California Smartscape just recently finished a landscaping project at our home in Rancho Bernardo. We needed a retaining wall for our hillside that was eroding and not very well irrigated. Our four labradors had romped all over it and we needed to keep them off so plants could grow. It was a problem we could never solve on our own and we finally sought out professional help.
From the moment Richard came into our home, he instilled confidence and we didn’t have to think twice about hiring his company. The entire process was wonderful. His very competent crew came up with a solution that fit our budget. Bob’s masonry is superb, Andrew’s plant knowledge is exceptional, Javier knows how to irrigate and Jay had the whole project running so smoothly, we couldn’t believe how quickly it went. The result was beyond our expectations. We love our beautiful new yard!
It was a real pleasure to work with all of them. They understood our wants and needs, working with us the entire time to ensure satisfaction. We have discussed other projects for the future and look forward to working with them again.
Mary Ann and Leif Hoegberg
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, let me start by saying you and team Francisco did an amazing job on our yard, we look at it everyday and smile.
When we set out to find someone to do our landscaping we interviewed five companies, what set you apart from the others was your vision, your cost and your attitude, Andrew we gave you some of our thoughts on what we wanted and you took it to the next level.
The team you put in place to do the work (Team Francisco) was professional, friendly and clean, considering the amount of work that was done, digging, cutting down the tree etc, no matter what at the end of everyday they put everything away and left the area neat and ready to go for the next day.
Francisco always took the time to listen and followed through when I wanted things done a certain way.
We are proud to say we have the best yard in the neighborhood, we have had people pass by and take pictures I’m sure getting ideas for their own yards, hopefully you get some work out of it.
Andrew please feel free to use us and this letter for a reference, we would be happy to talk to anyone who is interested in using California Smartscape and let them know how happy we are with our beautiful yard.
Jean and Lew Witherspoon
Our backyard looks beautiful and we couldn’t be happier!
Throughout the design process, CA Smartscape listened to our needs for the backyard and gave us great ideas that we hadn’t considered. We loved their suggestions and design ideas. The construction team was great too. They were very attentive and worked hard to make everything in our backyard perfect! The pavers, fence, and artificial grass look beautiful and the colors compliment our home so well. Our backyard looks and feels so much bigger than it did before!
We are very pleased with the work that CA Smartscape performed and would recommend them to anyone who needs work done to their yard!
Michelle A.
California Smartscape did a complete remodel of our backyard except for the softscaping. We had them install new irrigation, drainage, pavers, a full BBQ/outdoor bar and wood burning fireplace. We also had an existing retaining wall that they added a decorative cap to and refinished with new stucco. We called about 6 landscapers to give us a bid on the job, and in the end selected Jay and California Smartscape.
The decision was not just based on the competitive price they gave us but the overall effort and responsiveness of the initial consultations. We asked him to come back three sperate times to discuss the proposed job and without fail he was there, on time, and willing to answer every single question we had. When we gave him the green light and scetched out the final plans, they started right away. Each day the crew was here first thing in the morning, and every step of the project we were suprised by the speed and quality of their work. Bob took time almost every morning we saw him to discuss the project plan and modify the design if we had last minute changes. They finished the job on schedule and within the original budget.
I will admit, in the beginning we had a hard time envisioning their final plan for some aspects of the job, but in the end and it all came out perfectly. We are very happy with our new backyard and now spend time by the fireplace weekly. We have even asked Jay to come back and work with us on the front yard.
P. Cathcart
We contacted California Smartscape after getting several other quotes for our backyard BBQ and bar. Rich and Bob were friendly and knowledgeable and were able to do the project within our budget and within the time frame we had discussed. We were very happy with how the project turned out and would highly recommend California Smartscape.
Sandra C.
We have interviewed many companies to landscape our large backyard and none came close to the service, cost and expertise of Smartscape. They listened to our ideas and executed our vision of a dream backyard within budget and made cost-savings recommendations along the way.
The customer service is outstanding. We were updated daily by Jay on every phase of the project and he was quick to resolve any issues that would delay progress.
Many thanks to Jay Gardner and his team of professionals for creating a beautiful, comfortable and functional Oasis that we can proudly share with our family and friends. Smartscape has gone above and beyond their area of responsibility from clean-up to follow-up. The incredible experience we’ve had with Smartscape will inevitably cause us to consider them for future projects. Our property has never looked better!
D. Conte.
What a great company! From design to building- then to landscape. Their unique design and wonderful communication was the best I have ever experienced! We wanted some different ideas. Something that didn’t look like every other house. We are very happy with the finished product- and would recommend Jay and his team anytime! It went very smoothly. The crew was excellent to work with- and we ended on time!
J. McDonald
I recently entrusted the complete design and construction of my rear yard landscaping to California Smartscape. As a new homeowner and working professional, it was critical that the landscaping not only reflect the pride and care that I had taken in selecting my home and its interior design; it had to also be practical and low-maintenance. I had a concept of what I wanted to see and feel in my yard, but had a great deal of trouble converting that concept to words.
