Landscaping - who to call?

[tulsa_fan]

Were you happy wtih Wright Tree COmpany?  We are getting ready to have to cut down a couple monster trees in our back yard, but we have to have more than dirt back there . . . I'm afraid to get quotes, but must bite the bullet I guess!

[RecycleMichael]

Call We B Trees.   446-3473

Tim Nall is excellent.

[HoneySuckle]

Were you happy wtih Wright Tree COmpany?  We are getting ready to have to cut down a couple monster trees in our back yard, but we have to have more than dirt back there . . . I'm afraid to get quotes, but must bite the bullet I guess!

They are the only people I would hire, and I am picky and after having been screwed over by contractors.

Ask for Mark Harwick.  #645-3163.  He will come and give you an estimate.  He will do what YOU want and not what they want.

I believe they also do work for Philbrook as well, but that does not mean they are more expensive than others.

[HoneySuckle]

I had another landscape company come out today (one that someone here said did a terrible job maintaining at their office?) - Lenard's.  Someone else in real life recommended them.  Doesn't hurt to get other bids and compare them not only on price but what they are suggesting for the area etc.

The only one that refused to give a drawing of any kind was Tulsa Tree & Landscape.  It's his loss.

I want at least 3-4, then I will go over the design and recommendations, tweak a bit here and there and take the plunge.

Next company coming out is AAA Landscaping.  I am glad that I didn't use the first guy who came by and said no one plants in Fall. 

[Conan71]

Actually, I'm kind of surprised anyone would leave a drawing or sketch, unless they are making their money primarily with the plantings and the installation labor.

[HoneySuckle]

Why not leave it?

The one company who refused to do one probably thinks I will take the idea and do it myself, but neither hubby nor I have the time for that type of yardwork.

I will not show the drawings to other companies.  They all have to do their own and then I can make suggestions or changes.

Besides, the ones who are leaving them probably have enough work so they're not insecure.

But again, what's the harm in leaving it?

[Conan71]

Why not leave it?

The one company who refused to do one probably thinks I will take the idea and do it myself, but neither hubby nor I have the time for that type of yardwork.

I will not show the drawings to other companies.  They all have to do their own and then I can make suggestions or changes.
But again, what's the harm in leaving it?

Unfortunately, not everyone has your sense of integrity. That's my guess.

[HoneySuckle]

Oh.  I guess there are people who would call them out to get ideas?  I hadn't even thought of that!  But even if we did, we really cannot take this job on. 

BUT, this makes me realise though that the first guy probably felt we would take his idea so he did not want to do a drawing but come back a second time to meet with my husband about his plans.  And because of this, I have eliminated him from my choice.  Because the others were willing to go all out and actually tell me what plants they are going to use, I will be more inclined to hire one of them. 

[heironymouspasparagus]

You sure you don't want to go to landscaping school and do it yourself?  Might be cheaper....
It may sound like a lot - and it may be - other quotes will tell - but if you get into it yourself, it is likely to seem more like a bargain the further you get.

[HoneySuckle]

One of the reasons I can't do it myself is the bad back sydrome.  Fell down a flight of stairs about 8 years ago, and that injury comes back to haunt me everytime I try to do some gardening

I am getting another quote tomorrow.  This should be the last.  I guess since I've never done this before, it sounded like a lot, plus my husband was stunned at the cost as well.  But, we can always talk to whomever we choose, and decide which plants we don't want, and what we could use instead to try and bring some of the cost down.  I am glad I got a bid to start with, though I am waiting on the guy who came by on Friday.  The other one I mentioned earlier who refused to do any kind of drawing or even give a quote is definitely not on my list!  I had posted a link to his company on the first page.  That attitude alone is enough to tell me he wouldn't be too open to discussing my needs.  I did like the guy from Horizon.  He seemed honest and open minded.  Plus, he gave me a drawing, price and plant description. 

[SXSW]

I just tore out my hydrangeas because they were looking pretty bad and were overgrown.  Like I mentioned in the other thread I'm thinking about planting bamboo clumps in their place, in the raised beds in front of the porch.  I was going to do it this week but with bamboo an early freeze could kill it, so I'm going to wait until spring and just leave the beds open all winter.  That way I also have more time to come up with more ideas for what else I want to plant besides bamboo.

[HoneySuckle]

Aren't you afraid of bamboo taking over your yard?

I may end up leaving mine open until spring!  The last two companies haven't send their proposals yet.

Maybe I should just throw in some temporary chrysanthemums and pansies for now and next year we can really get going on redoing the yard.

I can't believe it's almost November