George Schandelmier Jr Landscaping

What a mistake hiring this man. Couple of years ago we had him «freshen up» our established huge yard with sprinkler repair, compost, new plantings, new mulch, etc.
We spent thousands of dollars to get ripped off. For example, we have since discovered horrible sprinkler issues caused by «shortcuts» he performed, which in turn caused plants to die. If you are going to do a job, do it right so it function!
NEVER again. His bad work will take more years and more money to recover
from.

A neighbour recommended this very eloquent fellow; said he was reliable. What she didn’t say was that he did nothing to fix any failure to provide the service rendered.
Sure, the Lodi rock in the front yard looks nice, but the lawn in the back yard is uneven: one area is already dry (and the one return visit he made didn’t resolve it) and another is overwatered.
The replacement ice plant on the hill died and he refused to replant. Roses and ivy he removed have already started to grow back, so I’m weeding it as often as the actual weeds in my «no maintenance» garden.
For $ 13,000 I expect better initial service AND resolution of any work not properly completed. He made one follow up visit in response tothe iceplant and lawn concerns, but has ignored every other e-​mail since. I most definitely do not recommend this chap.

When is a contract not a contract? If you know the answer to this fundamental question then you know a lot more than I do and I always thought I was smarter than average.
Start opinion here…
I provided a professional, detailed CAD/​CAM scale rendering of my property, hardscape and landscape.
I provided a detailed list of trees and plants.
I provided materials list.
I provided exact hardscape color, materials and finish.
I asked for work to be code compliant to the city.
I asked for a complete irrigation system.
I asked for specific outdoor light design.
I signed a contact to these specifications.
I received at no additional cost, damage to my fencing.
I received at no additional cost, damage to my driveway.
I received at no additional cost, damage to my walkways.
I received at no additional cost, damage to my sidewalk.
I received at no additional cost, the need to hand water.
I received at no additional cost, the need to replace entire electrical light system.
I received at no additional cost, repair and replacement of irrigation system.
I received something much different from what was contracted for.
My advice:
Never sign a boiler plate contract that allows any contractor to define the quality of work. ALWAYS have a legal EXPERT review and possibly create definitions of a contract.
Questions you should ask any contractor:
Are all workers legal citizens or green card holders?
Are all workers fully insured for liability?
Are all workers fully insured for workers comp?
Are some or all of workers exempt from any of the above?
Is you business insured for liability?
Is your business insured to cover the costs of repairs after completion?
Is your business insured to complete the contract agreement?
Have this all put into writing, signed and dated by the contractor.
… end opinion here.