[redwitch]

I've seen several yards done by Mansfield. One was an extremely fast job due to the owners having to go back north. I do know these owners paid a premium to get it done quickly, but it was done on time and looked quite nice. There was an issue that sprinklers that were simply watering rocks should be capped (my comment) and, after a bit of discussion, they did agree to cap those plants. To date, this yard looks quite nice. The other yards that I know were done by Mansfield all seem to have been quite nicely done. I do know they were all higher than I thought was appropriate for TV, but that would have been my only issue.

However, I was at the house that had the expedited job the other day. They had let a flyer asking the homeowner to do a post about how pleased they were with the work. Mansfield very specifically mentioned Talk of the Villages in its flyer. Personally, I found this quite offensive. It is one thing to ask that a yard be used for a referral or even ask that the word be spread about a good job, but to ask someone to defend your work for you just doesn't feel right to me. So, my opinion so far is that they seem to do a good job (have no idea how well they back up what they claim -- I've never been part of the negotiating process and never want to be), they do get a job done when promised, but they are not very professional and you may have to ask (or flat out demand)them to do the little things (like capping sprinklers).

I've also seen work by McGowan. Like Mansfield, it has been beautiful work. I think McGowan's prices are more reasonable. I do know of one instance where the work was not completed when promised, but was only 3 days late, which was probably reasonable considering there was rain.

KB Lawn has also done some nice yards.

Rupert Cross is another one who knows his lawns (only problem with him is he doesn't necessarily get things done when he says he will, but he is also one of the cheapest and he does know his stuff).

I've seen some of the work done by other landscapers here, but really don't remember whose was whose, so won't/can't comment on their work.