Outside Landscape Group

If I was reviewing the work product alone I would increase my score to maybe 3-4 stars - the general design was beautiful and almost represented what we wanted. There were, however, some avoidable flaws that we now have to live with forever, in addition to repairs and issues with the owner so all together that deserves the lowest rating to serve as a warning. For context, this was a $300k Pool Project (overall) with over $200k of that going to OLG. OLG subs out the pool construction to a pool builder which is fine but he doesnt communicate or coordinate well with anyone which is where the problems come in. The pool contractor never reviewed the design that OLG came up with so we got stuck with a hot tub that was too big and a pool that was too small (both things we asked about before digging and were dismissed), no lighting under/inside the waterfall and a 6” slope on our patio which means our lounge chairs now lay at a reverse angle when flat which essentially means we can’t lay them flat - all disappointing details that we have to live with. Additionally, we suffered through repairing a major leak twice just a few weeks after we finally opened the pool. I might add that we had to point out that we thought we had a leak. The grotto/waterfall had not been waterproofed properly - collaboration with the pool contractor could have avoided this but the owner of OLG thinks he already knows everything so he’s not likely to collaborate. The first repair wasn’t sufficient and so a second effort was needed. After more than a yearlong process, we lost much of the first summer and had to cancel two events at our home due to the leaks and having to drain the pool. We also asked to have lights added under the grotto/waterfall and that has been a nightmare that never ends and they finally told us they were done and wouldn’t come back, even though the last installation of replacements (that we hope will last this time) we’re not installed properly. We were overly patient with their process to replace the bad lights and now that puts us outside their warranty period so we are on our own. I understand they are tired of coming back and want to move on but it’s not our fault that their initial workaround didn’t hold up (or that we had leaks, etc.) Were it not for the arrogant and condescending attitude of the owner, we would have easily gotten over honest mistakes but anyone looking to hire OLG should simply be aware that while the owner presents himself as being a very organized and professional businessman, which does show well initially compared to many contractors, there is an arrogant and condescending underside to his professionalism and I found that came out rather quickly. And once it did, he wrote us off. Thankfully the foreman at the time was a great person and very competent (he has since left the company) so we were always able to work well with the on-site team. The owner never talked to us again and never even visited the completed job site to walk through the final outcome with us. This spoke volumes to us in the end. He missed out on an extra $80k in landscaping as we had originally planned to implement his design for the front/side yards and our front gate area. I was not willing to give him any more business at the end of the pool job. Unfortunately you need to consider the owner and his personality as part of your overall consideration when choosing a landscape or pool company. I’m sure there are customers who have had a good experience and for the right (landscaping only) job you might get out without any problems, but based on our overall experience, I would NOT recommend OLG at all, and especially not if you are building a pool. Good luck!

We paid over $50,000 to have our backyard drainage issue corrected with new sod and 2 flagstone patio areas. He basically reused the drawings we already had. The new pipes he replaced have not solved the drainage problem at all. Our yard is constantly soaked with fungus and gets flooded like a lake. We have contacted Rick several times and he continues to deny that there is anything wrong and refuses to correct the issue. Update: Our backyard it still flooded and I wish that we had filed a complaint with the licensing board. They also demanded payment by check immediately after the project. After the first rain, our whole backyard was flooded. We learned a hard lesson and really regret using this company which overcharged, and did very shoddy work.

did what we agreed on, when we agreed to do it, in a professional, friendly manner.

Tremendous. The work took no longer than they quoted. They showed up on time with proper equipment and finished on time.

Very good. Zero complaints. We've used them quite a few times in the past. They are good, neat, clean and courteous.

