not give my approval In fact, he planted four trees where the leaves were touching my original trees and he had to transplant these trees I asked him to move the trees in an email (which I still have) that I wrote after I came home and saw the poorly located trees The proposal said that the trees would be watered and mulched and they were not I do not know about the "root ball" but the leaves on the dogwood trees quickly shriveled up in the heat When Kim D [redacted] had the new trees transplanted (he had to find new spots in my limited space), he effectively took away the spot for a bridge Since there was no longer a spot for the originally requested bridge, I did say I no longer wanted them to build it I did sign the proposal I am not a lawyer and did not realize that once I agreed to pay $that I would have no recourse no matter how badly the work was done, and I would be legally obligated to pay the proposed price I have pictures of all the complaints that document this shoddy work by David Brothers I sent several letters to David Brothers asking for a price reduction but to date have gotten no response to my letters At this time, Kim D [redacted] has absolutely NOT attempted negotiate a settlement with me Regards, [redacted]

[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.]
Revdex.com:
At this time, I have not been contacted by David Brothers Landscape Services regarding complaint ID ***
Regards,
*** ***

August 26,Dear *** ***:At the initial meeting with the client, I informed her that a design was not necessary due to the scope of the workI staked out the location of the trees with her present and she approved the locationsThe planting foreman determined that the
rootballs of the trees were totally saturated, and additional watering would not be beneficial.Initially, we had discussed building a bridge to cross the streamThe bridge was intended to provide access for the mowerThe client said she no longer wanted David Brothers to build the bridge.David Brothers provided the serviced in accordance with our proposalThis proposal was accepted by the client as indicated by her signatureA copy is attached for your referenceI have attempted to negotiate a settlement with the client, but have received no response from herAt this time we are proceeding to take action in small claims court.Sincerely,RKimber D*** President

[To assist us in bringing this matter to a close, you must give us a reason why you are rejecting the response. If no reason is received your complaint will be closed Administratively Resolved]
 Complaint: [redacted]
I am rejecting this response because:  it is totally inaccurate and untruthful.
1.  I asked for a design plan but did not get one which led to the problems as outlined in my original complaint.  My area is too small for 13 trees.  I pleaded with Kim D[redacted] to take some back but he would not.
2.  Kim D[redacted] DEFINITELY did not stake out the trees in my presence and I DEFINITELY did not give my approval.  In fact, he planted four trees where the leaves were touching my original trees and he had to transplant these 4 trees.  I asked him to move the trees in an email (which I still have) that I wrote after I came home and saw the poorly located trees.
3.  The proposal said that the trees would be watered and mulched and they were not.  I do not know about the "root ball" but the leaves on the dogwood trees quickly shriveled up in the heat.
4.  When Kim D[redacted] had the 4 new trees transplanted (he had to find 4 new spots in my limited space), he effectively took away the spot for a bridge.  Since there was no longer a spot for the originally requested bridge, I did say I no longer wanted them to build it.
5.  I did sign the proposal.  I am not a lawyer and did not realize that once I agreed to pay $4975 that I would have no recourse no matter how badly the work was done, and I would be legally obligated to pay the proposed price.  I have pictures of all the complaints that document this shoddy work by David Brothers.
6.  I sent several letters to David Brothers asking for a price reduction but to date have gotten no response to my letters.
7.  At this time, Kim D[redacted] has absolutely NOT attempted negotiate a settlement with me.
Regards,
[redacted]

