Appalachian Environments Inc

Matthew was a consummate professional. He was very personable, communicative, responsive and the work was completed on schedule. The floor installation turned out great due to his attention to detail and thoughts about how to lay out the tiles to facilitate uniform floor design. We had such a positive experience that we’ll be employing him for additional projects.

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From the very first visit, Matthew was prompt and responsive. He has incredible vision and is very talented in both landscape design and plant selection. My landscape was totally redesigned and it is lovely. They took great care to reuse plants that I had already installed and minimize any impact to the existing lawn. His vision is to create gardens that will minimize maintenance and blend together as the plants grow. I was updated promptly on what was developing and always was informed as to their next steps. I highly recommend Appalachian Environments for anyone that wants quality service and product.

We evaluated several proposals for landscaping our front yard, but ultimately decided to go with Matthew despite his price being higher, because he was polite, responsive, and seemed like he cared about doing a good job. On the day he came out to finalize the project we informed him that we had accepted his proposal to do the work, and he told us he would email a revised estimate and contract the next day. All of our interactions to that point were nothing but pleasant. Unfortunately, when the contract arrived, it was just his estimate with signature lines. I felt we needed something that more concretely laid out the terms given that we were agreeing pay several thousand dollars for this work, so I wrote up a different contract (based on a standard landscape contract template), and sent back to him. I readily acknowledge that was presumptuous and I should have discussed it with him first, but I did include in the email that if he'd like to change anything at all or discuss that he should give me call. Matthew's only response was an email that said, in relevant part, "We are fully licensed and insured for the service provided. With all the necessary insurances and licenses we feel the contract you are proposing is not necessary" and that "we feel that the provider of a service should provide the necessary paper work not the client." He then said that he would "not take on this project" (despite the fact he had already agreed to do the work). I left Matthew a voice message, and even emailed him back, apologizing for not talking to him about the contract before I sent it, and letting him know that we still wanted him to do the work. He never emailed or called me back, and that is what ultimately led to this review. Refusing to discuss the matter and refusing to do work he'd agreed to perform because I asked for a more professional agreement strikes me as unprofessional and immature. We've since made arrangements to have the work performed by someone else who provided a very similar plan with a lower cost (and a professional and clear agreement), By pulling out of the deal, however, we were forced to find another landscaper which has delayed the project well into the summer. I wish Matthew good luck, however, I can't recommend given this unprofessional conduct.

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The project took a little longer than expected due to unavoidable inclement weather. Nothing Matthew could have done about that. All of the work turned out beautifully - I would like to say better than expected -'but Matthew has done other work for us and so we expect excellent results! After the work was completed, we've had several neighbors knock on our door just to compliment us on the work. One neighbor asked if she could bring her children over to the stonewall for a photo shoot! A realtor stopped by to tell us how much we'd improved the value of the property. So, all in all, I'd say it went very well!!

Matt and his team arrived promptly and all the work was completed to satisfaction. The starting quote matched up with the end cost. Matt was very easy to work with, took my suggestions and concerns to heart, and gave me what I wanted. I'm not much for undeserved praise, but the work deserves it! I plan on hiring him again when I get the money for the rest of the landscaping I need done.

Matthew did an amazing job from the initial planning to planting. I had interviewed 3 other landscape companies and was impressed with Matthew's ability to visualize the end result and his willingness to work within a budget. Most of the work was very hard physical labor, from the sidewalk to planting the trees in hard clay soil. Matthew and David worked from the minute they got here until they went home. Matthew is a bit of a perfectionist and will do whatever it takes to get the perfect result. The front of our house is beautiful, we couldn't be more pleased. We will have him come back in the fall to landscape the back of our house with some edibles and possibly a patio.

Matthew Martin has created such beauty in stone for our cabin. His professional yet approachable attitude prevailed throughout the project. The previous site was a muddy slope leading to the house and the transformation is amazing. His vision and knowledge of stone is evident in the work. Thank you to Angie's list for a great referral!

AE again.

