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Custom Nature

Lawn Irrigation, Landscaping, Pavers and Hardscaping,

About us

Please email me with your phone number and the best time to call ~ leland. Custom Nature is a full service residential landscape and masonry construction company. If you can envision it in your yard we can create it for you. Patios of natural stone, concrete pavers (that are available in a cornucopia of shapes-sizes-and color) or just concrete accented with brick. Concrete block pillars covered in stone, faux or natural, for mailboxes, lamp posts, or even gates. Decks, fences, and shade structures of all shapes and sizes. Retaining walls of any material, traditional wood, dry stack boulders or even any of the new gravity walls that have become so popular. Along with lawns and planting we can install a state of the art automatic irrigation system that will make fertilizing your yard a breeze. We can also help with any drainage problems you might have. With over 20 years of experience custom nature has done jobs as small as $1500 and as large as $100,000. Just an idea in your head, or do you have a set full blown architectural drawings? Either way custom nature is here to serve you. Our primary way of contact is through email, but i prefer to make appointments over the phone.

Business highlights

32 years of trusted experience

Services we offer

Concrete Pavers, Irrigation, Drainage & Retaining Walls

Services we don't offer

Landscape maintenance or design.

Amenities

Free Estimates
Yes
Warranties
Yes


Accepted payment methods

Check

Photos of past projects

Reviews

4.6103 Reviews
Number of StarsImage of DistributionNumber of Ratings
5
64%
4
14%
3
12%
2
2%
1
9%


Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
4.7
value
4.5
professionalism
4.6
responsiveness
4.6
punctuality
4.7
Showing 26-50 of 103 reviews

Bhupesh K.
10/2013
1.0
irrigation systems
  + -1 more
Based on the reviews on angies list , I went ahead and bought the $65 coupon for evaluation and tuning. The guy couldnt do anything in the 15 minutes he was on my lawn on Oct1st and Oct 2nd but then did send me a 3000 dollars quote for repairs which arent needed. In 3000 , I could have gotten my whole lawn irrigation system installed twice.
Description of Work: Based on the reviews on angies list , I went ahead and bought the $65 coupon for evaluation and tuning. The guy couldnt do anything in the 15 minutes he was on my lawn on Oct1st and Oct 2nd but then did send me a 3000 dollars quote for repairs which arent needed. In 3000 , I could have gotten my whole lawn irrigation system installed twice.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
1.0
value
1.0
professionalism
1.0
responsiveness
1.0
punctuality
1.0

$65

Response from Custom Nature
When I make an appointment with a client I do my best to be on time and can only hope they will be there too. When I do a tune-up/evaluation, that's all it is. If repairs are needed, and with the number of evaluations I've done in the past few years, almost all the sprinkler systems I have seen need some amount of repairs, then that is something that needs to be priced out and scheduled. Your sprinkler system is the heart of your Landscaping. A properly installed sprinkler system runs about $1000 per valve. This includes the tie in to a water supply, the valve that automatically opens and closes, the heads that distribute the water and the wire and timer that run the system automatically. An 8 valve system would run $8000 at the very least to install new. If you cut cost and had someone install it for the lowest price possible, you are wasting your money and our water. A lot of systems I've seen have been poorly installed and highly modified over the years, usually by the maintenance company that cuts the lawns. This is like having a maid repair the roof on your house. Too many sprinkler systems are not only out of date, still being used beyond their usefulness, but improperly installed and wasting a lot of water. If you truly want to be a part of the "Water Conservation" movement, then spend the money to have your sprinklers properly installed, fixed and or modified so that they are doing what they were intended to accomplish. By the way, I did go back to this clients house the next day and fixed the two most egregious issues he had.

Thomas E.
10/2013
5.0
decks, landscaping, irrigation systems, tree service, drain pipe, hardscaping, outdoor lighting
  + 5 more
The work was performed on-time and on-budget with good quality. We liked very much that Leland Maker, the owner, was very hands on with the work. We met with Leland nearly every morning to go over work done, discuss any questions or changes, and make decisions. Leland brings a good eye for design and we liked that he worked with us to understand our vision as well. The resulting work we are very happy with! The project involved tearing out the prior patio and walkways completely, redesigning the front yard walkways (to street and driveway), expanding the patio area and installing pavers, reconfiguring the sprinkler system, installing a drain to bring rain water to the street, reconfiguring the front porch, and covering the porch with natural slate. We also installed drip irrigation for the entire front area and set up electrical wiring for lighting to be done after the planting is complete One of our important items was to work around a beautiful tree in the center of our patio. Leland worked with us on a design that minimized root cutting on the tree and should allow the tree to continue to do well. Another area that required some creativity was an awkward passage area and steps from the front door to a side door into our garage. When discussing the bid with Leland, we liked that he had a few creative ideas on how to deal with that space. Again, we are very happy with the result. Custom Nature's pricing was competitive in the bidding process - neither the lowest or highest bid we received. And once work started, there were no issues with change requests, etc. I would happily hire Leland again for future projects. I'll post a few pictures...
Description of Work: We completely remodeled our the front walkway, front patio, and porch area of our home. Custom Nature provided all of the remodeling work based on our design.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro

Response from Custom Nature
[removed member name] were a pleasure to work for. Fully interested in all the aspects of the work involved and willing to spend time working out any issues that arose during the installation process. Pictures on Custom Nature's website will be posted later.

Tehyon K.
10/2013
1.0
irrigation systems
  + -1 more
Emailed provider through Angie's List and Called and left 2 messages with no response. I guess he doesn't need business.
Description of Work: Emailed provider through Angie's List and Called and left 2 messages with no response. I guess he doesn't need business.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
professionalism
1.0
responsiveness
1.0
punctuality
1.0


Response from Custom Nature
Having checked my Angie's List mails, I do not see this persons name anywhere.

Rand R.
09/2013
4.0
irrigation systems
  + -1 more
Inspection of sprinkler and controls; Installation of valve and water line were completed in a timely manner. Owner was easy to talk with and explained jobs. Later that fall noticed the backyard sprinkler heads had water around numerous sprinkler heads. That spring water was continuously around the sprinkler heads. Notice my water bill was higher then normal. I came to the conclusion that the valve installed to open & close water off from back yard was not working correctly. The valve has been in the off position since last fall but water continued to come out of the back yard sprinklers.
Description of Work: Inspect sprinkler system and controls. Installed new valve to turn off water to back yard. Installed new pvc pipe from water meter to house.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
2.0
value
4.0
professionalism
4.0
responsiveness
4.0
punctuality
4.0

$200

Response from Custom Nature
Having replaced the valves in the front yard and installed a new mainline to the house, it sounds like we should have replaced the valves in the back yard also.

Robert P.
09/2013
1.0
irrigation systems
  + -1 more
The provider called to inform me they did not cover Newark, Ca.
Description of Work: The provider called to inform me they did not cover Newark, Ca.
Rating CategoryRating out of 5

Response from Custom Nature
This person was outside my "Service Area" I tried to give him advice on how to find someone to help him with his sprinkler issues closer to where he's located, but apparently he was not successful.

Jay F.
09/2013
3.0
irrigation systems
  + -1 more
Nice guy. Very professional, but way too busy. We had to wait three weeks for him to come out for an estimate when our sprinklers were already broken and the lawn was brown. When he gave the estimate, he didn't provide availability to do the work. Finally, he responded to my email and gave a proposed start date in October. We originally contacted him in early July. We got the work done by another firm who did a great job. We think Custom Nature is probably a good company, but they need to hire more employees so they can be more responsive to new business.
Description of Work: Estimate for sprinkler repair

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
value
4.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
2.0
punctuality
5.0

$6,000

Response from Custom Nature
I am a small company that I like keeping small to offer my clients as much personal attention as is needed to complete the project they hire us for.

Peter N.
08/2013
5.0
fencing, landscaping, irrigation systems, remodeling, hardscaping, patios
  + 4 more
It went very well. I honestly don't understand some of the complaints other uses have had about price, because I found Leland's bid to be very competitive compared to other contractors. Other than his lovingly maintained VW microbus (ask him to give you a tour, but only if you have a few minutes to spare), he has pretty limited fixed overhead. The bid process moved quickly. We started consultation with Leland in June but the work didn't start until July because my wife and I were sifting through different paver and shrubbery options (who knew there were so many types of Pittosporum). Once started, I think the work took about two weeks. The patio still looks great after two years as does the fence. The latter turned out really well, as Leland bolted the posts to steel anchors in cement rather than merely embedding the posts in cement. So if 10-20 years from now, one of the posts starts to rot (unlikely, since it is now clearly above the soil), it will be easier to swap it out. Leland also recycled the wood from the old fence, which both saves money and creates a really neat effect with the new redwood framing. The small lawn held up pretty well until we got two dogs last Christmas. Dog urine apparently has a toxic effect on grass...:-) With one exception, the shrubbery has grown in well. The one that died is behind my gas grill, so I don't know if that was a factor. All in all, we were very pleased with the work. I'm still a little behind with my landscape plan for the rest of the backyard.
Description of Work: Remodel of back yard. Installed a small lawn and planted shrubs (with drip irrigation on the latter and also some existing shrubs). Installed a Italian paver patio, including a octagonal space for our lawn table/chairs. Also ran patio into path up to front yard. New fencing around the side yard which recycled wood from old fence.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$8,500

