ComplaintsforCamphouse Country Landscaping, LLC

• Initial Complaint

  03/05/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Order Issues

  Status:

  Unresolved

  More info

  Proposal/Contract: Dated 5/1/2023 to provide and install 19 evergreens in an L shaped row.Proposal/Contract Total: $10,000. (Deposit was $5,000 + Second/final payment $5,175 = $10,175) The contract includes a one-year, one-time replacement warranty. Contract includes cobblestones that the landscaper failed to install. Contract includes new soil around root ***** that the landscaper claimed was a change order. Landscaper accidently cut a sprinkler line and claimed another change order. We requested a credit for the cobblestone and disputed the change orders. On 6/5/2023 landscaper issued a revised final invoice for $5,175 which we paid. Within three weeks one of the Green ***** Arborvitae (7'-8') was visibly brown and dying. We emailed and called the landscaper numerous times in July - October 2023 and also sent a letter to no avail. Landscaper finally came to inspect the dead evergreen on March 5, 2024. The landscaper said it was dead because of lack of water. I find this hard to believe as the other 18 evergreens in the row are not dead, and they received the same amount of water. Landscaper then stated he came on our private property multiple times, without our knowledge, to get soil samples to prove we did not water the one evergreen. ********** stated we must pay him the former disputed amount ($600) to replace the dead evergreen that is still under warranty. First, I am shocked that a business would trespass on private property. Second, I no longer trust the landscaper to replace the dead evergreen. I am seeking a refund of $525 to hire another landscaper to replace the dead evergreen. If need be, I can send the original proposal/contract, the final invoice #*****, bank statements showing I paid $10,175, copies of numerous unanswered emails and photos of the dead evergreen.

  Business response

  03/05/2024

  Customer provided a drawing of the work they wanted completed in their backyard with the type of plant material and quantity.  ********* provided an estimate, but customer stated it was above their budget and need to be revised.  From the beginning, the customer was always trying to get price down and make revisions.  In addition, the customer was adamant on when the work was to be completed.
  
  5/23/23: ********* reached out to see if sprinkler lines had been relocated so the crew can get started.  ******** replied that the contractor didnt show up but wants ********* to do the work this week.  ********* responded that I would like to complete the work after the sprinkler is moved to avoid hitting any lines or having the sprinkler company digging into the brand-new landscaping.  I think it would be best to postpone the install until after the holiday.
  

  5/25/23: Customer emailed the sprinklers have been relocated

  5/31/23: crew started working at property and finished project on 6/1

  - While the crew was laying out area to create berm, per drawing, they realized sprinkler lines were not relocated properly.
  - ********* had to relocated major supply line
  - Customer agreed to pay to relocated ********* went to get parts as they did not have proper supplies as this work was not contracted
  - Sprinkler head was damaged but replaced at no charge to customer
  - While digging holes, crew noticed there was no black dirt and all clay.  After talking with customer, ********* brought in a few yards to put around trees.  Did not install the total we wanted too as the customer did not want to pay for it all.
  - **** stayed after the crew to adjust sprinkler with ****.
  - **** openly admitted to customer that he forgot the Cobblestone and said he would turn the crew around to install it. The customer said not to worry about it.  ********* applied a credit to the invoice of $250.00
  
  6/1/23: After project was completed, a watering guide was emailed to the customer with specific watering requirements for the given the time of year and type of plant.
  

  6/28/23: an email was sent to customer to say we were in the area and the trees were in distress and needed to be watered.  Customer responded. 
  Multiple emails were sent regarding the tree and contract terms with no response.  We stated that the warranty was not valid but to the invoice not paid in full.  Per the signed contract, Ownership of materials supplied does not transfer until the landscaping invoice has been paid in full. 
  

  On 3/5/24, *************************** met with homeowners wife to look at tree. 
  - Wife called to set appointment under her name
  - **** was not present at meeting
  - **** went over wind burn branches on other trees
  - Proceeded to talk about dead tree
  - Wife started yelling at **** and threated to *** him and take him to small claims court
  - Wife stated her husband was a board member of the *** and she was going to make it known that ********* should not be awarded any work
  - **** left property without saying a word
  

  An email was sent to **** after the meeting to say we would replace the tree under warranty.
  ********* is not in agreement with the refund amount as it is not the cost to replace the one tree.

