My wife and I celebrated a big milestone when we purchased our first home in August of 2013 in San Marcos. As this was new construction, we were tasked with researching, designing and developing landscape for our property from the ground up. After contracting design plans––which included both intricate cobblestone and concrete hardscape, irrigation and drainage, outdoor lighting, and complete softscape––we set about researching for contractors to build the project. After several bids and challenges in finding the right fit, we discovered Pro Earth Landscape, based in Encinitas, CA, online via Houzz.com. Their online portfolio showed excellent work, proper certification, and very positive accolades. With a guarded but optimistic disposition, we made the call for a consultation.
From that point forward, every single interaction and process was a complete validation that we ultimately made the right decision!
From the very first phone call with Robin Holtz, who manages the company with her husband Vern, we knew this was a special group. The initial consultation with Robin, Vern, and Hector Cisneros––who oversees hardscape––was the absolutely picture of professionalism, juxtaposed with a warm, caring, and honest demeanor that instantly put us at ease. We explained our designs, to which Pro Earth adapted seamlessly, while working to enhance and advise as needed. We were impressed with Pro Earth’s commitment to retaining in-house crews without subcontracting, eagerness to provide multiple, current references, and equally thrilled that all of our specifications, from materials to plantings, were met with both enthusiasm and commitment to quality. When the bid promptly arrived, we were elated to hear that our entire project was not on-budget, but under-budget (for comparison, we had an active bid from another company that was $20,000 higher than our preferred max, after reducing materials and plantings). This, along with sterling, verified references, was the icing on the cake, and we hired them instantly.
Each step of the process over the next several weeks, to reiterate, was a total validation that we made the right choice. Hector and his crews were all friendly, hardworking, consummate professionals, working with both efficiency and attention to detail. Any and all questions were answered promptly and honestly––communication with crews both on and off-site, it should be stressed, was outstanding from start to finish. Watching the project come to life in such capable hands was a joy.
Special commendation is also to be given to Shelby Watson, Field Supervisor specializing in planting and softscape. Shelby has a work ethic and attitude that are such great assets, to us as clients, and to Pro Earth. Her vast knowledge of horticulture is bolstered by a methodology that focuses on the long-term, providing plantings best suited to our tastes and designs, while simultaneously ensuring optimum compatibility with our regional climate. In addition to her expertise on landscape care and technology, Shelby exudes a fun and engaging personality, at once laid-back and humorous, while ensuring the highest level of service. Working with her, as well as Robin and Lisa Picciano (office management) on every detail was a pure pleasure.
Succinctly, we could not be happier with our end result; the attached photos speak for themselves. Our house is now our home, and we are looking forward to years and years of enjoyment in our yards. We would not hesitate for a second in hiring Pro Earth again for any future landscaping, and recommend them to the highest degree. Thank you, Pro Earth!
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