James W.
08/2013
4.0
irrigation systems
  + -1 more
Everything went well, we are just having some problems with the grout coming up on the pavers.
Description of Work: Landscaped my backyard. Put in about 500 Sq. Ft of Pavers, a raised circular fire pit area with sea wall benches. Two vegetable gardens and landscaping with trees and shrubs.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
4.0
value
4.0
professionalism
3.0
responsiveness
4.0
punctuality
4.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$17,500

Rosemarie L.
07/2013
5.0
irrigation systems
  + -1 more
They came out and did it and were done that day. The quality of the work was okay. They were responsive.
Description of Work: I used Custom Nature to upgrade my irrigation.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
4.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$50

Douglas R.
06/2013
5.0
irrigation systems
  + -1 more
He said he could not get to me until September. He seems like a very qualified guy, but my lawn is going to be gone by then. I wish he could come sooner.
Description of Work: $65 for Sprinkler System Tune-Up & Evaluation
Rating CategoryRating out of 5
Yes, I recommend this pro
$65

Sean F.
06/2013
5.0
irrigation systems
  + -1 more
It was an Angie's List Big Deal that I purchased. I was happy with them. I felt that the guy who came to my house was a true expert in his field, actually more so than any other deal that I have gotten. The guy was really passionate about lawns, not in a weird way, but in a good way. It was more money than I was willing to spend with something I never cared much about that at that time. I'm sad I didn't really have extra cash at that time to pay that kind of price but I felt it was a fair price. I do keep his card nearby in case I decide to actually go with the plan.
Description of Work: Custom Nature came and gave me a quote but it was more money than I was willing to spend. We have a really weird irrigation system around the house and we were having them evaluate what it will cost to actually make it work correctly.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$50

Susan M.
06/2013
3.0
irrigation systems
  + -1 more
Hired someone else - not from Angie's List
Description of Work: Estimate only - cost seemed high and provider didn't seem very knowledgeable; also didn't really seem to want a "small" job and was unable to trim trees.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
3.0
value
2.0
professionalism
2.0
responsiveness
3.0
punctuality
3.0

$1,200

Ransom J.
05/2013
5.0
irrigation systems
  + -1 more
The provider scheduled the work promptly, started work when promised, and completed all work on time. The crew was very professional and the quality of the work was excellent. In the end, they did even more work than originally bid to make the system work as needed to properly irrigate our front, side, and back yards. I was only charged for one change order which I requested to make an additional improvement (to change path of drip system to go under a retaining wall vs over it which previous homeowner had done). The service owner carefully walked me through all work performed and verified everything was as promised and stayed with me until I was fully briefed on the changes made and answered all questions I had regarding how to maintain the system and watering schedule. I would definitely use this service provider again for landscaping changes and improvements.
Description of Work: After having a previous evaluation and tuneup of our lawn irrigation system from this same provider (which did improve the system) I decided to have the provider come back and perform a major upgrade and replacement of our irrigation system. This included replacing all sprinkler heads, adding new heads and locations, repairing various leaks, replacing regulators, and re-running our drip system. Area included our front yard, side yard, and back yard.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$1,880

Darlene W.
05/2013
4.0
irrigation systems
  + -1 more
The personnel was very friendly and knowledgeable but the price he quoted for something was high.
Description of Work: I used Custom Nature for my sprinkler tune up.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
value
3.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro

Response from Custom Nature
Irrigation is expensive. It's also the most important part of your yard. Skimping on the sprinklers or drip system is not a good idea. If not done properly you end up with bare spots in your lawn and dying plants. Having to constantly fix your lawn or replace plants is, in the long run, more expensive than getting your irrigation done right the 1st time.

Sandra I.
05/2013
5.0
irrigation systems
  + -1 more
Leland was very responsive and did an excellent job with the repairs. He was always prompt and took the time to explain what he was doing so I could pass on what he did to my husband intelligently. We were pleased with the results and we would use him to do additional work he suggested.
Description of Work: Initially contacted Leland Maker for an evaluation of our entire sprinkler system, as we were experiencing several irrigation issues. After the inspection, he detailed a list of work to be done. We had a leaky control valve fixed first, then we had the front lawn worked on. He fixed the spray heads, removed rotor heads from the system and replaced all fixed sprays while adding new heads to be sure the lawn had complete coverage. He also replaced the nozzles.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$625

