This is a very professional landscape design and build company. I am a very satisfied customer and I would definitely recommend them to anyone who asks. Thank you so much Keith!

Company Response:

Thank you for the review Amy!

Keith and his crew were an absolute pleasure to work with and I would recommend them without hesitation to anyone looking to have landscape design/construction work done. Keith always responded promptly to my calls and emails and he and his crew were always professional, on-time and listened to any concerns we had. Thank you, Keith, for transforming our backyard. We look forward to working with you again!

Company Response:

Hi Sandra . Happy New Year and thanks for taking the time to do a review for us - Looking forward to working together with you again too ! Keith Evans

I highly recommend Land Effects, so my review thoroughly details some key experiences I had with them. I believe that contractors with good work ethics and who give good results deserve to get some recognition. PROMPT REPLY TO INQUIRIES: I contacted Land Effects through their website’s Contact Form in mid-May 2012 to discuss landscaping ideas for my home and get a quote. I found his company on Home Stars and on the Landscape Ontario website. Keith Evans called me back and we briefly discussed the services that I was interested in. He also gave me a heads up that they primarily worked on larger projects (aka bigger budgets). WORK REQUIRED: My list of “landscaping- work-to-be-done” had accumulated over the years. I wanted to replace the front steps (which were falling apart), the railing, and cracked concrete driveway. As well, I wanted to plant a front and rear yard garden (to replace the forest of weeds), trim back existing trees, improve the grading in the front and back (because of water issues we were having), replace all the existing “red-and-white checkerboard” patio stones, and allocate space for my kids to play in and a space for a future storage shed. INITIAL MEETING: At our first meeting, Keith came out to see the property and discuss design ideas. He gave me some great ideas for features that I hadn’t considered before. He gave me a high level, ball park figure for what he thought the project could cost, based on what I said I wanted or liked. I understood that a more accurate cost estimate could only be obtained, if I could pinpoint what I really wanted done, so the labour and materials could be priced out. DESIGN SERVICE: Measurements were taken of the property. I told them what I liked and showed them sample photos I found on the internet and in catalogues, so they could get a sense of my personal taste and my husband’s (which sort of differed from mine). Then approximately 4 weeks later I met with the assigned landscape designer to review a draft landscape proposal plan. The plan consisted of poster-sized drawings of my property layout with info for the hardscaping (driveway, pathways, steps, patio), grading and dimensions, and proposed plants for my front and rear yards. I gave them feedback by e-mail, after further review with my husband, and then the designer made some revisions for me. Though we had a landscape plan, it was not rigid and unchangeable. We made changes here and there throughout the project, with Keith’s guidance. He and his staff respected our design wishes and tried to seamlessly integrate them into the original plan. DETAILED, ITEMIZED QUOTE FOR EASY BUDGET PLANNING AND TRACKING BY CUSTOMERS: An important part of the whole process was the review of the initial quote. Keith provided me with a spreadsheet that itemized, in detail, the work and calculated costs. We were able to go through all the items and adjust them, based on our budget and priorities. For example, we eliminated some design features, reduced the size of certain stone areas and substituted the materials to upgrade or downgrade (e.g. natural stone vs. manmade). Keith patiently assisted us in balancing our budget with our wish list of features. The changes were documented and we received a revised quote to sign off on, which also outlined the payment schedule. In the end, we spent more than the quoted cost but that was because of the informed decisions we made about the final design. There were no costs that were a huge surprise to us. We were given a final statement at the end which accurately showed us our payment history and balance owing. THE WORKERS: Each day, the workers arrived approx. 