Sam Smith Landscaping

We’re so happy with the work Sam Smith Landscaping did! Our patio looks amazing, and his team was fantastic—super professional and easy to work with. Sam really listened to what we wanted and helped bring our vision to life. It was a great experience from start to finish, and we couldn’t be more pleased with the results!

I cannot recommend Sam Smith Landscaping. Do yourself a favor and search all reviews of this company, not just the sanitized reviews on their website. We made that mistake by only seeing the reviews on the website. We contacted Sam Smith Landscaping (SSL) to build a retaining wall. Sam came out and looked at our property and within a day or so gave us an estimate. He called back later and suggested that we should have him add steps to the project to enhance the look. We accepted his second estimate which included the steps and paid 50% deposit.
Work started Thursday 3/7/2024. Sam got his two-man crew started and apologized that he had to go out of town for a few days, but he assured us that his crew was very capable for the job. On Friday morning I pointed out to the lead man that the wall was crooked and not level.
I explained to the lead man that the wall should be fixed now before it is complete. That would be less work. The lead man called Sam, and on a speaker, I explained the situation. Sam told the worker to fix the wall. The wall was not fixed.
End of day Saturday 3/9/2024 this is what the project looked like.
The wall is still crooked and not level, and the steps were at the same height as the wall.
Sam shows up Monday morning 3/14/2024 with his crew and we have a talk about the project. I asked him if he was pleased with the project and if this is how he had envisioned the project. He said no and that they will fix it. All day long on Monday Sam was belittling his lead man in front of me to the point it was very uncomfortable. Not professional at all.
By end of the day Tuesday 3/12/2024 Sam had emailed a revised bill for their work as they have almost completed the job. The invoice was $1900 more than was agreed to. Sam explained that they used 20 more “Blocked Wall” and 52 more “Cap Block” than was estimated. Sam also explained that he provided for “free” 5 bales of pine straw (which I did not asked for), polymeric sand (which is used to help join the pavers) and moving the dirt pile that they made in putting in the steps (they placed the dirt not where we asked them to). We negotiated a slightly lower price, and when they had completed the job, paid the lower price. Judge for yourselves.
As you can see from the pictures, the wall is still crooked, the stairs are at different heights, some landing leans toward the house, some lean away from the house. The wall is not level, and there is a hole near the top.
I wished that we would have used another contractor. If you want an estimate that is vague and doesn’t define the scope of work, a crew that is untrained/unskilled, an owner who belittles his employees in front of customers, an invoice for $1900 more than estimated, and shotty work, then Sam Smith Landscaping is your go to.

On May 4, 2023, I reached out to Sam (text, via his cell number) to give me a bid on placing zoysia zenn sod over unwanted bermuda and dead spots in my front yard. I gave the same bid opportunity to another local landscape service provider. Both companies gave me their bid and Sam's was the most reasonable.
We made arrangements for a work day on June 2. Sam asked if I could pay half in advance. Personal experience and Clark Howard advise against it, so I said no. Sam understood.
He and 2 crew members came on the expected date and started the job. However one of his crew needed a ride to a Dr appointment, so Sam took him. Cristian, Sam's friendly able-bodied crew member spread the remaining dirt and sod. Unfortunately, not all the needed sod was on-site. Sam promised to bring it this weekend. I didn't expect him to do so yesterday (Friday), but when I came home from an all day event, I discovered to my delight that the job was done!
The sod placement was exactly where I needed it (see my photo).
Sam and team are a capable group. I recommend them for your jobs.

I started my retaining wall with someone who tried to help me but does not dedicate to do this type of job, for did not know how to do it properly and did not had the needed tools. I had to stopped the project and looked for a specialist and Sam appeared. He was very helpful. He helped me and was just on the price, he counted and deducted the materials I had already bought and got delivered to my property and he and his team did the rest, they did an amazing job. They built a retaining wall in front of my house with 2 levels or tiers. They fixed my drainage and filled with dirt so that we could plant later on. I will definitely contact him for anything I would like to do at home. And I am planning on filling the area with plants with him, hopefully soon.