Cynthia P.
04/2013
3.0
irrigation systems
  + -1 more
He was very nice and I would have used him, but all he did was give me an estimate. The Big Deal was for adjusting my sprinkler heads which he never did. He did not do what he was supposed to do for the $50 I paid. He was able to explain what needed to be done in detail, so it's too bad he didn't actually do the work
Description of Work: I purchased a Big Deal off of Angie's List for having my sprinkler heads adjusted.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
professionalism
4.0
responsiveness
4.0
punctuality
4.0

$50

Response from Custom Nature
Some times a system will be over used, ie the volume of water available is over taxed by the number of heads installed on that system. That was the case here and of which I proposed to fix by rebuilding the system. No adjustment/tune up in the world can fix this issue, the system needs to be rebuilt. Other systems in the planter areas were having their spray blocked by the plants they were supposed to be watering. Over time, as plants grow, they start to block the spray of the heads that are watering them from getting water to all the plants in the area. This is the prime time to convert to a drip system and start saving water.

Rosanna W.
03/2013
5.0
irrigation systems
  + -1 more
Estimate and evaluation went great. He is quite busy and cannot schedule work until early June.
Description of Work: Just got an evaluation of existing irrigation system and estimate to upgrade/repair. He was prompt and friendly. Made me feel at ease.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$69

Ransom J.
03/2013
5.0
irrigation systems
  + -1 more
He arrived promptly at the time promised, did a very thorough inspection explaining things all along the way. He made adjustments during his visit that clearly improved the performance of the system. And he showed me where there were worn and damaged parts of the system that I will need to replace and why. I was very pleased with his service, and would recommend him to anyone that needs a similar evaluation, report, and tune-up.
Description of Work: Used discounted service coupon to get a lawn irrigation inspection, report and tune up.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$65

Mike M.
02/2013
3.0
irrigation systems
  + -1 more
I bought a deal coupon good for a basic sprinkler system evaluation. Since my system was a bit larger than what the coupon covered, I paid a bit extra for the guy who came out to look at the system. I think the coupon caught him a bit off guard, as it was a while before he could come out to look at my system (a few weekends). When he came out, he did a good test of everything (I have two systems - front yard and back yard), and noted some issues with broken pipes. Weird thing - I asked him how much it would take to get it in good order - and I assume he was joking, but his response was: "that depends on how much I can get out of you." hmmmm. if that was a joke, it didn't go over well. he then suggested that i replace my sprinkler heads and sprinkler valves - even though he admitted they were functioning fine at the moment - because the ones i had purchased from OSH were junk. ok. personal opinions of quality aside, why replace a perfectly good valve? I wound up taking his write up of the problems in the system and doing the work myself. probably saved $2,500 this way (vs. having him do it.)
Description of Work: Assessed the sprinkler system, and then (disappointment)
Rating CategoryRating out of 5
$125

Response from Custom Nature
I truly hope this does not come across arrogant, but the phrase that comes to mind here is "Garbage In-Garbage Out" After 30 years installing irrigation systems I have very specific ideas about what is worth installing in a clients yard and what isn't.

john D.
01/2013
5.0
landscaping, drain pipe, hardscaping
  + 1 more
The estimate was accepted in mid October and I was given a start date of December 21, 2012. Work was begun on 12/22/2012, and was completed just after the 1st of the year, I believe. Weather interfered with continual work days, but on every dry day, the work continued. The result is quite pleasing and a spectacular improvement on the previous (redwood decking) walkway. There was never a mess left after each day's work, and the final result was also completely without any debris. Leland is an artistic talent and his crew delivers faithfully on his plans. I will use this service again.
Description of Work: A paver walkway down an incline, incorporating two sets of existing concrete steps, and finishing with a sunrise design at the bottom of the walk. Additionally, drain pipe to carry rainwater off the house was incorporated. Length of the walk was about 60 ft.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
4.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$7,500

Ann L.
01/2013
5.0
irrigation systems
  + -1 more
Leland was very responsive to my irrigation problems. I did not know where or how to turn off the main valve to the sprinkler system. (Everything was buried for 30 years so when a valve broke ti took much digging in mud.) At my request, he put in new sprinkler valves, raised them above ground and relocated them to better sites. He built a redwood valve cover for three valves near the front door. He installed a new shut-off valve which is easy for me to turn off. Next we double checked each valve wire to the automatic timer and set up a new watering schedule with a chart so that I could regulate the sprinkler system by myself. He was very patient as a teacher and double checked his work so I wouldn't have future problems. He explained any unusual discovering and how I can handle things if I want to expand the irrigation system in the future.
Description of Work: Shut-off Valve to the Sprinkler System
Rating CategoryRating out of 5
Yes, I recommend this pro
$1,700

jeff S.
12/2012
5.0
irrigation systems
  + -1 more
The work went very well. They showed up when promised, explained what they were doing, findings, and reviewed work when completed. They also fully cleaned up the area when finished. Leland went through each new watering zone and demonstrated the changes as well as giving advice on proper watering times.
Description of Work: Complete assessment of sprinkler system with re-work of layout to provide proper coverage of entire lawn. Most of the lines and heads were not optimal and Leland explained the advantages of replacement as well as the different options. He is very detail oriented and committed to getting it done right. He also provided advice on possible future work (but did not apply any high pressure sales pitch).

