WALNUT COVE LANDSCAPING & NRSY

We contacted Walnut Cove landscaping to come out to our home to give us an estimate on clearing the weeds and overgrowth around our 2 existing Koi and Goldfish ponds (the 2 ponds were joined by a small stream.) Then we wanted him to combine the 2 ponds into one big pond and landscape around it. He brought with him his portfolio of pictures showing beautifully landscaped fish ponds. We spoke to him about the safety of our fish. He did say he would do everything to insure their safety. We were impressed with his pictures so we agreed to hire him to do the job. He gave us a a written, signed, contract of $8,200.00 which we agreed to. He and his workers cleared the overgrowth around our ponds then they removed our 34 Koi and Goldfish including our 2 foot Koi that we've had for 9 years. We got him when he was a couple inches long. He put them into a holding tank with circulating water. They were there for the days while the work was being done. The pond its self was very nice. We did expect rock put around the pond, but he put down pine needles instead. I found out later that that is not a good idea since the needles get into the pond and clog the pump and they are not good for the fish to eat. He made his own "bio filter" out of a bucket which he placed near the waterfall. Water was circulating in that small area--not to the far end of the pond. He did not install a waterfall filter or a skimmer, both of which are essential for a healthy koi pond. We assumed he knew that having been in business for so long? He drained the water from the fish holding tank into the new pond, added some clean water with a water hose, the pond was only about 1/4 full, then put our fish into the new pond. He never tested the water, never added water conditioner, never sprayed down the liner or the rocks surrounding the pond. Later that day one fish was dead. We were sad but knew we might lose a couple do to stress. By the next morning all our beautiful fish where dead! I was heart broken and shed many tears. We had had them for years! My husband called Mr. Cathey immediately. He was sorry and said he'd be there the next morning. He then told us his expertise was pond building and he didn't know anything about fish. He never told us that before. I feel if someone builds fish ponds they should be knowledgable about the fish and build it with their safety in mind. What good is a fish pond if it won't sustain fish! He did apologize and agreed to give us a few plants, and said he'd get us a couple fish from someone's pond and invited us to a party--that was it! Now we have to shell out a lot more money to correct his mistakes and make out pond safe for new fish! I will never use him again and will be sure to tell anyone I know who is thinking about installing a fish pond about our experience with Walnut Cove and Mr. Cathey!