Tom - In your shoes, I'd call the guy back one last time and get a commitment from him re: a date when he'll fix it. If you really want to turn the burner up a notch, ask him why it hasn't been taken care of already. Let him know you're not pleased (you're showing him a bit of displeasure) and/or that you're really counting on him to take care of it and that you're sure he will (trying to make him feel bad). Call him a day or two ahead to make sure he's not contracted a case of amnesia. And if he doesn't show, call him and ask him what the problem seems to be.
Or you can take your Plan B route: Forget about the bozo and just do it yourself. Or a Plan C: Find out where he lives and take a tour of his yard and shrubbery with your car/truck, preferably right after he's watered heavily.............. (That's to be construed as a JOKE!!
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Hope you're able to get it resolved to your satisfaction. I do understand your point about it being mostly the principle of the thing.
Bill