Richard and Andrew had the knowledge and professionalism to bring that concept to life. They were truly engaged in the project from day one. Of the four landscaping companies I consulted with, California Smartscape was the only one willing to put forth the time and effort to ask questions and thoroughly understand my ideas and preferences. Andrew essentially read my mind when it came to the design; he created something far more unique and beautiful than I could have anticipated, while still being sensitive to my budget. I was given the opportunity to hand-select all of the planting and materials that were to be used, and was constantly updated on the progress. I felt at ease with the process and completely trusted in California Smartscape’s commitment to the project and to my satisfaction.
The project was completed more quickly than I thought possible. The greatest peace of mind comes from knowing that California Smartscape has, and will continue to, back up their work and follow-up on any questions or concerns. It is without hesitation that I recommend California Smartscape for any landscaping project.
Caitlin M.
I got estimates from a few different people. They were competitive in price and I felt comfortable working with them. They worked with me on the design aspect. Richard, Bob and Marcellino were great to work with and they did a fantastic job. I am very pleased with the results. Excellent work.
T. McDougal
Jay and his team are awesome!!!! My husband and I are in our mid 40′s and have had lots of work performed on different houses we have owned in the past. We just moved to California (La Jolla) and had no idea who to hire to rework the front of our house. We wanted to have a new fence/gate built, a stucco gas fireplace built, some stone masonry done, new landscaping, reworking of the currant irrigation and some new landscape lighting.
Working with Jay and his team was the best contractor experience we have ever had! He is smart, punctual and extremely professional! He completely understood what we were asking for, made a few phone calls (to check on supplies, job dates, etc) and then gave us a quote right there. No irritating song and dance and “we’ll get back to you in two weeks”. He also worked with our budget and didn’t try to add on a few more thousand dollars (like most contractors do). It was such a refreshing experience! And the work……….top notch! Our stucco gas fireplace is exactly what I asked for (beautiful and the highest quality craftsmanship)! Our new fence and gate are also exactly what I asked for (down to every detail), top quality wood and craftsmanship! He has specialists in every dept. There is a person that does the irrigation work, people that built the fence and fireplace and a guy that handles the gas lines, etc. You can rest assured all your work will be done correctly!
We got bids from other companies before we found Jay. They either gave us some completely ridiculous quote or we never heard from them again. Working with contractors can be a total nightmare! When you hire Jay and California Smartscape you are hiring the best! We get nothing but raving complements on our front courtyard now! So glad we found them!
M. Stehr
California Smartscape is truly fantastic. From start to finish they were extremely professional in every sense of the word. We were in serious need of a creative mind to help us achieve our front and backyard. We have 2 young children and a dog, but we also like to entertain our friends and family. So the idea was to come up with an environment that could achieve all of these and maximize the usable space that both adults and our children could enjoy.
We first met Richard at the Home Show, and about a week later he and Andrew came out to view the property. They both asked the right questions and listened to our needs and worries, and by the end of the meeting I was pretty much sold on them as individuals. I strongly believe in first impressions and “my gut feeling.” All they had to do now was provide us with an amazing plan and stay within our budget. About 2 weeks later Andrew came back out for a design review where he exceeded our expectations and honestly blew us away. We made some suggestions and minor modifications, and about a week later we had a done deal. They helped us through the HOA process and got started about 5 weeks later once approved. The only hang up in the whole project was the plans had to be adjusted with the HOA because they wanted a specific type of Synthetic turf, but the Cal Smartscape boys handled it right away.
As for the construction process we mostly dealt with Jay and Bob. Jay who oversaw the entire project from start to finish was completely professional, fair and easy to work with. The mason Bob who managed the build of the outdoor kitchen, bbq and fire pit along with the flagstone, walls and concrete was interesting and very knowledgeable. Francisco who managed the landscaping, synthetic turf and lighting was friendly and great to work with. These guys all earned every bit of their money. Overall the project looks great and we are proud to show it off.
Stephen H.
We did a major landscape project of our entire front and backyard areas. This included removing most of the existing landscaping, fencing, driveway, trees and plantings. Our property was severely lacking curb appeal. Andrew at California Smartscape worked with us to design a tropical/Asian themed approach that turned out terrific. From this 3D design, they constructed the masonry walls, barbecue island, driveway, large stairway, and firepit all with stone accents. We also incorporated a wood awning and complete new fencing that blended into the tropical theme. The project included all irrigation, sprinklers, and lighting. This project went very well. All appointments made were kept on time. We explained our desires for the job, and working with the designer we exceeded our expectations.
The construction process went smoothly with only a slight delay due to bad weather. Jay did a great job overseeing all facets of the construction. He handled the detail work that you don’t see at the finished product level, but is extremely important for a project. The lighting, irrigation, drainage was all thought out ahead of time so problems didn’t arise later. Bob handled the hardscape, concrete, stonework and finishing. We were very pleased with the quality of work. As the project progressed we did make a few revisions. These were handled smoothly with no major impacts. Overall we would (and have) highly recommend California Smartscape.
D. Walker