8:30 am and left by 5 pm, after cleaning up the site. Equipment, tools and materials were always placed aside, so we could get in and out of our home and driveway. Some days, they would leave a little bit earlier because of the brutal summer heat. My retired neighbour commented to me that he thought the guys were very hard-working, as he saw them outside every day--even in the rain. We saw lots of progress each day. RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT AND CUSTOMER SERVICE SKILLS: Keith knocked on the doors of our neighbours to introduce Land Effects, and brief them on the work that will be done and the potential impact to them. At the end of the project, Land Effects laid down new sod for the neighbours, where it was dug up near the property line. They even helped improve the look of my neighbour’s patio stones by replacing a few of their pieces with leftovers from our demolition, since it required very little effort but would improve the relationship with the neighbour during the project. KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS IN LEVELING AND RE-GRADING THE PROPERTY: Prior to the start of the project, I thought that we possibly had a leak or crack somewhere in our walls or foundation because we would find a small pool of water in our basement after every major rainfall. However, Keith advised to let them take a look and try to address it with the grading before we contact someone else. We had a number of major thunderstorms in the Toronto area over the summer and in recent weeks. We have not had any flooding or pooling of water inside or outside our house, since the re-grading was done. We have noticed that the surface water disappears quickly after it rains now. I must say that I am extremely impressed with the staff’s ability in completing the masonry and grading. My front door faces the west, and the property slopes down from north to south and from east to west. The different grading was not noticeable before, as we had nothing but a lumpy, hilly lawn, uneven patio and sunken driveway in front. However, we had them lay down paving stones in a large area in the front. They were able to successfully get the new stone walkways, raised planters, stairs and driveway to all meet up at various grades, so that they did not look crooked or awkward. GREAT COMMUNICATION AND INTEGRITY: There were a few occasions where issues or errors arose during the project. I believe that a large part of the project success we had with Land Effects was the constant communication, and being fair and reasonable in our dealings with one another. Keith was the Project Manager. We communicated back-and-forth throughout the entire project in person, by phone, e-mail and text messages. He always responded promptly and had his workers address any issues immediately. He always ensured that I was comfortable and satisfied with the work being done and the materials selected. One item in the quote ended up costing a bit more but it was because someone didn’t correctly measure out an area. They absorbed that cost, since it was their own issue that caused the oversight. They never approached us to pay for the extra labour and materials needed to do the job. When the workers moved our existing portable BBQ to our new rear patio, a plastic wheel broke. Keith went out and bought a new replacement and installed it for us. A new storage shed was built for us. I was particular about the hardware I wanted and tried to source it out myself. It took some time for me to get it. Even though everything else was completed and Land Effects was paid in full, Keith followed up with me weeks later to see if I had found the hardware. He actually came back and helped me install it. Because Keith seems to sincerely value his company’s and his own personal reputation, I think he would do whatever is right to ensure that customers are satisfied and that the work his company puts out meets his own high standard. He has committed to providing warranties to prove that. SUMMARY: The project resulted in the entire property re-graded with new drainage areas, a new driveway, walkway and patio areas laid with paving stones, natural flagstone borders and stairs, planters and retaining walls, some new fencing, new garden gates and a large pergola. Plants were selected and planted for us. Land Effects also constructed a wooden storage shed with sliding barn doors and aluminum roof. Our family and relatives were impressed with the dramatic new look of our home -- even though our new grass hadn’t fully grown yet and the flowers were pretty much gone by the time the plants went in. I cannot wait to see what the place will look like when everything is in bloom next year! Overall, I found Land Effects staff to be honest, skilled and courteous professionals and their results were of a high quality. We did not have any negative experiences working with them during the whole project. I would definitely recommend them if you are the type of person who wants a structured landscaping project with organized details, items in writing and the opportunity to collaborate with a customer-focused team to create an outdoor space that you can enjoy.