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$2,500

wendy S.
12/2012
5.0
irrigation systems
  + -1 more
Custom Nature helped me to repair 2 sprinkler heads and inspected system. He also gave me a proposal on changing some of my lawn irrigation system. He is very detail and organized.
Description of Work: I used Custom Nature to inspect my lawn irrigation system.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
4.0
value
4.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$120

Sean F.
11/2012
5.0
landscaping
  + -1 more
They came over, took a look at the house and gave us two estimates. The first one is for the initial "deep clean" and the other was for the maintenance. They don't try to screw with you... the wife wanted them to come on a weekly basis, which they said they would do, but they were honest and said, really, you only need to have us every three weeks. We considered their advice and took it.
Description of Work: they do a great job. A strike team of 2-3 came over and cleaned the place head to toe. We are very happy with them and have them come out every three weeks. So far they have serviced our home 4 times, and we felt it was time to let everyone know that we are pleased.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$175

sharon S.
11/2012
4.0
irrigation systems
  + -1 more
I did pay to have him come to my house for an inspection but that's all, can't properly review the company but would call him again if I needed work to be performed.
Description of Work: They came out to inspect my lawn irrigation and drip systems. Made many very good suggestions and sent me an estimate to do the work. So far we haven't used their service but could tell he was knowledgeable and prices seemed fair

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
4.0
value
4.0
professionalism
4.0
responsiveness
4.0
punctuality
4.0

Yes, I recommend this pro

Contact information

324 3rd Ave S, Pacheco, CA 94553

customnaturebyleland.com

Service hours

Sunday:
7:00 AM - 8:00 AM
Monday:
6:00 AM - 7:00 AM
Tuesday:
6:00 AM - 7:00 AM
Wednesday:
6:00 AM - 7:00 AM
Thursday:
6:00 AM - 7:00 AM
Friday:
6:00 AM - 7:00 AM
Saturday:
7:00 AM - 8:00 AM

Licensing

Bonded

Insured

Eco-friendly Accreditations

LEED Accredited Professional
No
Energy Star Partner
No
EPA Lead-Safe Certified
No
Use Green Products or Work Practices
Yes
State Contractor License Requirements

All statements concerning insurance, licenses, and bonds are informational only, and are self-reported. Since insurance, licenses and bonds can expire and can be cancelled, homeowners should always check such information for themselves. To find more licensing information for your state, visit our State Contractor License Requirements page.

*Contact business to see additional licenses.


Service Categories

Lawn Irrigation,
Landscaping,
Pavers and Hardscaping,
Masonry,
Stone and Gravel,
Patios,
Drain Pipe Installation,
Lawn and Yard Work,
Decks and Porches,
Fencing,
Landscaping - Lighting,
General Remodeling

FAQ

Custom Nature is currently rated 4.6 overall out of 5.

Sunday: 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM

Monday: 6:00 AM - 7:00 AM

Tuesday: 6:00 AM - 7:00 AM

Wednesday: 6:00 AM - 7:00 AM

Thursday: 6:00 AM - 7:00 AM

Friday: 6:00 AM - 7:00 AM

Saturday: 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM

Custom Nature accepts the following forms of payment: Check
Yes, Custom Nature offers free project estimates.
Yes, Custom Nature offers eco-friendly accreditations.
No, Custom Nature does not offer a senior discount.
No, Custom Nature does not offer emergency services.
Yes, Custom Nature offers warranties.
Custom Nature offers the following services: Concrete Pavers, Irrigation, Drainage & Retaining Walls
Landscape maintenance or design.

Contact information

324 3rd Ave S, Pacheco, CA 94553

customnaturebyleland.com

Service hours

Sunday:
7:00 AM - 8:00 AM
Monday:
6:00 AM - 7:00 AM
Tuesday:
6:00 AM - 7:00 AM
Wednesday:
6:00 AM - 7:00 AM
Thursday:
6:00 AM - 7:00 AM
Friday:
6:00 AM - 7:00 AM
Saturday:
7:00 AM - 8:00 AM