We hired Wayne Underhill in 2018 to install new plants in 6 stone flowerboxes. His estimate was 40% higher than the next company, but we went ahead because he had previously done patio work for us.
This job was not complicated. Using a plan printed out by the flowerbox construction company, I supplied a written list of plant varieties that would do well in my space and location. Wayne’s responsibility was to gauge how many plants would be needed.
First problem: Wayne showed up with the exact number of plants that the flowerbox construction company had laid out in their plan. There were 12 more hydrangeas, 10 more boxwood, and 5 more astilbe than needed. After much unpleasant arguing, he gave me a $20 rebate for each of the superfluous hydrangeas- far less than the price I had paid him. He planted the extra boxwood (most now dying) and astilbe (all now dead) in other places on my property with less hospitable soil and sun conditions.
Second problem: the weigela plants Wayne delivered were not the dwarf varieties specified in writing in the work contract. He very grudgingly replaced those plants.
Third problem: Wayne kept hurrying up the workers. One worker asked if he should grass an area disturbed by the planting; Wayne’s angry look silenced him.
Fourth problem: The plants were guaranteed for 3 seasons, and in the second summer I informed Wayne that the Karl Foerster grasses were slanting downward, weigela flowering was minimal (I paid for enriched soil and I fertilized weekly), and the extra boxwoods and astilbe planted in sub-optimal locations were dying or dead. Wayne refused to make a single warranty-covered effort towards customer satisfaction.
When we paid him (almost $9,000!), my husband rounded out the cost, which came to $5 less than the estimate. Wayne insisted on getting that last measly $5 - he said he needed to buy coffee! My advice: look elsewhere!
- Approximate cost of services:
- $8,500.00
- Company Response
Mrs. Borer, while our response to your review is rather late, we certainly wanted say a few words in response for those others who choose to read your review. I will begin by stating that we completed your planting project on August 18th, 2018 - yet you chose to wait more than 2 full years to post your negative review (your review was posted on November 18th, 2020). Seems odd for you to wait so long. However, let me address some of your comments. To begin, I will address your project cost. It is a well known fact that price quotes throughout the landscape industry can vary dramatically. We have never been, and never will be the "Cheapest price" contractor. Your previous experience with our company would attest to that, and you were obviously comfortable with our pricing structure since you chose to hire us back again. Next, addressing your "First Problem". Yes you supplied us a written list of plant varieties provided by the flowerbox construction company. You have obviously forgotten that Wayne suggested the Green Gem Boxwoods as a better suited substitute for the Tom Thumb Euonymus originally suggested on your supplied list. You are also forgetting that our written quotation that Wayne provided you specifically listed the plant varieties AND quantities - and you signed and approved that quotation on June 3rd, 2018. We provided the exact quantity of plants you approved & signed for. The specific Hydrangeas you requested are not a readily available plant, and required a special order to receive them. Re-stocking fees were charged to us for the quantity you chose not to take. We have numerous customers in your neighbourhood annually, and Wayne noticed on a number of drive by occasions during the summers of 2019 and 2020 that your plants were growing and filling in quite well. As for your "Second Problem" - yes, the Weigela plants that arrived were not the dwarf "My Monet" variety that was specified. Sometimes mistakes happen. You yourself mentioned that Wayne exchanged the wrong Weigelas. I don't see what the problem is here. As for your "Third Problem" - asking our workers to maintain a proper work pace allowed us to get to the next customer on time. Again, I don't get what the problem is. Your "Fourth Problem" is a mistake on your part. We only guarantee our plants for 2 years - NOT the 3 years you are mistakenly listing. And that is under the assumption that the customer ensures regular watering. The dry roots on some of the plants you are referring to indicated inadequate watering. You got the "enriched soil" that was specified in your quotation - triple mix planting soil with extra peat moss. I can't comment on the "measily $5" you are referring to. Not sure how your husband "rounded out the cost", because your signed quotation was specific for the costs - exactly $8,800 plus HST tax.