BASICS LANDSCAPING CO INC

Do NOT recommend this company for any reason.

Over the course of a week, I interviewed a total of three Landscape designers, all located within 10 miles of my home. I got along very well with Jay from Basics Landscaping. He came to the house within days of me first calling to make an appointment. He had a positive attitude, was very approachable, had an idea for a phased approach to the landscaping, listened to my needs, explained his thought process and our options out loud, took measurements, and provided me with an actual estimate before he left, which by the way, not all landscapers do. A week later, my wife and I scheduled a follow-up meeting with him at his office nearby. We asked to include some additional work, and we settled on the price. We wanted to have the work done right away. The very next day, after we made our first payment, a crew of about six people arrived just before 8AM to start working. You could tell that the crew had been with the company for a while. They were very friendly, professional, and approachable. They worked a total of three consecutive days from approximately 8AM to 4PM. When the work was done, the foreman Frankie went over the sprinkler system, walked the yard with me, and answered any questions I had. It's been one week later, and we are all still thrilled with the work. I feel like Basics Landscaping also included some extras, and went over and beyond what we paid for in terms of prepping the backyard, which we hope to further develop next spring. I would highly recommend the team at Basics Landscaping. We had a very positive experience, and feel like we received a good value for what we paid. We'll be continuing with them for regular lawn maintenance service, as well.

The crew arrived at approximately 7:30am. I spoke with the foreman (Frankie) to let him know exactly where I wanted the stone and spigot. The crew worked feverishly all day - breaking only for lunch. The work was completed by 3:30pm. The result? Spectacular. The end product far exceeded my expectations. The area (and surrounding area's) were left immaculate.

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If you are looking to do a big job I recommend asking for professional plans. Farah sent me a hand written sketch via e-mail which in the end there was miscommunication because of the confusion with reading the plans. I was quoted for 10 Leyland Cypress trees. I explained other landscapers had estimated $1200 for 12 trees. This was Farah's response: and quot;You have a 30' run on the side that will be getting trees, we plant 4' apart so 10 is more than plenty and they will grow into each other eventually. If you are getting priced for 12 it concerns me that they are giving you tiny trees. I can add the tree and perennials if you like but they would be additional, I cannot throw those things into the existing price.and quot; In the end I needed the 12 trees because there is a big open space. Farah agreed there should have been 12 and offered to plant two more for $400. They cut down a live tree and never replaced it. Another landscaper had shown me his retail book explaining he would only charge me for the labor and would get me the trees at cost. 5-7 ft Leyland trees cost $75.00 each. Farah charged me $195.00 each. We were quoted for 30-36and quot; bushes, we got 12and quot; and the reason given was there were no more 30-36and quot; bushes and they were the same price as the 12and quot;. We were upgraded with and quot; Usedand quot; Belgium Blocks instead of brand new. An Additional 30 yards of Top Soil was added which Farah had said should have been another $1,500 which they did not charge for. No seeds were planted in the back because they did not recommend due to the Summer heat. Seeds were planted in the front and the grass is growing. The workers arrived early in the morning, worked till about 8pm at night. They all did a great job and worked really hard all day. It was extremely hot that day and they never gave up. They completed the job in one day. I made the appointment May 14th everything was completed end of July. Both my cars did get flat tires from parking on the gravel they laid down. We found old nails, bolts and wires. Farah was great with always following up with me, answering my e-mails, she actually came to the house because she could not get in touch with via phone. I asked Farah to come see the job after it was done for an inspection and she did. She looked at my property via satellite and was able to draw up the plans and the estimates without needing to come to the house and take measurements. Not sure if what we paid was reasonable or not. I was expecting more for what we paid. We did get quotes from other landscapers and driveways that were about $2k less which included more. I had asked for a small weeping tree, some perennials and was told for an additional cost. I thought $10,590 would cover that. I just received an e-mail from Farah a month after the job was done asking if I wanted to pay another $400.00 to get my driveway sealed. So I just spent $10,590 in cash and they want to charge me $400 to seal my driveway? I was shocked to learn this was not included. My driveway is 31 x 31. Farah, I believe I was fair in this review. I have already stated that I was very pleased with the work your men did and that you were great with responding and following up. What I was always unhappy about and I had already shared this with you was the price, which it seems I am not the only one. Yes, I agreed and signed off, but after I did I regretted paying so much for what I got. After the job was completed I expected more. The shrubs were smaller and some of the trees were thinner which I had brought to your attention. That is also why I asked the question if anyone feels this was expensive for what was given or is this about right? I am just sharing my experience and being truthful with everything I shared. You quoted me in your response and I had already written the same thing in my review. I am not sure why you are passing judgment on the other landscapers that I got quotes from labeling them as and quot;a guy in a truckand quot;. I showed you one estimate. I am not sure if you are familiar with that company. I had received other quotes on paper, not in e-mail and never had the chance to scan and e-mail them to you.

They are responsive. The quality is more than just good. The cost is a little bit more, but they turned our lawn from dandelions into a green lawn and fixed all our sprinklers. They were very good. I would definitely recommend them to somebody else. Their price is not as wonderful as everybody would like but definitely competitive. With regard to responsiveness, they are always there.