Company Response:

Dear Bonnie - wow Thank you so much for going into such great detail about your experience with us ! I really appreciate your noticing how hard we do try ! It comes from a passion for doing great work and yes pride in the final product. I'm thrilled that you are so happy with it as are your friends and relatives ! See you in the spring for the final planting ! Sincerely , Keith Evans

I hired Land Effects to complete the landscaping of our backyard, front yard, walk way, stairs, and retaining wall. The work they did was well done. I would recommend anyone looking for a landscaper to get a quote from Land Effects; quality ideas and quality execution.

Company Response:

It was a pleasure working with you Glen ! I'm looking forward to completing the backyard planting work in the spring. All the best, Keith Evans

We hired Land Effects to complete our backyard renovation. We were very happy with the work that was done and the final results. The project included a back porch, patio, and stone work. The job was completed on time and to our specifications. We found the crew to be courteous and they completed the work efficiently.

Company Response:

Dear Christine, The project was a challenge for sure with limited access and site trees making the work tricky to say the least. Also co-ordinating the movement of site objects like the large shed and trampoline added to the logistics of the project and yet it all flowed well and turned into a very comfortable and interesting new space. We look forward to coming back for phase 2 next year ! Regards, Keith

Keith and his team replaced our backyard deck, stairs and privacy fences as well as installed a gorgeous interlock parking pad for us. The work done by the team was second to none and we couldn't be happier with the quality of the workmanship. Keith himself was amazing - had many great ideas about how to make our outdoor space look special and was always prompt, polite and responsive to any questions that we had about the project. Keith's process put us at ease - it was reassuring to receive a detailed plan and estimates that we could discuss and change based on our needs as the project went along. Keith was always willing to give ideas about how to achieve our goals within budget. We look forward to working with him again on additional landscaping in the backyard as well as the front when the budget allows.

Company Response:

Thank You Sue, it was a pleasure working with you both and I look forward to working on phase two as well ! regards, Keith

Keith designed and his crew transformed my fairly small back yard into a beautiful oasis. There is lots of sitting space on the deck, the built in BBQ with stainless steel work space is unique, functional and great to look at, and lastly, the garden area has a visually attractive shape and is wonderfully low maintenance. During construction, the crew always left the area clean (or as clean as possible) and tidy. Overall, this company was a delight to work with.

Company Response:

Thanks Joan - it was a pleasure to work with you !

Land Effects transformed our backyard into a stylish and functional space. Over the course of two weeks the crew removed and rebuilt two old patios and the crumbling stairs that linked them. They also constructed a boulder fall, a raised flower bed, a path alongside the garage to the backyard, footings for a pergola(to be installed at a later date) and a cement pad for a garden shed. Keith's professional design skills enabled us to complete the vision we had imagined. Their service is not cheap but it is competitve. The quote given at the outset broke down the prices and held no surprises. I would say that this company embodies both integrity and artfulness. Keith is a very talented designer, his crew friendly and experienced. We had fun. I would recommend them without hesitation.

Company Response:

It was a real pleasure working with you and John and I look forward to seeing the project mature as you complete the vision with lush plantings and the pergola canopy at your own pace. Thanks again Kathy ! and thank you for hosting the garden party at the end for the crew - it meant a lot to them.

We can’t recommend Keith and his crew enough. What started with us initially wanting to re-do our front walk and dig a new garden bed turned into a full landscaping project guided by Keith’s vision for our yard. He was up front and honest about the cost, his quote and design were very detailed, he made several suggestions that we hadn’t considered (the armour stone looks incredible!) and he worked closely with us to ensure things like the plants he chose matched our taste. Our front yard is now the talk of the street. Thanks Keith!

Company Response:

Thanks Matt and Caroline ! It's always a pleasure to work with a couple who are open to recommendations that ultimately make sense financially - I know the project was larger in the long run than what you had been thinking of doing - ultimately you saved money and time just ' going for it' !! The crew also says thanks for being such a positive client in the midst of upheaval while your front entrance way was under construction. Regards, Keith Evans

For a number of years I have wanted to do something with the front yard of my East York semi-detached home. I'm a very handy guy and usually do home projects myself, but when it comes to gardens and landscaping, I don't feel like I have good design sense, and the thought of days worth of digging, laying stone and planting (just to likely kill them shortly afterward) didn't appeal to me. We heard about Land Effects through HomeStars - my wife called the top 3 rated places for our area, and two decided to quote. The other guy came and suggested a generic retaining wall and basic pathway, said he was going to call us back with a quote, and we never heard from him again. Keith showed up from Land Effects, and had some creative ideas right from the start - like moving the stairway to the center of the lot to provide space for planting on both sides, and make the lot look wider. He was friendly, professional and confident, and shared some excellent ideas. We paid him to do a formal plan, which he delivered to us promptly - we were so excited by the design, we gave him the go-ahead on the spot. Fast forward to a couple of weeks later, his crew showed up right on time every day. They were courteous, professional, worked throughout the day and cleaned up perfectly at the end of each day. The final result is astounding - the workmanship is top-notch and everyone on the street is ecstatic with how great the yard looks. I even get complete strangers knocking on my door asking me where I got the design and build done. I am very impressed with Keith and his team, and wholeheartedly recommend Land Effects if you want "the best" when it comes to both design and build.

Company Response:

Thank you George and Jenny for your glowing review - I'm elated to hear that you neighborhood and other prospective clients are giving you such great feedback ! It really did transform your home and I thank you for putting your trust into our design ! The challenge of working on the congested street was offset by all of the pleasant hellos and compliments each day to our crew by passers by - I know that it meant a lot to them too!