Far beyond expectations. Matthew Martin of App Environments and his crew, David & Will, were A+ all the way, from the first interview--when Matthew brought very professional options and estimates and his online portfolio--to the last sweep of the push broom. His ideas are excellent--he is creative and able to visualize imaginatively, but with clear awareness of and respect for the customer's needs & preferences, and does not push ideas, fashions or trends based on his personal preferences. He is deeply knowledgeable about trees, shrubs, other plants, topography, drainage, the whole gamut. He chose splendid tree specimens, planted them with care and installed a very easy and invisible irrigation system. They even moved a few trees and several bushes I didn't have the heart to lose, though they were far from unique specimens. They installed a patio & a fire pit that are perfect for our situation and are beautifully done. The crew were trustworthy, worked hard, came when they said they would, cleaned up thoroughly every day, and were flexible with changes and with other contractors' comings & goings. Special shout-out to David and Will--David knows a lot of mountain lore and did a very nice thing for me having to do with sassafras. Will has terrific talent and affinity for rock-whispering. I never had thought of river rock edges to garden beds, but they are spectacular. I highly recommend Matthew and Appalachian Environments and would hire him again in an Asheville minute.

Matthew responded promptly to my inquiry and took my own priorities into consideration in creating his design. The only drawback was Mother Nature - we had to postpone the project twice because of heavy rains - but even though I'm sure our project was relatively small, Matthew was conscientious about rescheduling as soon as possible, and then finished the project in a long day. He has created a long-range plan for plantings that I hope we can implement over time! His crew were hard-working and professional, and when he left there was not a trace of debris. If I could give A-plus ratings, I would.

The whole job was a very pleasant experience. Matthew listened to my desires and concerns and designed a fabulous landscape. He was always prompt, cleaned up all areas completely every day, consulted me on any possible changes. I wanted the impossible slope changed so I could get to the back yard without endangering my life, lilacs, azelias, berry bushes of several kinds, winter color,herbs and some space to plant bulbs and other perenials as well in a few open areas. I got all of this plus some!!

Great experience with Matt! At our request, he provided a multi-year design for our whole yard, incorporating the features that we asked for. His estimates were accurate, he worked with our schedule and responded to changing needs, as he discovered them in the yard. We've received many, many compliments from neighbors and visitors on the work! We look forward to continuing to work with Matt on this large project!

Matthew Martin came in mid-May to give us an estimate and within a half hour of conversation we knew that he had a special relationship with the land. We feel very fortunate to have met him. (He was actually referred to us by another landscaper who was unavailable.) He listened patiently to our request to turn a poison ivy-filled plot around an old fire pit into a gathering place for our daughter's wedding in June. He proceeded to envision and create a magical space that left the wedding guests (and the bride) breathless. No detailed sketches were needed, and we are glad that we trusted him. We now have two stone stairways, a level mulched area surrounded by two rings of river rock. and native and edible plants that will certainly be added to in years to come. The wedding photos are beautiful but they cannot do it justice. He is a professional with a gift for connecting to his clients as well as the land. One friend remarked "This place now has the energy of a labyrinth. It is a sacred space." Matthew could see it among the weeds and rocks, and he helped it unfold into view. Sincerely,Mary Kopac

All of the projects that Matt and I have worked on have turned out very well. At our initial meeting, we discuss the design of the project, including which trees, shrubs, and flowers will be appropriate. Matt then makes a proposal, which we discuss and augment, if necessary. We establish the planting date and move forward.

Matthew began as a good listener. He grasped the problem immediately but didn't fail to ask whatever questions he needed answered to assist us in the best possible way. After researching what he believed would be suitable for the job, he presented his findings and gave his reasons for making certain choices. When hearing what he had to say, it was obvious why we'd previously failed. Matthew continued to provide clear communication throughout and was always open to conversation, comments and questions. From beginning to end, he and his staff were punctual, respectful and courteous. Would we hire him again? How about this for an answer? He provided a project within budget, a job completed when promised and a very pleasing design. What more could we have asked? As a result, he's now responsible for our spring and autumn maintenance and we're also in discussions about reconfiguration of our pond and waterfall to be done yet this summer.

From the beginning Matthew was great. He helped me understand the landscape plan and all the plants involved. During the project he would always let me know where we were with the budget and how the progress was going. At the end of the project we came in under budget, which was great, and allowed me to add a few more plants. Overall working with Matthew was a great experience and I will use him again for future projects.