What Others Are Saying About Cal Smartscape – San Diego Landscape & Design

From our first meeting until the job was completed two days ago, the experience has been incredibly positive. Jay and his team are young, very professional and everyone (including their laborers) were nothing short of super to work with. They finished ahead of schedule which is a real accomplishment relative to any construction job. The following are other of our key feelings regarding California Smartscape:

1. Their price was very fair in my opinion and we received excellent value for money.
2. After every workday, the guys would really clean up the job site. The place looked very good at the end of each day considering the extent of the work we had done. Our neighbors were amazed and as impressed as we were.
3. Jay said he would only take a job if he was going to do it right. And….HE DID! He would re-do some things that were minor issues and he ended up doing more than we contracted for to make sure it was “perfect” without “Nickel and Diming” us at every turn.
4. Jay told me on the front end that he would come to the site every day to check on things and to make sure we were happy. He did and his supervision and commitment to making sure the job was done right and that we were happy was beyond excellent.
5. The fire pit started as a very low priority for us, but has become a major focus of our backyard and we are already over the moon regarding our enjoyment of it.
6. The quality of all of the work performed was excellent and beyond all of our expectations.

The bottom line, would we use them again? Obviously, our answer is heck yes! It is so nice in this day and age to meet a team of young professionals who are smart, honest, and just fun to be around!

Folks who know my wife and I, know that we won’t waist time praising people who perform on a sub-par basis. I am writing this positive review for no other reason than Jay and his team deserve every positive word I have written above. One last thing, before I signed a contract with California Smartscape, I called several references that were given to me by Jay. One very nice lady told me that she was so impressed with the job that Jay’s team did for her that if we proceeded with CS and did not like the work they did that she would pay for my job! I thought wow….she is either a very satisfied CS client or she is Jay’s sister! 🙂 Seriously, California Smartscape far exceeded our expectations and I would use them again without hesitation.

This company is extraordinary. It is staffed by intelligent, responsive, talented professionals. The designer spent an enormous amount of time with us, figuring out what we wanted and giving us all kinds of helpful advice, above and beyond the project itself. When there was a glitch in the start date, the head of the company responded, and made it right. We have a gorgeous water feature, a beautiful deck that our designer helped my husband design & build, and beautiful plants that I had a say in choosing because my designer took me on a plant field trip. This is an unusual company. It is rare to find this combination of talent, ethics, and intelligence in one group.

We had an overgrown, unmanageable front yard that needed to be replaced. Also, we decided to replace our concrete sidewalk and driveway with pavers. Finally we also decided to spruce-up an old brick façade with stone.

We got quotes from three different reputable, well-established landscape companies. All the quotes were in the same ballpark. We chose California Smartscape and we couldn’t be more pleased.

Andrew V. in the design department, was extremely helpful in taking our ideas and molding them into a well thought out design. He was able to use his experience in landscape design to formulate a professional design plan that addressed our needs. He was very patient and guided us through picking materials, colors, and plants.

Once the work started, we were very impressed how quickly it progressed. The original estimate was for 2-3 weeks and they completed in about 2 1/2 weeks! Having other construction work done by other contractors, we were floored that California Smartscape completed on time and exactly for the amount the contract indicated.

The quality of work was exceptional as well. We noticed that even small details that we probably wouldn’t have noticed were pains-takingly fixed. Our driveway pavers and side walk look like something worthy of a country club or high-end multi-million dollar home. Every neighbor within a block radius has commented how much they like the work that was done. Some even said they will probably get a quote from California Smartscape.

Overall we are quite impressed at the quality, level of professionalism and integrity that California Smartscape displayed. Their workmen are true craftsmen and we truly enjoy the new front yard that they gave us.