Once the design was approved we were scheduled for early to mid November 2017. The crews who came were always on time, friendly and skilled artisans. Construction is messy and to be expected. But they kept the place tidy and organized. It took a week to complete. That included demo to finished product. Ray was out several times while in process to check on the process and even made a nice design revision by replacing the excavated plants (loropetalum and knockouts) in to another part of my yard. This area was an area that wasn't included and an area I have a hard time getting Bermuda to grow. It flows very well and looks great and gets rid on my frustration of trying to coax grass to grow there! The layout was just another well done extension of an already great design. I would highly recommend Ray and Outside Landscaping Group! A++

We were very pleased with the project and everyone at Outside Landscape Group. Rick handled the initial consultation and design work. He paid close attention to what we liked and didn't like, and the design he presented reflected that attention. Ray managed the installation project itself. He checked in almost every day and kept us well informed of the day's activities and plans. He made modifications as needed and provided a thorough walk-through when the project was complete so we would know what to watch for and how to care for our investment. The crew that did all the work was terrific. They were punctual, arriving between 8:00 and 8:30 every day and they went about their work quietly and professionally. They usually finished about 5:00 and always cleaned the entire yard before heading out.

Rick and his crew at Outside Landscape Group came to the rescue! Rick created a very detailed landscape plan and his team executed flawlessly against that plan. Rick's crew was very professional, nice and worked very hard. They completed the job on time and under budget. Before we completed the landscape project, my kids would not play in the backyard. The day after the project was complete, we had 6 kids in our backyard playing for over 2 hours! That sight made this project worth every penny. Outside Landscape Group did an exceptional job and exceeded our expectations in every way. Now our backyard is so pretty, it makes the golf course look bad!

It went very well. Ray Arevalo was a pleasure to work with. His expertise in landscape architecture brought our hope & vision for our backyard to life! We had an extensive water flow problem in our backyard that made it impossible to grow grass and led to erosion throughout. We just got through Hurricane Irma and there was no additional erosion so the river beds did what we expected them to do!

The landscape designs were beautiful and well thought out, blending seamlessly with, and enhancing, the natural contours of the surroundings and houses already in place. Outside Landscaping truly approach their projects as works of art. The punctuality and communication far-far exceed any other experience with any contractor I've encountered in any other field. This company is slightly more expensive than some - but their artistic vision, attention to detail, and commitment to exceeding customer expectations make them THE unquestionable choice for the project. I cannot recommend them enough.

The surface of our 25 year old pool was crumbling. So, we needed to have the pool and pool deck resurfaced. Our pool renovation company told us that if we needed any major landscape work done that might vibrate the ground (tree removal, land grading, demolition, etc.) that we should get that done first. They recommended Outside Landscape Group, a landscape company with whom they had worked on projects with in the past. After meeting with Rick (the owner), he went back to his team and came up with a beautiful design for our backyard. We agreed to hire them and they put us on their schedule. They just finished 2 days ago and our backyard has been completely transformed in just a little over 2 weeks. The project started when they told us it would start and they met with us the day before to go over the entire project timeline. They even had a portable restroom delivered the day before for the workers to use. Adam (Landscape Architect/Project Director) and Sean (Operations Manager) are very customer focused, always kept us informed on a daily basis, stayed on top of every aspect of the project, and promptly got back to us by telephone or email if we had any concerns or questions. William (Site supervisor) and his crew of workers were just amazing. They were a very friendly and hard working group of guys. They showed up every day at 7:30AM and worked nonstop (with breaks of course) until 5PM. They even cleaned up the site as best they could before they left. Every evening I would walk back there and could not believe how much work they had accomplished in one day. On the final day, the team did a very thorough cleaning of the site and pressure washed. Adam met with us that day for the final walk through and went over every detail (plant care, maintenance, pruning, watering schedules, how to use the new irrigation system, how to use the lighting system, etc...., etc...) and he answered all of our questions. He even presented us with a nice gift baskets to thank us for our business. When we walk out into the backyard now, the first thing we say is "WOW! I can't believe this is our yard!". It is absolutely beautiful and turned out even better than expected. We could not be happier! We will definitely use Outside Landscape Group again and highly recommend them to anyone needing a top notch landscape design firm. Phase 2 of the backyard renovation (pool and pool deck resurfacing; by a different company) begins in a few days. I will post photos to my review after that is finished.