Review: Description Of Work: David Brothers Landscaping was contracted to create a master plan for my treeline on the outer edge of my property. It measures 174' x 68'=11832'. I told the provider that I had an initial budget of $5000.00 and wanted him to create a nice area with a few trees (I can see my neighbor's house and asked him to plant tall pines to block that view), a bridge, footpath and an area to be used for picnics with grandchildren. He sent me a proposal for $4975, I signed it, and sent a check for $2487.50. I told him that depending on the design, I would be able to increase the budget by $5000.00 increments. I notified the provider that I had $5000.00 for the second phase of this project on 30Jun2014, but because of difficulties we never progressed to that point. There were 3 main problems with this company:#1. Kim D[redacted] and 3 men came to my property on 14Jun. I chose this company from [redacted] and read their website thoroughly. Their website advertises the services of a landscape architect but no plan was ever provided. The lack of a cohesive design plan created the problems I am about to outline: The provider planted 13 trees. The designated space is too small for this many trees (see project size listed above). Trees were planted directly under my original trees, so close their leaves were touching. Other trees were planted less than 3 feet away from each other. The provider wanted me to contract for additional services such as pruning my original trees. I do acknowledge that out of 7 badly located trees, he did move 3 & performed additional pruning around the other 4. He is now trying to bill me for this pruning and replanting. Replanting these trees did exacerbate the problem of too many trees for my space. We only discussed planting trees to block the view of my neighbor's house (2 white pines at the most). (Photo attached.) I pleaded with him to take some of the trees back, but he would not. I now have a row of 7 pines in front of my (other) neighbor's row of tall pines. (Photo attached). This looks ridiculous. There is now no room for the things I wanted and why I initiated this project in the first place: ie: bridge, footpath, picnic area etc. Also, according to the proposal, they were supposed to provide the initial tree watering. I connected the hoses but they never watered the trees. They did drink from the hose.#2. My tree line runs alongside a culvert. The provider claims he placed 37 cy of LEAF mulch on culvert (!) and on the 2 opposing incline sides of the culvert. When it rains water runs down both sides of the inclines and then downhill through the culvert and it creates a small stream. There is absolutely no reason why mulch should be placed on it. Now, the leaf mulch is gone and I have a huge mud hole that runs the length of my property. I also have no way to get my tractor up the incline to cut the grass on the other side. I told Kim D[redacted] repeatedly about this grass cutting need. Mulching this area was never discussed or approved by me. Also, this area is loaded with roots and rocks. These were never removed by the provider although he is demanding payment for it. (Photo attached.)#3. This entire experience has been very disappointing. David Brothers is a well known landscaper in [redacted], the small community I live in. Kim D[redacted] is the president of the "Friends of [redacted]" a local conservation group I belong to. When I contacted them to ask for an itemized bill (as I do not feel I received $4975 worth of services) Kim's reply was that since I signed the proposal for $4975 I was not entitled to an itemized bill. At that time they would not send an itemized bill supportive of the $4975. #4. I sent another letter and Kim replied with new invoice for $7455.10, which included a $4614 charge for LABOR! The 3 men worked a total of 8 hours, 4 hours each day on June 14 & 15. They came back and replanted the trees on June 17. Kim D[redacted] spent 30 minutes on my property on June 14 and June 17.Clearly, I was wrong to advise David Brothers of my initial budget of $5000.00 and also wrong to indicate I was willing to put more money into the project. I thought they were a reputable firm. I thought I could trust their landscaping recommendations. I was wrong. UpdateReturnReview Status: ActiveOverallFPriceFQualityFResponsivenessFPunctualityAProfessionalismFADDITIONA...⇄ QUESTIONS ANSWERED WHEN COMPLETING THIS REVIEWHow much did the final cost compare to the original estimate? higher than estimateHow does the value of the work compare to the price? I paid too muchHow far in advance did you schedule the work? more than 2 weeksDid you find the company through [redacted]? yesIf yes, which source(s)? websiteWhy did you choose this contractor? reputationHave you used this company before? this is the first time I've used this companyWhat did you like most about this contractor? This contractor's website advertised a landscape architect's services to create a natural, sustainable landscape design.What did you like least about this contractor? Kim D[redacted] was extremely rude. He did not listen to me at all.What surprises came up during the course of the work? Kim did work I never agreed to and planted 13 trees, far too many. He drove up the price deliberately and did not care that my area cannot accomodate the things I wanted in the first place.What words of advice would you give other members considering this contractor? DO NOT USE THIS CONTRACTOR!What words of advice would you give this contractor? Listen to your clients. Don't be blinded by the amount of money they have to spend, just try to create a nice project for them.Desired Settlement: Total charges: Lack of a landscape plan (Caused 3 problems, deduct) ($500.00)Labor (Based on Bureau of Labor Statistics) $1000.00Plant material + tax (David Bros charges) $2051.1137 c.y. leaf mulch (David Bros charges) 740.00 Lack of initial watering, deduct ($100.00)Subtotal $3191.11Less deposit (6/12/2014) ($2487.50) Total due: $703.61

Business

Response:

August 26,2014Dear [redacted]:At the initial meeting with the client, I informed her that a design was not necessary due to the scope of the work. I staked out the location of the trees with her present and she approved the locations.The planting foreman determined that the rootballs of the trees were totally saturated, and additional watering would not be beneficial.Initially, we had discussed building a bridge to cross the stream. The bridge was intended to provide access for the mower. The client said she no longer wanted David Brothers to build the bridge.David Brothers provided the serviced in accordance with our proposal. This proposal was accepted by the client as indicated by her signature. A copy is attached for your reference.I have attempted to negotiate a settlement with the client, but have received no response from her. At this time we are proceeding to take action in small claims court.Sincerely,R. Kimber D[redacted] President

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 David Brothers Landscape Services regarding complaint ID [redacted].

Regards,

Consumer

Response:

[To assist us in bringing this matter to a close, you must give us a reason why you are rejecting the response. If no reason is received your complaint will be closed Administratively Resolved]

Review: [redacted]

I am rejecting this response because: it is totally inaccurate and untruthful.1. I asked for a design plan but did not get one which led to the problems as outlined in my original complaint. My area is too small for 13 trees. I pleaded with Kim D[redacted] to take some back but he would not.2. Kim D[redacted] DEFINITELY did not stake out the trees in my presence and I DEFINITELY did not give my approval. In fact, he planted four trees where the leaves were touching my original trees and he had to transplant these 4 trees. I asked him to move the trees in an email (which I still have) that I wrote after I came home and saw the poorly located trees.3. The proposal said that the trees would be watered and mulched and they were not. I do not know about the "root ball" but the leaves on the dogwood trees quickly shriveled up in the heat.4. When Kim D[redacted] had the 4 new trees transplanted (he had to find 4 new spots in my limited space), he effectively took away the spot for a bridge. Since there was no longer a spot for the originally requested bridge, I did say I no longer wanted them to build it.5. I did sign the proposal. I am not a lawyer and did not realize that once I agreed to pay $4975 that I would have no recourse no matter how badly the work was done, and I would be legally obligated to pay the proposed price. I have pictures of all the complaints that document this shoddy work by David Brothers.6. I sent several letters to David Brothers asking for a price reduction but to date have gotten no response to my letters.7. At this time, Kim D[redacted] has absolutely NOT attempted negotiate a settlement with me.

Regards,