Desmond Landscape

We met with the owner, Don Desmond, a couple times before work started. He was one of the landscapers we asked to quote us because he had good reviews here on AL, and his website included many, many photos of modest and elaborate patio work he had done. We initially asked him to quote us installation of sod in the back and side yard (post-construction), a small paver (appx 200 sq ft) patio and 8' seat wall. When we met him we got along with him and his suggestions were appropriate for our property. To make a long story short, after we got the initial quote, our municipality required us to do additional drainage improvement work which added considerable cost and delay to what should have been a very straightforward project. Don in no way caused these issues, but was empathetic to our plight and was effective in working with the local officials to show them that a scaled down, less costly plan would still meet the city's concerns. He was also able to explain the situation to me in a way that helped me understand that the additional work would be beneficial to the property (and not the complete waste of money that it appeared to me to be), and once I understood that, I felt a little better about doing it, and was happy that we hired someone who has had a lot of experience with dealing with local governments. The improvements consisted of digging a trench from the backyard to the sidewalk and burying perforated pipe, with a couple of catch basins along the way, and a pipe emitter at the sidewalk (the original plan required us to bury the pipe under the sidewalk all the way to the street and connect it to the storm sewer). It took about 4 days to do all the work due to city inspections that were required along the way. Once installed, Don gave us clear instructions for watering and set up the sprinklers so all we had to do was turn them on each day. The sprinklers did get stuck sometimes, but Don came out right away when we called to fix them. The patio and seat wall look really nice - we used the new Lafitt paver (which I believe is a Belgard product) and the patio looks great! We have a 60s split level and our tastes lean toward modern, and this paver lends a more modern touch to our home than the traditional cobblestone-style pavers. The sod and patio look great, and hopefully the drainage work will turn out to be beneficial (like I mentioned, Don is not responsible for us having to do that). I would not hesitate to recommend Desmond's Landscaping to others looking to install sod or a patio.

I interviewed 4 landscaping companies and Desmond was by far the most professional. The owner came on time and had excellent ideas and suggestions. He gave me an estimate the same day and was able to start work around the time promised. His office called the day before and told me what time the crew would arrive. A large professional looking crew as well as the owner came and wasted no time. They had everything done, cleaned up and beautiful in around 5 hours, they were even able to find me a larger than expected ginko tree at no extra cost. They emailed me the next day with instructions and to see if I had any issues. The crew and owner were great. I would definitely recommend them.

The entire job went very good.Don was on the job everyday working right along side his workers. they were all polite. everyday they cleaned up . they were always on time. the work was excellent.

Don came to view the work needed and promptly provided me an estimate which was much lower than several other quotes I received. His team started work on our retaining wall the day agreed upon and worked diligently even in the 90 degree+ days. At the end of each day the work area was cleaned and every thing was put in order. The retaining wall was completed on time (in fact a day or two early). Don and his crew went beyond the agreed upon work and trimmed my hedge, added needed top soil to my yard, and made sure everything was in "tip-top" shape before they were satisfifed the job was complete. I was very impressed that Don was not only on the job every day but worked right along with his staff. The new retaining wall is absolutely beautiful. Many neighbors have stopped by to comment on its beauty. Don and his crew are the best!!!

Everything went well despite a very long period (1-1/2 years) to pull the necessary permits from the Village. Don stayed with us the whole way. He came to countless meetings with city officials to get this done. Once we could start, the job required coordination with the city, our concrete contractor for the driveway/sidewalk and an electrician to install an outlet for the outdoor sump pump. Don worked very well with everyone. The job finally got done and we are very happy. No more placements of portable sump pumps during pouring rains! Please also note that we already had an indoor sump/water drainage system. Only with Don's additional help could we resolve our problem.

Called to set an appointment for a quote. Don was able to give the the quote immediately by phone which was notably higher than other quotes we received. We're not interested in what we consider excessive profit margins for work done. As I already priced materials separately, labor cost were far too high.

Gave provider A marks in overall score and in professionalism since the progam did not allow me to choose n/a for overall score and then there had to be at least one item as high as the overall score. I did not want to lower provider's score because of my changing my mind, frankly, I do not know what kind of product this professional provides. I apologize to all for this, but I couldn't delete the waiting for review alert, nor could I delete the entry in general, so you have what you see here.

Went well overall. After some weeks when we felt some of the stones had settled, they returned promptly and reset them uncomplainingly

They did a good job. It did not cost any more than what they said, it happened fast and it’s still in good shape. I would recommend them.