Excellent. Adam and the team were very responsive to our many questions and slight modifications. Additionally, the first week of the project we were out of town on vacation, but Adam ensured that we received updates and status, including pictures.

I felt that Outside were not transparent in their processes, pricing and practices.... Learned the hard way that not all companies in this market segment operate with the customer in mind and feel that they have to earn the business before charging a premium price for it... I don't recommend Outside for any facet of a project - I cant work with a company I don't trust has the right motives implicit in how they operate.....

Outside Landscape Group did an outstanding job from the initial design through to completion. Communication was excellent, we were kept informed of the schedule that can change due to weather. The crews worked hard, were very responsive and tidied up every night before they went home. Ray who drew up the initial superb landscape plan was heavily involved in the installation, ensuring that what was on the plan came to fruition. As with all projects there were minor changes we wanted to make as it progressed and these were readily accommodated. Highly recommend Outside for all phases of a landscape project, very impressed with their design drawn up by Ray, their communication and great crews.

Overall went well for phase one and will work with Outside Landscaping on additional landscaping.

we hired this group to correct a drainage problem with our yard. It looked nice but after every rain our yard turns into a lake. The owner has refused to deal with the issue.

The new pipes he replaced have not solved the drainage problem at all. Our yard is constantly soaked with fungus and gets flooded like a lake and are unable to use it. We have contacted Rick several times and he continues to deny that there is anything wrong and refuses to correct the issue.

I just wanted to say thanks for the great work your team did at my house this week. I feel like I have a new house! I really do have a new front yard for sure, and it is beautiful. I couldn't be happier with the process or the final product. You guys have been professional, responsive, and easy to work with throughout. And the crew that worked the project...WOW! I can't say enough positive things about those guys. It's very obvious they take pride in the work they do and feel they are a part of something...not just employees. They covered every detail meticulously and thoroughly and went above and beyond to make sure things were done right. I primarily spoke with William and Javier, and they were fantastic to work with. The whole crew seemed like they were having fun and enjoyed what they were doing, and the finished product reflects that. I do realize I am a high-maintenance customer...sorry for all the emails and calls :-) I'm hands-on and like to know what's going on. I have extremely high standards that usually are not met completely, but you guys managed to exceed my very high expectations. Rick, you run a great company man! Lord willing, we'll be doing some more business down the road.

Rick was extremely professional throughout the entire project from design, installation and follow up. Rick took the time to understand our needs and ensure the final design would compliment the existing landscape areas of our backyard.

We were very happy with all aspects of the design and landscaping project. Rick and his team were easy to work with, flexible and provided great communication through the process. Although the price was not low, there were no "surprises" and change order costs were fair.

I highly recommend Rick and his crew. We had several companies come out and quote us for a built-in grilling station. None were as professional and responsive as Outside Landscape Group. Rick had a design sketched out within 20 minutes of meeting us. This group is not only innovative in their designs, but they understood symmetry and other issues our yard would pose, ie. irrigation and drainage problems. Ray, the project manager, came out every day to oversee each step of the project. The whole crew, workers included, provided quality customer service. Yes, these people know what they are doing, but they are also good people. We will definitely use them again for all future outside projects.

From the very start of the project in the planning phase we were met with professionalism and expertise. We were able to revise our plan based on our budget and once the project started, the crew worked tirelessly to install a beautiful retaining wall and stone steps going down into our backyard. Loads of dirt were brought in to level the backyard grade. Rocks were installed to help with drainage in the backyard. New grass and landscape throughout the backyard and front yard island were installed. Irrigation system was updated and new concrete was poured to extend our deck, walkway and driveway. The project was finished early and we are absolutely thrilled with the final product!

