I think we would give 2.5 stars if we could, since the overall experience/product felt about average. 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. read more

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I highly recommend NL Group. We hired them to install a new large patio and it is gorgeous. They are 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! read more

Professional, accommodating and dependable! I called them last minute before a very bad storm. A very sweet, young lady answered and got me quotes within 30 minutes. They squeezed me in and showed up every time it snowed. Being my quote was over the phone and not in writing my bill did not reflect the quoted prices. I called them and they adjusted the bill immediately. Get the quote in writing so there are no misunderstandings. I highly recommend them! read more

The NL Group is standout among a saturated group of competitors. In my experience landscapers that show up when they say they will and work within your budget are hard to find. The NL Group has not only met these expectations, but they have gone the extra mile to tailor services to my specific needs. They play the long game because they want you to be their clients and stay your clients. read more

Bad customer service. Signed up for weed service...was suppose to get 4 applications.. only got two. Had to call them to bill me. Inquired a couple of times to get a quote and work done. Came out, took pictures, will have your quote in a couple of days...never happened. Third time this happened. Won't ever use them again. read more

These guys are great! Super friendly, talented, on time and fair on price. From the management down to the individual workers, I can't recommend them enough. Thanks! read more

We've used NL for the last 20+ years. Over the years they've been there for anything we needed. They've cut up and removed trees that have come down in storms on several occasions. They removed 18 yards of pea gravel left from the swingset area we had when the kids (now grown and flown) were small. They maintain our lawn all summer and plow our driveway in the winter and remove all the leaves that fall in autumn. Their employees are polite and friendly. I see a previous review that mentions they did not call the reviewer back. We've not had this experience but I would attribute that to a family operation that might have had something fall between the cracks. NL is a family based operation and in my experience over the years is all heart - it's one of the good ones. We'll be sad to leave them when we downsize in a few years - no need for an acre after the kids grow up! read more

NL has completed two major hardscaping projects for us in the last two years: an outdoor kitchen and new front walkways. The jobs started when promised. They finished when promised. The workmanship was impeccable. Other tradesmen and tradeswomen who come to our house literally pause to admire the work that they have done. The crews are hardworking and professional. They are obviously skilled at what they do and derive understandable pride from their work. I recommend NL Group without hesitation! read more

I tried these guys out 09/2017 as they were not too far from my home, & I'm glad I did. Had spent big $ on an huge attached planter (with another contractor), which did not drain right & sunk. They took it apart & tied the curved front wall into a 3 ft square "Paveloc" lamp post, excavated drain channels, added 2-3 types of stone/gravel/sand...commercial landscape mesh, etc. Did not lose a plant (5-6 semi mature bushes/pines). Is now straight as an arrow draining right, & not sinking. I worked with Alex. Was not cheap ($3,440) but an engineering nightmare which they easily fixed in 1 day with 8 guys! I think it was a great deal considering that it took 2-3 months to find someone that could step up & get it done with a firm price up front. In October of 2019, again worked with Alex of NL Group on a collapsed driveway culvert pipe (20 ft wide...half was sunk) with a nasty 3-4 foot ditch, at a cost of $2,960. Tore out old pipe, re-graded ditch/pipe slope, installed new galvanized pipe w/slightly wider diameter /// concreted in place down deep & beautiful finish on asphalt from sidewalk to street with nice, angled edges. Guests do miss the 20 foot wide driveway opening sometimes when backing out as the driveway is funnel shaped & wider near the house. Problem solved...no more bump in the drive apron. Again...easily completed in 1 day with 5-6 guys, a backhoe, & a cement truck! I love people that know what they are doing...good job Alex! Ed Pedersen, Lake Zurich, IL read more

I have been using NL Group for the past four years. I have been more than satisfied with their performance. Their employees/workers are the best and the management of the company is top notch. Have recommended to family and they also have been very satisfied. Will continue to use them in the future and recommend them to others. Thank you. read more

I highly recommend The NL Group. They do a fabulous job! My lawn looks absolutely gorgeous!

The NL Group did an outstanding job designing and installing a paver patio with an estate wall and a sidewalk along the side of the house. They presented several options and gave us artist's renderings so that we could visualize the significant change to the layout of the back yard. I would not hesitate to recommend them and am looking forward to having them do the front of the house. The project turned out beautifully. read more

We have used NL Group for the last 2 years for lawn mowing and maintenance, as well as 2 major landscaping jobs after the construction of a new addition. The team is SUPER responsive to any needs/concerns. My neighbors have literally told me my lawn looks like carpet. Thanks NL! read more

Our family has used the NL Group for the past five years. They have done an excellent job on all of our projects. We had problems with our basement flooding several years ago and they created an appropriate water pitch with a catch base to prevent water accumulation in our yard. They relocated the soil and landscape beds to build a natural water running/swell. They also provided and installed underground pipe for two downspouts that has prevented water spilling into our basement. It has been dry ever since. Another project was building a natural stone pillar to add curb appeal to our home. We have used this company to do our yard spring cleanup with edging, weeding, shrub pruning, and adding mulch. Alex is always courteous, prompt, and skilled. His employees are very hard workers and always polite and on time. I would highly recommend his company. read more

The company was quick to respond after initial contact asking for times to come and look at my property for an estimate. After 2 follow-up messages over a week, they did not bother to respond back. The lack of customer service and responsiveness shows how unprofessional this company is. This is also a good indication of the poor quality of work that was to come if hired. I am glad that I found this out now and would not recommend this company to anyone. read more