Don and the other workers were GREAT!!!! I had a WONDERFUL experience!!!! Every time I called or emailed Don I got an immediate response. They were here early and left late. They had to replace the majority of our bluestone on our front porch because of years of neglect . They repaved the curbside walkway and I can't tell you how many compliments we've gotten from our neighbors.They also partially rebuilt our retaining wall and powerwashed it, it looks WONDERFUL!!!! Don and the crew made it look even better than the original probably looked! Overall we had a great experience and they will be out next spring to beautify our backyard, since we are doing it in phases. I look forward to seeing their completed work!!!!!!!

Don and his team were an absolute pleasure to work with. He came out to assess the site initially and not only provided insight to concerns around the requested job area but looked into drainage areas in other parts of the house. Don provided a quote in a very timely fashion and took care of working with the village as well as the associate. One the day that the work was to be done, there were five gentlemen on the job that seemed to go non-stop until the job was completed. The removed the old brick, laid down the new brick patio, built a new step and filled in sod for areas that needed it. They did a fantastic job!

They were fabulous! What I like the most is that Don Desmond, the owner, is very friendly and knowledgable. He is great with giving options and offering suggestions. He is also very flexible. It was a great experience.

We live in Lombard in Dupage County, and we called for a quote since their Angie's List service indicates that they service the entire area except for portions of Will and McHenry counties. We were told that they do not service Lombard.

job was done appropriately and cleaned up nicely

Don's crews were professional, on time everyday, and were passionate about doing a good job. Don himself was on the jobsite everyday. I would highly recommend Don.

It was a difficult decision but we chose another contractor. I'm confident Don would have done an excellent professional job. His proposal could have been more complete but otherwise was on target with what we wanted in terms of cost and material.

Don was very straightforward from the beginning and in addition to managing the project, he was working on everything alongside the crew. He provided us with some great ideas when we explained what we were looking to do and when we scheduled the work, he explained what would be done first, second, etc. They were very professional and friendly and we have received numerous compliments on both the front and backyard. Don told us he guaranteed the trees and arbor vitae and when some of them weren't doing well this summer (almost a year after he had done the project) he tried to save them. A couple eventually died and he replaced them (a full year after the project was finished).

Great experience. In a time when many contractors don't show and have hidden costs, nice to find a group that delivers quality at a price they quoted and complete the job on time.

They were very good. They did extensive work for me, and altogether, I probably spent about $3000. I would rate them highly and would use them again in the future if necessary.

don and crew did a great job ! Don was on site the majority of the time directing his crew. He was very professional and detail oriented. The plants have done great and we really like the way things look. The drainage system has been awesome and has eliminated any standing water between our house and the neighbor's. We have had no flooding issues, even with the recent heavy rains.

They were very professional. They knew what they were talking about. They came in when we were in Texas and they basically did all the work. It was a big problem for us and they knew exactly what to do. So we were happy with them. They charge a fair price for themselves because they know what they are doing. It was fine for us because they did it right. We will use their services again in the future.

I had a great experience with him. He was very professional. He did a good job. The workers were very good. It was as hassle-free as it could possibly be considering that there is a certain degree of hassle and stress with any job. I would rate him highly and would use him again in the future. In fact I have another project that I'm going to have him do.

Don, the owner, was quick to respond to my initial inquiry. He knew exactly what needed to be done to correct the problem of rain water running off our yard, onto a large patio, and up against the house. He provided a detailed estimate within days. He was very up front about the fact it would be nearly two months before he could perform the work. I supposed it was a good sign they were so busy. The work was done in one day with a crew of eight. The owner came and went a few times, ensuring the work was being done correctly. Two weeks after the installation we had the storm of the century!! Eight inches of rain fell in a matter of four hours. Don, the owner, came by the next morning, unsolicited, to check on the system. It did not perform as well as expected. Within two days the crew was back out to make a few minor modifications at no cost. We have had two significant rains since and the system is working great.

We had drainage tile installed for 3 of our downspouts as there was no place for the water to go. We have large round stepping stones in the area that was worked on the crew reset them nicely so that it's easier to walk past the evergreens along the walkway. We have a lamp post that required hand digging to insure the electric line wasn't damaged. They also had to make a cut in our asphalt walkway next to the house in order to connect one of the downspouts. Don is very merticulous and made sure everything was done right and to our satisfaction. We were very pleased with the work that was done.

I didn’t interact with them personally, but they did a good job. The price was fine. I would use their services in the future too.