Get matched with top retaining wall installers in Monticello, MN

"Pros: Decent work (some good, some bad) Cons: Poor communication, doesn't fix issues (per contract), a number of poor installations, lack of customer service, etc, etc Hired to install front patio, retaining wall, landscaping. I should have known based on the first meeting after signing contract that we would be a second thought (despite spending +$100k)...initial meeting to pick bricks and stone, the lady was confused with who we were as she shuffled through her many layouts for other customers ("sorry, we just have so many"). Was told initially work would start once ground was ready - started a month later due to them having to 'take care of previous year work'. That's fine, just tell us during the winter so we can plan our interior house remodel accordingly. Just got a note one day out of the blue saying that work will start that day despite numerous calls prior trying to get a start date with limited feedback. After working for a few weeks, just stopped showing up for a few weeks. Because they had torn up the front door entrance, it was kind of a big deal to us. Only after a number of emails did we get a note explaining that they were waiting on a permit for the retaining wall. In the meantime, they would not have a crew work on our entrance until they could work on the retaining wall at the same time so as to 'maximize crew efficiency'. Thanks, I'm glad someone else is getting their work done while we (and now our interior contractors, because you started late) have to go in a different entrance because you couldn't get your permitting done correctly. When work finally was resumed, there were issues that became evident. They ripped through a big root on the main locust tree in our yard (how do you miss that?), threatening its survival. They installed a bench against one of our walls without our approval, despite it not being in the plans! We go away a couple days and come back to an unplanned bench. Only because it worked for the space did we accept, but what if we didn't?? There must have been a drop dead date for the job, because all of a sudden one day there were a whole group of workers on the site trying to get it done in a day. When cramming it all in a day, the quality was lost. Hopefully you can tell from the pictures where the patio seems to not be graded right, so water just sits on the patio; downspouts they installed were installed improperly and fall off all the time (and leaves get caught in all the time - what kind of dumb design are the drains?); electrical wires aren't buried correctly and are sitting above the ground us to trip on or animals to chew on; electrical tape on downspouts, etc. Communication was horrible. Only time they would be proactive in reaching out was the day after they issued their invoice asking for payment (sometimes before the work was even completed). We paid promptly each payment, but you wouldn't think so with the emails/calls we received (we won't pay final payment until job is done!). Received zero updates/feedback on a daily or weekly basis from the site foreman, so no idea where the project stood more than what we could see. I believe there was a language barrier. Once job was finished, took them until following year to fix steps that were installed poorly and broke - I'm guessing only due to our constant request for status. They put a 1 year warranty on plants, but when a few of the plants died and requested replacements, they never returned communication despite multiple attempts. Way to do the right thing...they got their money, why would they want to uphold their contractual responsibilities. Leaving overall C grade because a good portion of the work was done well - the retaining wall, facing on the wall, back patio. Left such a poor taste in our mouth with the terrible customer service (communication, follow-through) that it offset any goodness associated with the work. We got the impression that unless you are a super big project (more than the +$100k we spent) that you will be put at the end of the queue (if at all). Would not recommend."

"Donovan and team were professional, punctual, preformed grate work and a pleasure to deal with. We had a large 8ft decaying retaining wall in our alley with a 100 year old 60 ft tree bumping up to it. We were quite apprehensive to replace the wall due to the tree. Donovan and team came up with creative approach to replace the wall without disturbing the tree. I highly recommend king Scapes Kevin Korb"

"Clark Companies put a border around our swing set, installed rubber mulch and put down hydroseed. They communicated great, were friendly, on time and listened to exactly what I wanted. Will definitely use them for future landscaping projects."

"We're more than pleased with the paver sidewalk Tom and Zach installed at our Kimball home. They submitted a detailed estimate, arrived at the agreed-upon time, completed the job according to our specifications, in the estimated time and for the estimated price. They transformed a dingy area alongside our house into a functional and attractive space beyond our expectations."

"Artistic Landscapes Inc. was one of many companies we talked to and received quotes from about installing a boulder retaining wall in our backyard to replace aging railroad ties and decking. The backyard is sloped with very limited access to move materials and equipment, therefore many of the companies we spoke with responded with either limited options for landscape ideas or unaffordable prices. Chris came out, listened to our ideas, gave us some of his and told us exactly what we could expect; he quickly put a bid together and we were elated it fell within our budget. 



He and his crew not only worked around the limited access issues, but challenging weather including rain and wet conditions/clay soils. In addition to an approximate 60 foot long boulder retaining wall, they installed 33 paver stones for a pathway, steps as a feature area, additional large boulders for aesthetic enhancements and graded the area to address critical storm water runoff needs. The placement of each stone/boulder was clearly thought through, resulting in a unique and attractive wall versus many of the standard "one on top of the other" looks.



Toward the end there were a few minor tweaks we requested to which Chris and his crew were more than happy to accommodate until they knew we were completely satisfied. Clean up was fabulous too; our front yard damaged by major equipment during the process (which we knew was necessary) was fully restored as promised!



Chris was good to communicate with and very trustworthy in terms of what he committed to delivering. I would recommend Artistic Landscapes to anyone seeking quality work at a fair price, and by someone who knows what works and what doesn't. We absolutely love our new backyard...thanks Chris and Artistic Landscapes!
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"This spring Paul and his crew installed three retaining walls for me. Along both sides of driveway and across back and side of my yard. Would not hesitate to recommend Paul and his crew (who were so nice!). Great communication from start to finish. Work performed as bid, on schedule and very professional. I am very pleased with the whole experience in dealing with Paul, and the walls look great."

"Brandon saved the day when another contractor I had already paid disappeared. Did a great job, communicated well, was on time, and performed the job as I requested. Couldn't ask for more, would hire again."

"Cody (and his crew) did a great job for us on our shed pad project. He was on time and cleaned up the area each day. I appreciated that he let us know that there would be extra concrete left from the minimum 1 yard. So, we had him add onto our patio. He listened well to what we needed and worked hard to get everything done on time. I would highly recommend Modern Mix for your project."

Leviticus Contractors is a full service lawn care and landscape company. We specialize in outdoor creations with designs and installations. We offer a range of hardscaping services including pavers, stamped+brushed concrete and asphalt. \n \nWe have been around the industry for over a decade and our experience is what sets us apart from the rest. We do this all day everyday and love it. \n \nWe are fair priced and ready to make the outside of your house look amazing. \n \nReach out today.

"These guys did a great job. John came out to give me an estimate and he suggested a couple of different ideas to update the existing landscaping. They were able to start work on the project within a couple of weeks and completed the job very quickly. The people doing the work were very friendly and took time to explain to me what they were doing and let me make choices about the planting placement. The end result was amazing! I think I got a great result for a good price. The price included removing all the existing rock and plantings from the previous landscaping."