  
  

  Customer response

  03/06/2024

   
  Complaint: 21388336
  
  I am rejecting this response because: ************************************** is untrustworthy. They planted the evergreens in June 2023, accepted full/final payment of $10,175, then vanished. I personally watered the trees every day, with a timer, per the written instructions.  ********* did not respond to my numerous emails, phone calls or letter as referenced in my complaint. When **** finally showed up to inspect the dead tree on March 5, 2024 he was defensive, accusatory and confrontational.  My wife did not yell at him. When **** said we would have to pay him to honor the contract warranty she asked him to please leave.  **** took offense at being asked to leave and said plenty on his walk from the backyard to his truck. I filed the complaint with the BBB yesterday (3/5/24) after learning of the unwillingness of ********* to honor their written contract warranty.  Shortly after filing the complaint with the BBB, I received an email from **** stating he would replace the one dead evergreen but also falsely stating the warranty was void because he was not paid in full.  I responded to ****, by email on 3/5/24, and reminded him ********* was paid in full. I included a copy of the ********* final invoice #***** confirming full payment received, and my balance is $0.00. Given ****'s behavior yesterday and his revisionist history, in response to the complaint, I do not want **** or anyone from ************************************** on our property.  The only acceptable resolution at this point is a partial refund to cover the cost to purchase and install one new 7'-8' Green ***** Arborvitae.     

  Sincerely,
  
  *********************

• Initial Complaint

  08/08/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Order Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Camphouse Landscaping provides recurring lawn maintenance (grass cutting, tree trimming). In addition, I engaged Camphouse for a large landscaping project that included but not limited to the following: removing dead trees, planting new trees, removing ivy, reshaping berms / mulch beds, fixing drainage issues. I have paid for the project in full but Camphouse has not completed all the items from the project.Camphouse texted me and told me he was terminating my lawn maintenance contract immediately. First, his own contract states ******************************** addition, the terminating party owes $200 to the other party. Second, I paid him in full for the project because he said his team would be doing work each week when on site for lawn maintenance. however, that clearly won't be the case now. For the large project - * he was to remove the ivy. Instead, he just buried it under mulch. I removed some myself and it took me over 10 hours for a small section. * two trees are close to sprinklers and were to be moved but haven't * his changes to my berms / mulch beds has now created flooding issues. I raised my concern at the outset on drainage and he said don't worry about it, he knew what he was doing. After the first good rain, I sent him text pictures. he was dismissive and said it was historic rain. It has only rained a few times since the project was completed and the same issue has occurred.* he did not take the tags of the trees despite being asked repeatedly and saying he'd do it. This is just indicative of his lack of follow through. For the tree trimming - he did not do a good job and also trampled some plants. he told me too bad that happens. That is unacceptable.I have a balance due to him for tree trimming and grass cutting ($1500). however, given he has not completed the large project and been paid over $30,000 for the project, I am not paying those invoices. Further, I believe he owes me money back so I can get the work done right.

  Business response

  08/08/2022

  In response to complaint ********, submitted by ***********************************.

  Camphouse Country Landscaping (CCL) has been servicing this property since 2012.  The previous homeowner contracted CCL from 2012 until the sale of their home in 2021.  ****************** started service with CCL on 5/29/2021 for the remainder of the 2021 season.  CCL received the signed maintenance service agreement for the 2022 season on 3/25/2022 from ******************.  ****************** then asked CCL if they provided additional landscaping services (i.e., shrub and tree removal).  CCL then set up an appointment to go over the additional work, requested by ******************.  While walking the property with ******************, during the initial meeting,it was determined some of the trees where too large for CCL to handle in house,as they were over 15 feet.  CCL stated they would sub-contract the tree removal to an insured and reputable tree removal company.  The contracted company was equipped with the proper equipment to safely and professionally remove the large trees.  CCL received the signed proposal for the additional landscaping on 4/21/2022 and the 50% deposit on 4/29/2022.  The work was scheduled to start on 5/31/2022.  CCL, ******************, and the Sub-Contractor met on 5/27/2022 to discuss the tree removal.  During this walk-thru, ****************** added more trees to be removed that were not discussed during the initial meeting and were not included on the signed proposal.  After CCLs subcontractor completed the work,****************** added additional work (i.e., trimming of dead branches on trees that were not included in scope of work) which our subcontractor did free of charge because ****************** was complaining.

