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"

"Had a small retaining wall installed and it was an all around great experience. No pushy sales or outrageous pricing. Dan was great to work with on the installation. I wouldn't hesitate to work with Clark Companies again on other landscaping projects."

"Jessica and team did a great job on designing and installing landscaping for our entire yard in August 2020. The team was very professional: they were timely, listened to our input and completed the entire project on time and on budget. Would highly recommend this company and wouldn't hesitate to refer them to family, neighbors and friends. Kyle and Pam Rulau"

"Chris and his crew did a wonderful job. They came when they said they would, did everything they said they would, and the quality of their workmanship was top-notch. Would definitely recommend and am already planning to work with them again."

"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."

"Great guys! I will be hiring them again for future projects on my camping property"

"This business did a great job on our yard. "

"If you are looking for paver patios, the installers are great. They did a very nice job, and were professional throughout. They would clean up every day before leaving, addressed any questions we had timely and we are very satisfied with the results. We also added a gazebo to our patio design. It was very clear that gazebo's are not one of their strengths. We encountered many issues with the design and build of the gazebo long before construction began. We had hired Josh in October to complete all elements of the landscaping project the following spring. Over the winter months, we had asked on many occasions for catalog photos, or anything that would confirm what the finished gazebo was going to look like. The pictures were never sent and the only indication of what it might look like came just a few days before the project began and was a very small (1x1) black and white picture. Our expectation of the gazebo was that the material used would be cedar. We had asked for glass windows that could be closed during the cooler and winter months. We were assured on many occasions that cedar material and glass windows were what we were going to get. As they were starting to build the gazebo, the material was not cedar, rather it was pressed wood. As the windows were installed, they were not glass (despite being told that very day they were glass), instead they were a plastic film over the screens. We were left in a very difficult position where we were essentially forced to concede on both elements. While the gazebo is functional, and will suit our needs, had Josh sent just ONE picture sometime in the 5 months or so prior the project start, we may have been able to make a different decision. Related, and something else to be aware of. When trying to reach Josh about start dates, etc I would say he was not always as responsive as I would have expected. Furthermore, there were multiple instances where what was promised was not delivered. Again, if you are looking at a paver or patio project - these guys are great and I would recommend their workmanship. However beware of anything more than that."

"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."