We had searched for a reliable landscaper for 2 years to complete this job. We enjoy entertaining and do so frequently, so it was important for us to find the right team to work with. After several failed attempts to engage various companies because of a series of “no shows” and delayed  responses, we found California  Smartscape.  What a difference, just a wonderful experience , reliable,  accesible,  timely, quality workmanship with a focus on making sure we were happy. Sounds like a fairy tale but really these guys are engineered to deliver the right experience and the right product. Plan to use them again when we do the front of the house.

We went to a number of companies for bids on our backyard project, and California Smartscape got our business because 1.) of Jay Gardner’s enthusiasm and integrity, and 2.) they showed us what they planned to do without charging us. Enter Jesse York. Jesse created his design using a 3-D model that exceeded our expectations, and honestly, our budget.  Fortunately, we had gone through the “cost shock” with the other companies, so we knew what we were looking at wasn’t out of line.  After a few tweaks, we hit upon a design and cost that worked.  And did it.  All of this, before we gave them a dime.
Before the project, our backyard was lovely, but the pool dominated, there wasn’t enough comfy spots for sitting, it was extremely warm in the summer, and too cool in the “San Diego winter.” Now, our backyard is our go-to place. Jesse’s knowledge of design helped us create a space that had elements that we couldn’t identify going in, because honestly, we couldn’t see it beyond what was already there, and couldn’t picture the possibilities.  Once we rolled up our sleeves and nailed down what we wanted and where our financial line in the sand was, we hit upon a 3-D model of our backyard that amazed us.
CA Smartscape served as our general contractor throughout the project, bringing in Majestic Pools/Spas and subcontracting with JPL Construction for our outdoor living space.  Whenever we had questions or concerns, we went to Jesse or Jay, who then had answers or got answers.  And sometimes they went beyond getting answers.  There were times when our drainage problems became worse, and Jay spent his weekend digging out our side yard, making sure that water was flowing downhill.  We cannot say enough good things about Jay.  And Jesse’s 3-D original design that we tweaked and signed off on is spot-on.  It’s not often that the beginning design looks just like the end result.
The Bottom line:
Jay Gardener is a man of his word and he follows through to make sure the job is right.
Jesse is as good as Jay.  He has a good eye and great design ideas.
All the workers on the job were professional and easy to communicate with.
They transformed our back yard into a beautiful resort.
We couldn’t be happier with the results.

First of all this review is long overdue, the only problem we’ve had is trying to stop enjoying our backyard long enough to come inside and take the time to write the review! The project was extensive and we basically gutted our entire front and back existing landscaping. This clearly would be a large project with lots of moving parts and dollar signs. We have high expectations with quality, work performance and sticking to a budget. I personally am a stickler with communication and trust. With all that said, our expectations were not only met but exceeded by all the professionals at California Smartscape. When changes came up, which they do as you start to see the design hit the dirt, they were very flexible and reasonable on design changes – we didn’t feel locked into original design. We also had a pool done at the same time and they worked seamlessly with the pool subcontractors. We’ve had large projects on past homes and one of the first things we noticed right off the bat – the California Smartscape crew showed up every day, on time, and worked hard the entire time they were here. We were impressed with the hard work and dedication from day 1 until the project was completed. Even now, months after the project has been completed, if I have questions or notice something needs a little tweak – they are on it. Customer service is exceptional. One last note, our original backyard did not seem that big. After the new landscape design was completed, everyone including us, can’t believe how big and spacious it is. Shows you how the proper design and use of your space can be life changing, we are constantly enjoying every inch of our outdoor space. Thank you California Smartscape!!!!!

After purchasing a new home we hired California Smartscape to handle the complete remodel of our back yard. We hired them as they were highly recommended to us and handled everything we wanted done; design, demo of old yard, hardscape, softscape, irrigation, drainage, etc. We were incredibly impressed with every phase of the project beginning with the design and all the way through completion. The project was completed within timeframes and not one penny over budget. Communication was excellent as they stayed in touch with us throughout the entire project and were incredibly flexible in making minor design changes requested by us to make sure we were getting exactly what we wanted in our yard. Every individual associated with the project acted in a very professional and respectful manner and took great pride in their work and our yard. We could not be happier and I would highly recommend this company to anyone with confidence.