  CCL walked the property with ****************** again on 6/7/2022 to go over the install portion of the project.  During the 2nd walk-thru, ***************** added more work and CCL submitted another proposal for the additional work.  CCL received the second signed proposal on 6/21/2022.  On 6/29/2022, CCL meet with ****************** again to go over the work with the install crew.  The installation began at Mr. ******** home on 7/2/2022 and was completed on 7/7/2022.  Throughout the install, ****************** continued to add on additional work that was not proposed (i.e., ornamental grasses).
  

  Throughout the past four months, ****************** and CCL have been in communication, extensively.  ****************** and CCL have sent and received numerous text messages, phone calls, and emails during business hours and after business hours.  CCL has always followed ** in a timely manner even when the office was closed. 
  

  (******************) Camphouse texted me and told me he was terminating my lawn maintenance contract immediately. First, his own contract states ******************************** addition, the terminating party owes $200 to the other party.
  (CCL) Per the signed maintenance service agreement, Payment for services rendered is due no later than fifteen (15) days from the date of the invoice.  Delayed payment will result in suspension of services until payments are received.  The Client agrees to reimburse Camphouse Country Landscape, LLC for all costs associated with the collection of delinquent payments and pay a finance charge of 2 % per month for any balance that is more than 30 days old. This agreement may be terminated by either party with written notification. Termination will take effect thirty (30) days after receiving written notification. There will be an early termination charge of $200.00.
  
  (******************) Second, I paid him in full for the project because he said his team would be doing work each week when on site for lawn maintenance. however, that clearly won't be the case now. For the large project * he was to remove the ivy.Instead, he just buried it under mulch. I removed some myself and it took me over 10 hours for a small section.
  (CCL) As CCL explained numerous times via email and verbally, the particular type of ivy that is on Mr. ******** property is English Ivy.  This type of ivy has a vast root system and cannot just be pulled out.  The ivy needs to be sprayed, several times with a contact herbicide which kills the ivy from the root system to ensure it will not come back.  CCLs maintenance crew, was spraying the ivy and pulling out the dead sections while they were on site cutting the grass.  In response to Mr. ******** complaint, CCL witnessed him pulling the ivy out himself.  Upon CCL observation, they asked him to please stop as he was making their job more difficult.  Mr. ******** response was it is no big deal I like doing it to destress my mind when I do not get my way at work. 
  
  (******************) * two trees are close to sprinklers and were to be moved but haven't
  (CCL) The trees were installed where CCL and ****************** agreed upon.  ****************** was going to contact his irrigation company to replace/rework his sprinkler system to accommodate the newly installed landscaping.  Three weeks after the landscaping had been completed, ****************** accused CCL of breaking a sprinkler line but stated it was no big deal as I have to have them come out and rework the system.  CCL apologized for the broken line and said it should run somewhere around $50-60.00 for repairs.  The repair is for one 1 coupler and 2 pinch clamps which cost approximately less than $5.00 in parts and less than 15 minutes in labor.  CCL asked for the invoice so they can reimburse ****************** for their mistake.  As of 8/8/2022, CCL has not received the invoice and has asked several times for the information. 
  