I normally don't review service providers whom I didn't hire, but this company has earned this negative review through two separate experiences. When I first moved out to Long Island three years ago, I was looking for ideas for my yard. I thought it might be useful to get a landscape designer to look at my property and draw up some plans. At the suggestion of a neighbor, I went to Basics. I filled out a form with my contact information and a description of my project. Never heard from them. Not a peep. No big deal at the time, because I hired lawn care company who helped do some updates to the property, and I moved on to other projects. Fast forward to last fall. For the previous two summers I was maintaining my own property, but didn't have time to do the fall clean-up myself. I came to Angie's List to look for some help and found Basics again. Thought I'd give them another shot. I called them, and was told by the person that answered the phone that the company was very busy and it would be at least two weeks before they could do the job. I said, okay, but could they send someone out to price the job for me. 'No problem,' was the answer. They'd send someone within the week to look at the property and give me a price. No one came. No one called. Finally, about four weeks later (after I had found someone else to do the job), someone called to say that they were sorry, they wouldn't be able to do my job. At least they called. I guess. They clearly have enough business that they don't need to be professional in dealing with potential new customers. In the end, I was lucky. I found another company that has been terrific and whom I have hired to do my regular lawn and sprinkler maintenance. As for Basics, they don't want your business, so don't bother.

They were great to deal with right from the start. Great communication from the quoting process to the finished job. Farah, in sales, was great. The crew that came to the house was very thoughoro. They cleaned up after every day, so it appeared they weren't even there. The crew forman, James was also excellent to work with. Constinanlt asking questions and listening to my requests. They added the extra little details that make the completed job awesome. I couldn't be happier.

The company arrived on time with a job foremen ready to go to work. The foreman was fantastic as he walked us through every detail as the worked progressed. The old deck was neatly and quickly cut up and carted off. As the worked was getting done our salesman Jay continued to come to our home to make sure we were on track. The crew was very knowledgeable and had fantastic vision for our home. The work was completed above and beyond anything we could have imagined. BASICS LANDSCAPING paid amazing attention to detail. When the project was completed I did not have to pick up a broom. My home was spotless. Great job. We highly recommend this company.

They come out every year to maintain our sprinkler system and any lawn keeping that we need done. We have been very satisfied with their work, they are very professional, and we will continue to use them. Frankie comes out every year and he is very knowledgable, easy to work with, and professional.

Day 1 thru day 3: Crew chief James (along with his crew of 4 men) arrived promptly each day at about 7:20am. Day 1 consisted of site preparation (ripping out existing vinyl siding, installation of tar paper, metal lath and and quot;mudand quot; to the walls. Days 2 and 3: installation of cultured stone and blue stone drip ledge. Work was done at a painstakingly pace until approximately 6pm. After each days work, the area was cleared and cleaned. The crew took ultimate care to preserve my landscaping (moving bushes/plants when necessary). I'm a gardener. This was VERY important to me!! During day 1, James showed me an area of rot to one of my walls. Thankfully, this was a and quot;quick fixand quot;. Which was completed in no time. As with all projects, design issue's arose. James and I would discuss them, and quickly come to a decision. The finished product is nothing short of magnificent! I wasn't home when the crew finished the work. Upon my return, I couldn't believe it!! My home and garden were spotless!!

I've actually known and dealt with this company for many years, but only for mulch, propane tank refills, and other minor supplies. One day, while refilling a propane tank, I took notice to their outdoor kitchen display, and asked them to come to my home to give me an estimate for one. Within 2 days, Jay came to my home, listened closely to what my needs/wishes were, and gave me an estimate on the spot. I had previously received 2 estimates: one higher, and one lower than Basic's. But, since I had known them for many years, and I simply liked all of Basic's employee's responsiveness, I decided to hire them. Prior to project, a detailed contract was drawn up, describing all work and charges to expect. My granite top came from Yorkshire Stone, who has a showroom just a few blocks from Basic's. (granite top was included in the price). Several days before start date, as well as the day before, Basic's called to confirm start date and time. On starting day, crew arrived on time. Work was quickly, and neatly completed. Crews foreman, James, kept me informed on progress. The whole project took 3 days. At the end of EACH day, the work area was left neat and tidy. The quality of their work is outstanding. They truly are craftsmen at what they do.My experience with Basic's was wonderful. Everyone that works there is a pleasure to deal with. In fact, I was so overwhelmingly satisfied with Basic's, that I have since taken them on as my weekly landscape maintenance company and my in-ground sprinkler company. But, thats another review!!I also plan on putting a stone facade on my home (I already have an estimate from Basic's!!), and will hopefully begin this fall.

I love these people. The guy came exactly when he said he'd come. I had no idea what he wanted and he was able to communicate what he thought was a good idea. I was able to get a mental vision of it and when it was done it was exactly the same as my mental vision. As for my path, I had spoken to so many people about it and no one knew what I was talking about. He got it and he installed it and it looks like it's been there for 100 years. I love my front porch and my path. Even when I don't walk out there, I open the door to look. When I do look out there it amazes me. This is one of those houses where the only entrance is at the driveway and people always came in the driveway or walked across the lawn. Now they follow the route of the path. Even when an ambulance came they followed the route of the path. It was a great, capital G, experience. They were very helpful in figuring out how we were going to do this; we asked if they offered any financing. We had just got done paying for a wedding and putting two kids through college. They didn't have any financing but he suggested a zero interest credit card and it turned out perfectly. We were able to pay it off in four installments.