We hired California Smartscape to do an extensive remodel of our front and back yards. After meeting with three different landscape contractors, we felt a real connection with the CS team. We found the design process to be collaborative and informative. Our final presentation, prior to signing our contract, was tremendous – Jesse’s design plan was beyond what we were to able to imagine on our own. He took what we had said and put together a beautiful design. Work started promptly upon execution of the contract and was continual from day one. The workers arrived on time and put in a full day, with a good clean-up prior to going home. Our foreman, Leo, was a pleasure to work with and always available to answer any questions or handle any concerns. The final product is spectacular! We have had numerous neighbors knock on our door and ask for a referral, which we are happy to give. Since no project is perfect, I will say that construction took longer than we had hoped – but that being said – we anticipated this in advance and were not surprised. This was an extensive job with lots of craftsmanship required. We would absolutely recommend California Smartscape!

With water conservation mandated in California, we wanted to get rid of our lawns and re-landscape to give a new look while using less water. We followed a recommendation to try California Smartscape. We’re glad we did. The project was quite extensive and included the following:
• Remove existing lawns, irrigation and other landscaping.
• Take out entrance walkway and driveway and replace with new ones.
• Replace drainage system and install new drip irrigation.
• Build small retaining wall.
• Install synthetic lawns and new drought resistant plants.
• Brought in soil amendments, accent boulders and decorative gravel.
• Installed a low voltage outdoor lighting system.

The job manager, foreman and crews conducted themselves in a professional manner: they were courteous, easy to communicate with, neat, and cleaned up at the end of each day. The workers were responsive to the little changes and modifications we sprung on them as time went on. The overriding attitude demonstrated by the entire team was not only were they doing their best, but they were serving their customer’s needs as well.

We were extremely pleased with the outcome of our re-landscaping project and would not hesitate to recommend them to others or use them again if the need arose. It was a real pleasure to work with a company that has such integrity and desire to please the customer.

This is my third time using California Smartscape since 2011 and I wouldn’t use any other company, nor do I solicit bids from other companies anymore. The team at California Smartscape is top notch. In 2011 we demolished my entire backyard and rebuilt it from the ground up to be drought resistant, and it is gorgeous. This time around, when I wanted to remove all my front lawn, I requested the same landscape designer, Andrew Vesey.  Quite simply, Andrew is a highly gifted artist who really understands landscaping and the flow of a landscape. He has an in-depth knowledge of plants, and his designs turn out to be really beautiful.
A design isn’t enough, of course; it has to be well-executed. This time, the job manager was Sal Manna and the crew supervisor was Bob, whom I knew from my prior jobs with CS. Sal was great to work with. He was very responsive whenever I texted him, he always came through on the details when I needed to draw his attention to something, he was very helpful and warm to communicate with, and he has a real contractor’s understanding of the work — all this is what you want in the person who oversees the job being done for you.  Bob too is terrific. He also is a true professional, very knowledgeable, extremely nice and friendly, and has an excellent relationship with his work crew.
My experience with California Smartscape is that they aren’t satisfied until the customer is satisfied, they believe in the highest quality work, and they are thoughtful and professional as they interact with their customers.

I had no idea who to go to for our backyard redo.  I scheduled an appointment with Andrew V. to come and look at our disastrous yard.  He used his creative mind and educational pedigree to come up with a backyard plan that was perfect for our lifestyle.
Then came the work.  Enter Eliel.  What a gift Eliel and his crew were.  Combined with Andrew’s vision, somehow Eliel would add to the beauty of the original plan.  Eliel was professional, punctual, timely and friendly.  Both Andrew and Eliel practically became family and the crew they brought in for the work were terrific.
Our backyard turned out better than we expected.  Its rare in life when you have a vision in your mind and someone comes in and actual makes it even better.  They did.

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.

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.