I think we would give 2.5 stars if we could, since the overall experience/product felt about…read moreaverage. We hired The NL Group in April 2021 to build a backyard patio and hired them again in September 2021 to construct a side yard paver path (photo #1) + front entry paver path (photo #2) - in all, we spent around $37k with NL Group. In both cases, landscaping and other tasks were also completed. Prior to kicking off the project, the communication and design were amazing - we loved the YouTube video they sent us to give a real feel of what things would look like. Unfortunately, we've had several issues arise since then. The paver stones in the front and backyard were supposed to be exact matches - however, while they matched the color they used a different, textured tile (photo #3) in the front + side that didn't match our back pavers, which are smooth. This isn't a huge deal since they are separate areas, but they were unaware of it until we pointed it out to them - it made us uneasy about what other items might be overlooked. On our front door pavers and large limestone pieces, there was some type of adhesive that dripped/leaked and didn't clean it up well - so it stained an area of the paver. When we mentioned it to them, they didn't address it but told us to buy an acid to remove the adhesive. We had to go through 3 acids/cleaners before we were able to get the majority of the stain removed. The large limestone pieces by our front door continually have efflorescence that does not go away with different acids and a pressure washer - not ideal for pieces that are supposed to be beautiful for the front door entrance. Possibly most concerning is the polymeric sand that goes between the pavers to prevent water getting under the pavers and keeps things sealed - it has already completely washed away in several places (photos 4, 5, 6, 7). This resulted in moss/grasses/weeds growing on the patio's seams between paver bricks (photo 8). There are also areas where the pavers appear to have 'sunk' or shifted (photo 9) since rainwater can now get under the pavers and wash away the fine granular sands that are in the sub-base of the pavers. On our side path, our initial quote didn't include the need for a retaining wall to hold up or raise the side path. However, when they began construction, they told us we would need a small retaining wall (photo 1). Kudus to them, they did not charge us for the stones of the retaining wall because they recognized it was their error, but we had to chose from extra supplies they had left over from different projects. So were unable to pick materials without absorbing a big additional cost. Another overlooked aspect on their part... The landscaping initially looking AMAZING after installation, but within a few months things looked concerning. They came back once (at our expense) and replaced several of the plants/trees that didn't survive and we were told they didn't realize how much clay was in our soil - if they did realize we had sub-par soil and high amounts of clay, they would have done it differently the first time. We even paid to have 3 cubic yards of new, better soil used, while they removed the 'bad' soil. When the crews arrived to do the fixes, the workers told me they brought 2 cubic yards of new soil, even though we paid for 3 cubic yards. Nonetheless, even the replacement plants have not thrived in the areas new soil was used. While doing this replacement of plants, it was decided some of the dead plants/trees (photo with no number) should be replaced with other plants that do well in 'bad' soils. Upon completing this, they told us the new plants came with a bill of $200. At no point did anyone ever tell us the plants that were under warranty would be replaced with plants that cost us MORE money. We refused to pay this. We've had to replace/relocate several of the plants/flowers/bushes ourselves. I would have been inclined to trust the professional landscapers when they said we just had bad soil - but we have had success when we've relocated plants ourselves and followed the directions of our local garden centers. In talking with our local garden centers, we realized several of the plants they planted didn't make sense for the locations in which they were planted (plants that thrive in sun being located in high shade areas under the deck, plants that don't like wet soils in low spots where water pools, incorrect sized plants for spaces, etc.). Photo 10 shows a plant located under the deck, where the left side with blue circle get light - plant looks fine. But the right half of photo 10 with red circle shows where the house blocks sun and it has almost zero foliage. We tried to follow-up on the issues we've experienced, especially with the landscaping, as most garden centers provide a 1-year warranty on perennials/trees but it was not priority for them to make things right. We were told to give plants/trees time to grow and mature, but not many pieces improved.

