1. Subpar Material Quality

 

• Using Cheaper Alternatives: Instead of the high-quality materials agreed upon, companies might substitute with cheaper, less durable options. This could include using inferior grades of mulch, lower quality pavers, or substandard plants that won't last as long or perform as well.

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• Material Shortcuts: Not using enough mulch or soil amendments, skimping on the amount of sod laid down, or using less gravel or stone base than required can lead to a project that looks good initially but fails over time.

 

 2. Inadequate Preparation and Installation

 

• Skipping Base Work: For hardscaping projects like patios or walkways, proper base preparation is crucial. Cutting corners here by not using enough compacted gravel or sand can lead to settling, cracking, or shifting of the surface.

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• Improper Planting Techniques: Planting too deep, not amending the soil, or ignoring proper spacing can doom plants from the start, leading to higher maintenance costs for the homeowner.

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 3. Overlooking Safety and Regulations

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• Ignoring Building Codes: Some might skip permits or not follow local regulations regarding drainage, retaining walls, or electrical installations, putting the homeowner at risk of fines or safety issues.

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• Neglecting Safety Standards: Failing to properly secure heavy structures or install safety features like railings can be hazardous.

 

 4. Time and Labor Cuts

 

• Rushing the Job: To save on labor costs, a company might rush installation, leading to sloppy work, mismatched joints, or uneven surfaces.

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• Underestimating Time: By underestimating how long a job will take, companies might pressure workers to complete projects quickly, often at the expense of quality.

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​5. Service Overpromises

 

• Overpromising on Maintenance: Some companies might promise ongoing maintenance but then skimp on the services, focusing only on the most visible areas or performing tasks inadequately.

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• Using the Wrong Plants: Selling plants that are not suited to the local climate or soil type, knowing they will require more care or will likely die, can lead to repeat business but at the homeowner's expense.

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 6. Pricing and Billing Deceptions

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• Inflated Hourly Rates: Charging more for labor than the market rate or for hours not actually worked.

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• Unexpected Charges: Introducing additional fees for services or materials that weren't part of the original contract, often under the guise of "unforeseen circumstances."

 

 7. Lack of Aftercare

 

• Not Providing Care Instructions: After a landscaping project, proper care instructions are crucial. Neglecting this can lead to an increased need for their services due to plant failure or other issues.

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• Poor Warranty or Guarantee: Offering a warranty that's difficult to claim or not honoring it at all, leaving clients with no recourse if something goes wrong.

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 8. Misrepresentation of Skills

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• Exaggerating Expertise: Companies might claim to have specializations or certifications they do not possess, leading to substandard work.

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• Subcontracting to Less Skilled Workers: Hiring subcontractors who cut corners or are less skilled than the company implies.

 

 9. Environmental and Sustainability Shortcuts

 

• Ignoring Eco-friendly Practices: Not using sustainable or local plant species or failing to implement water-saving irrigation systems when promised.

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• Improper Use of Chemicals: Overuse or incorrect application of fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides, which can harm the environment and the homeowner's health.

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 10. Contract Ambiguities

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• Vague Contracts: Not providing detailed contracts can allow for wiggle room where corners can be cut without explicit violation of terms.

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• Up-selling Unnecessary Services: Suggesting additional, often unnecessary, work or materials to inflate the bill.

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 11. Hiring Cheaper, Unskilled Labor

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• Low-Skill Workforce: To save on labor costs, some companies might hire workers who lack the necessary training or experience, leading to poor quality work. This can include:
   

  • Installation Errors: Incorrect planting depths, improper pruning techniques, or poorly laid hardscape elements.
     

  • Safety Risks: Less experienced workers might not follow best practices for working with heavy machinery, electrical systems, or on uneven terrain, increasing the risk of accidents.
     

  • Lack of Attention to Detail: Small but important aspects like edge trimming, correct plant placement, or precise leveling might be overlooked.

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