I would highly recommend Outside Landscape Group and I plan to use them again! My home is situated on the water, but the property did not take advantage of the view or provide any access to creek. Being new to the Atlanta area, I did my research and decided to interview Outside Landscape Group to make improvements to my outdoor space. Rick Kaldrovics came to my home and walked the property. He listened to what I wanted and immediately began sketching out some ideas. He evaluated the terrain and used his expertise and creativity to propose a beautiful design. From our initial meeting to the project?s end, Rick and his group were complete professionals. The work crew was amazing. The property is steep and that provided many challenges. The workers were diligent and skilled. In spite of having to lug heavy boulders and materials down a slippery slope, they were always pleasant, friendly and polite. Ed was an excellent carpenter. He went over and above delivering and discussing deck stain samples on a Saturday. Kerri responded promptly to any questions and concerns. She quickly arranged to remedy an unexpected erosion problem that washed away the newly completed pathway at no extra cost. Outside Landscape Group literally transformed my yard. They built a gorgeous fire pit and carved out a lush pathway to the creek. The plantings are healthy and thriving. My neighbors said they loved seeing the daily progress and that it was like watching a live episode of HGTV's ?Yard Crashers.? This is a creative, professional, hard-working group of people. I will also add kind and thoughtful to the list of kudos. A few weeks after the job was completed, I received a beautiful gift basket. I couldn't be happier with the outcome of the project. I will definitely be hiring them for Phase 2 of my project.

From our initial meeting with Rick of the Outside Landscape Group I knew we were dealing with true professionals. Up until our meeting with Rick, we had wasted our time with contractors that provided estimates without even having measured our backyard and who only provided rough sketches on crumpled pieces of paper. We were very upfront with our budget and expectations from the beginning and Rick was able to create detailed, professional plans that addressed the difficulties of the grade of our land within our budget. Rick and his colleagues took detailed measurements and throughout design to installation there was never a question about the quantity or quality of materials used. Rick brought samples of the materials to be used as well as glossy pictures of each plant in the design. The estimate thoroughly detailed the process of the backyard transformation and how the design would be achieved. The plans and the detailed estimate were not only what gave us the confidence needed to proceed forward with the Outside Landscape Group, but were also exactly what we needed to present for approval to our HOA. Throughout the installation period there were never any surprises. The project was completed within budget. Rick and his team checked in with me daily about any questions that I might have and also provided updated time tables for completion since we had some unfavorable weather. I was very pleased with the professionalism of the crew and their respect for my family and my property. We were very pleased with every interaction we had with Rick and his team and were absolutely thrilled with the beauty of the design of our new backyard. From the hardscape to the variety of plantings, our outdoor space is now quite stunning. It is not only the perfect space for entertaining, but for pure family enjoyment. We find ourselves making up any excuse we can to be outside and enjoying the patio and fire pit. When it comes time to transform the front yard into as beautiful a space as the backyard has become, the Outside Landscape Group will be the first and only call we make. e

Rick Kaldrovics , the owner of Outside Landscape Group, met with us several times, going over every concern and criteria we wanted. As an architect I have considerable experience in design and landscaping, but am very capable of recognizing good design when I see it. Rick is a highly talented, excellent designer. He created a plan that used color, seasonal change and balance to result in a landscape that changes and is more beautiful every month. It incorporated boulders, a patio, land grading, plantings, retaining walls, water and erosion control, new grass, and woodland paths. As expected, some modifications and tweaks happened as the design came to life, but every change was an improvement and delight with no additional costs. If that weren?t enough, their installation crew was the best I have ever seen. Extremely hard-working, able to interpret the plans beautifully and with incredible attention to detail. The job was on-time and came together flawlessly, despite several days lost to weather. We are more than delighted at the outcome and our choice to use Outside Landscape Group. Needless to say, we highly recommend Outside Landscape Group and now plan on putting some money aside and asking Rick and his crew to use their creative genius to do the front of our home.