I highly recommend NL Group. We hired them to install a new large patio and it is gorgeous. They…read moreare professional, hard working, and talented. The entire team went above and beyond and my real estate agent friend told us that our project added value to the house! Our hardscape job and Belgard pavers look so high end. Thank you again!

Nice guy but 4 x as expensive as others for simple job. Beware of pricing got high quality paver…read morejob for far less then them

I obtained cost estimates from six different companies for my paver patio project. The cost…read moreestimate from Wave Outdoors was more than twice the amount other companies are charging!

My parents have been customers of Doering for over 20 years and actually lived next door to the…read moreowners. The service has gotten increasingly poor and they have treated my mother very badly. -She paid for snow removal services and requested that they be given a heads up so they could move vehicles out of the driveway. They did not remove the snow one time. They only drove by. -Today my mother asked if she could opt out of spring clean up, as she normally does, but was told it was mandatory and that she "should probably go some place cheaper". People should be aware how poorly this company treats their customers

Never got back to me. I called to have a quote on some landscaping work. I heard that they were…read moregood but can't say anything about them.

I've used Midwest Tree Service 4 times now over the past 10 years, and I say, they are "The BEST of…read morethe BEST" both in the quality of their service, and a fair price for the work done. Each time there were major branches or full tree removal on a tree that was adjacent, and substantially hung over my house so it was VERY critical that they cut and lowered down each branch to avoid hitting our roof. Here are a few specific details... Staff/Team: When you watch them working, you can see and appreciate that they really know what they are doing and how to cut and lower down huge branches to avoid house damage. One of the trees I just had removed had quite a few obstructions which the team either moved or was able to work around. In 2017 they removed some major branches that were above my "Glass Sun Room"... This was EXTREMELY important that they did it right since even a small branch falling would have broken the glass roof. They did EXCELLENT jobs on all of the above. Also the team is very friendly and engaging and great to talk with when either they or I had questions or comments. Midwest Tools: MW has obviously invested in all the right state of the art tools including a bucket lift crawler to allow the chain sawwer to get way up into the trees, and a log hauling crawler to haul away the big/huge logs. Both of these have rubber tracks to minimize lawn and landscape damage. Even the team/workers safety helmets have built in 2 way radios so the entire team can easily converse as they do their job. And when they are done, they do an excellent job cleaning up and raking up sticks, scraps, and leaves. Price: Their price is fair considering all the work they do, the tools they use, and the care and safety that they don't cause any damage to my house. I would NEVER let any other service work above my house or glass sun room. Also 2 of the times I had them place the bigger logs at the back of my property for me to cut up for firewood whereas 2 of the times, they hauled everything away. Signed - A 4 time very happy Midwest Tree Service Customer in Wauconda.

thanks again to eric and his crew after a tree smashed through my roof i called in the morning they…read morecame out that afternoon removed the tree from house and did a great job cleaning up. this is second time i used mid-west tree service and again they did great work for a very affordable price

Was very happy with the lawn mowing service. Arturo was professional, on time and our lawn looked…read moreamazing once completed. The value was also a plus. Will be using Mystic Lawn Care again!

From the owner: At Mystic Lawn Care, we take pride in offering top-notch lawn care services tailored to meet your…read moreunique needs. Our specialties include expert residential and commercial lawn maintenance ensuring your outdoor space remains and healthy year-round. With a dedicated team of professionals, we utilize the latest techniques and eco-friendly products to enhance the beauty of your lawn. Let us help you achieve the lush, green landscape you've always dreamed of!

We had Andy put in 24 arborvitaes and extend our front flower bed. His team also put in a split…read morerail fence on the corner of the flower bed. Original design had 6 ft. Arborvitaes, but Andy wasn't able to get the 6 ft.; so he put in 7 ft. & he didn't charge us for the additional cost. This is our second big project with Andy & his crew & we are very satisfied with his teams work.

The day after I contacted him, Andy came out to view the project and followed up quickly with a…read morequote. His crew completely rebuilt a collapsed retaining wall, including installing proper drainage. It looks great!