  (******************) * his changes to my berms / mulch beds has now created flooding issues. I raised my concern at the outset on drainage and he said don't worry about it, he knew what he was doing. After the first good rain, I sent him text pictures. he was dismissive and said it was historic rain. It has only rained a few times since the project was completed and the same issue has occurred.
  (CCL) The new landscaping at Mr. ******** home did not change grade, shape, and/or elevation (height/depth).  CCL worked with the existing berm and mulch beds.  ****************** called over his neighbor to discuss the neighbors drainage concerns.  The neighbor wanted CCL and ****************** to cut back the existing berm to allow the water to flow better.  ****************** did not want to spend any additional money therefore we did not regrade his property.  CCL extended two existing drain tiles (approximately 15 feet) from the berm to the village culvert to prevent excessive amounts of water that collects in the low areas.  This has been an on-going problem since the home was built. On Sunday, 7/24/2022, the Chicagoland area received approximately 2.5 inches of rain over the course of a few hours.   ****************** called, texted, and emailed numerous times, until CCL answered, at roughly 8:15 am stating his yard was flooded and pipes were bursting (please see attached pictures).  CCL answered and advised ****************** that we received a lot of rain and drain pipes, gutters, and sump pumps were working continually to try and keep up with the amount of rainfall.  CCL did not state this was a historic rain but tried to explain that depending on the rain totals that it could be a 5, 10, 25, 50 or 100 year storm but could not give an accurate definition without the rain totals, as it was still raining.  On Tuesday, 7/26/2022, at approximately 9 am, CCL met with ****************** to look over the two extended drain tiles.  CCL also pointed out other drain tiles, in the yard, that were contributing to the surface water he was witnessing. While on-site, ****************** verbally apologized to CCL stating his father-in-law freaked him out by telling him that there were pipes bursting in his yard.  He mentioned that he had to drive with his father-in-law to the back of his property so his father-in-law could show him that his pipes were broken.   According to ******************, once the rain subsided the water was gone within a few hours.
  
  (******************) * he did not take the tags of the trees despite being asked repeatedly and saying he'd do it. This is just indicative of his lack of follow through.
  (CCL) With the amount of times CCL walked the property with ******************, CCL did not observe any left-over tags.  CCL asked ****************** which plants he was referring to as they did not see any and ****************** responded with oh,dont even worry about it.  We already took care of it.  He didnt even give CCL a second chance to check. 
  
  (******************) For the tree trimming - he did not do a good job and also trampled some plants. he told me too bad that happens.
  (CCL) We received an email stating that our crew trampled some of Mr. ******** plants, CCL discussed with the crew that performed the work.  ******** stated that they were very careful around the plants and the homeowners were hovering over the crew as they working.  ******** stated it was mostly the homeowner that trampled their own plants.   This crew has been with CCL for over 15 years they are very talented and respectful of customer property.  ****************** did not provide us with any photos for evidence of damage.  Days after he stated our crew damaged his property, we received a picture of a fallen tree in the same area (please see attached picture).    
  
  In conclusion, ****************** has become an unreasonable customer with his nitpicking and finger pointing claiming that everything is CCLs fault.  He stated that ******************* wont even speak to him because he did not properly read the proposal.  She is unhappy with the installed hydrangeas even though CCL spelt the exact quantity and species that would be installed on their property.  Listed below are CCLs reasons for termination:
  - Misconduct towards owner of CCL and office staff
  - Misconduct towards crew members by stating they are not going to get paid as he is going to *** the owner
  - Slandering CCL to crew members and outside public
  - Trying to hire CCL subcontractors behind CCLs back
  - Delinquent in payments
  - Stating that he is not going to pay open invoices for work that has been completed as contracted (i.e., property maintenance)
  - Gave subcontractors large, cash tips but tried to nickel and dime CCL for additional work
  Owners have decided to terminated service without allowing a 30-day clause due to the fact that ***************** stated he is not going to pay CCL for any open invoices.

  Customer response

  09/01/2022

   
  Complaint: 17686523
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  

  My complaint was closed but I didnt have a chance to respond to the business owners reply, which contained a lot of false information.  When I called in to the BBB, I was told to email and ask for the complaint to be reopened and then subsequently email my response. I did that but have not received any update nor any notification stating there was a new message. 

  
  

  It is not right what this business owner did and some my emails demonstrate that he is lying. 
  
  

  Best,

  *******************************

  
  Sincerely,
  
  *******************************

  Business response

  09/06/2022

  attached you will find our response and pictures:

   

   

  Customer response

  09/12/2022

   
  Complaint: 17686523
  
  I am rejecting this response because his response includes several false statements. In addition, he admits in his response that he never removed the ivy as he was paid to do. in addition, I provided email evidence that directly contradicts him (e.g., he requested the Tree ******* to come back out, didn't even tell me they were coming and then was not even here when they did. he tried to say I forced them to come out in his response). This is just one example. I've uploaded a detailed response to each of his items.

  This is extremely frustrating that this is how he conducts business.  What he said to me is very different vs the narrative he is trying to tell now in his response.  

  
  Sincerely,
  
  *******************************

*Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business. ↩