Richard in Ancaster

In the late summer of 2011 we had this company do some landscaping and plantings for us. Three trees were planted and were guaranteed for one year. All three trees died. We had another arbourist look at the trees and he told us that; one was planted too deeply, another had its roots exposed (too high), the holes for the root balls were barely large enough for the root balls and they were still wrapped in burlap. Before the year was up we asked to have the dead trees replaced and were told "no"...all the trees shouldn't die. They would only replace one tree. The worker who came to plant that tree shared with us that he planted 6 trees on his own property, and 5 of them died. The nursery where he bought the trees replaced all 5.

We had an ash tree that needed trimming. A very knowledgable rep. came at the assigned time and gave a lot of information about the ash tree and the problems of the ash borer beetle. After a few days later we decided to go with this company. It took a number of days and attempts to have them return our calls, They finally returned our call and set an appointment for the trimming. They did a good job, were punctual and did a good job cleaning up.

We had problems with drainage of water in our backyard. Valleywoo d told us the best way to deal with it was to dig and install a drainage pipe along the back and side of our yard, with a catchbasin to ensure water is directed into the pipe. This pipe was to divert 70% or so of the water from the back of our house to the front, where it would be brought to the surface. We wanted the exit of the pipe to be near the sidewalk so that there would be no risk of water accumulating near our house. The swale between our neighbours house and ours was to be reconstructed, and accomodate the rest of the water. In the end, the pipe exited the ground about 1 metre from the corner of our house, and a sinkhole formed due to water accumulation at that spot. The swale gets flooded with minimal rain. We also had another swale closer to our house in which they installed pipe to attach to the pipe at the side of the house to divert water that accumulated at the foot of our deck. The catchbasin in this pipe is not even in the swale, and doesn't collect much water, making it relatively useless. Was a great idea, but not well executed.

Very pleased with the final outcome of our deck. As a home owner it is a good idea to be there as things are progressing along to insure things are as you expect.